( Download problems?) In addition to the Full Multitrack packages, there are also many quick-download Edited Excerpt versions (usually featuring the song’s biggest chorus) which provide ‘bite-sized’ mixing assignments well-suited to classroom use. When importing the tracks, just make sure all the files start at exactly the same moment in time within your DAW’s timeline. For maximum mixdown flexibility, the contributors have made every effort to provide audio ‘raw’, in other words without additional effects or processing (beyond treatments printed during tracking/editing). All these projects are presented as ZIP archives containing uncompressed WAV files (24-bit or 16-bit resolution and 44.1kHz sample rate). Uncheck the 'Make-up Gain' box unless you are mastering a high-energy, loud song.To support readers of my book Mixing Secrets For The Small Studio, as well as music-technology students/educators in general, here’s a list of multitrack projects which can be freely downloaded for mixing practice purposes.

Compressors and limiters smooth out dynamic changes, making tracks sound more 'punchy.' This is an effect that can also be overused, so start with modest settings like a ratio of 2:1 or 3:1 and short attack and release times. Open 'Compressor' from the 'Effects' menu. You will likely be surprised how much reverb is on your mastered version. Play with the parameters until it is difficult to tell if there is any effect on at all, then compare it with the muted copy. Start with a small room size and reverb time and a dry signal level about -4.0.

Generally you will want only a touch of reverb. This is sometimes handy for blending voices and instruments together. Select 'GVerb' from the effects menu if you wish to put a little reverb on the entire mix. Frequencies around 400 to 600 hertz can often be lowered a little bit to balance highs and lows, and sibilant frequencies can be addressed with cuts anywhere between about 3,500 to 10,000 hertz, depending on the voices. Areas to watch are extreme low bass, below 80 hertz, where too much content can make things muddy and indistinct. Consider small EQ changes to problem frequencies. First, select 'Equalization' from the 'Effects' menu bar. Use Audacity's built-in effects to process the un-muted track.

Master my track