Trailer
13 min

Part 1

Match & improve, communication with team, rough mix comments, stems, groove
10 min

Part 2

Balance, ‘ABCD' buss chains, synths, drums, percussion, guitar, clavinet, vocals
20 min

Part 3

Distortion, dimension, compression, low end, presence, sample blend, subtle differences
12 min

Part 4

Rhythm enhancement, subharmonic synthesis, VCA levels, gain structure, snare punch
11 min

Part 5

SSL vs. Avid automation, level rides, mix compression, harmonics, LUFS for clients & mastering
10 min

Part 6

Master rack, equipment choices, converters, global vs. track changes, ‘M.A.I.’ recap

Mixing

OMW

Zac Brown

Michael Brauer

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Song : OMW

Duration:00 min / 1h20 Subtitles: No subtitles available

Description

Join us at Brauer Sound, Michael's premium NYC studio that harnesses the power of rare vintage equipment and cutting-edge digital technology! In this series, the iconic engineer mixes the 2019 release 'OMW' by Zac Brown Band from start to finish. He imparts his 'M.A.I.' (Match & Improve) approach that is paramount to his workflow on this project – having been given a high-quality rough mix and stems, his goal is to first match the reference, then enhance it while retaining the foundations that the band, producers, and label were already satisfied with. Brauer plays the rough mix, shares his opinion, then dives into his 'Brauerizing' process that employs multiple buss chains, Pro Tools inserts, and parallel master treatment. He explains every step in detail and reveals techniques developed throughout his illustrious career!

Show more

Trailer
13 min

Part 1

Match & improve, communication with team, rough mix comments, stems, groove
10 min

Part 2

Balance, ‘ABCD' buss chains, synths, drums, percussion, guitar, clavinet, vocals
20 min

Part 3

Distortion, dimension, compression, low end, presence, sample blend, subtle differences
12 min

Part 4

Rhythm enhancement, subharmonic synthesis, VCA levels, gain structure, snare punch
11 min

Part 5

SSL vs. Avid automation, level rides, mix compression, harmonics, LUFS for clients & mastering
10 min

Part 6

Master rack, equipment choices, converters, global vs. track changes, ‘M.A.I.’ recap

Comments

(29)

MosciMix June 23, 2024 at 12:20 AM

Great video. This philospphy of understanting the rough mix and not change it too much is amazing. Opened my mind. . As a matter of taste I had enjoeyd a lot when you introduced more low mids to the snare beat with your sample. But than you made it back more high mid focused what makes it more boring as it steals vocal attention, calling too much attention on a more tiring 2 and 4 beats summig snare and claps. Your first approach was marvellous with a snare bringing more body. Although I might understand your client mix sounded like that, this issue called my attention since the beggining on how too high the 2 and 4 beats are since the rough mix.
Vinni October 11, 2023 at 10:49 PM

Fantastic!
adler joseph February 22, 2023 at 5:36 AM

Master
Lele Gambera March 15, 2022 at 1:14 PM

thank you legend!!!
Peter August 30, 2021 at 6:23 PM

So why would you say you are adding an 1176 and a widener to the guitars and then not show what you are using and how you are using them?? I understand he has a theme he is sticking to but there's no reason you can't include the details. Otherwise I could stop watching after he says Match and Improve the first time....
Riley December 28, 2021 at 4:52 PM

I also personally feel that he distorted that vocal just a liiitle too much.
François January 30, 2021 at 11:45 PM

I think the sound of the mixes has changed since the mixing with the controller
Tommi Medina December 14, 2020 at 10:39 PM

Inspiring video
santiago August 27, 2020 at 6:56 PM

the -8lufs that it handles, are they integrated or short?
Igor August 14, 2020 at 11:18 PM

bien
Max July 29, 2020 at 2:09 AM

Wait, he said he PRINTS HIS MIX at -8LUFS???? Thats what I aim for when doing a very loud master. Im confused
Horatiu August 14, 2023 at 9:56 AM

I doubt it's the integrated value.. more likely it's the momentary or short-term reading..
Will July 27, 2020 at 10:48 PM

I am always inspired by Michael. Its like listening to a philosophy lecture. Leaving out the Chandler Curve Bender, and Shadow Hills mastering comp (with the Clariphonic) was such a gangster move! I'm not sure most people would. He makes it look easy.
Dick July 26, 2020 at 5:17 AM

I know Mr. Brauer has discussed his methods over and over again but I was wondering if there was a diagram of his signal flow available.
Christopher July 27, 2020 at 9:23 AM

https://tapeop.com/interviews/131/michael-brauer/ There's one that's pretty accurately describing the hybrid setup used in this video. He's now more or less completely ITB, all the outboard racks in this video are sold (and some pieces still available) to Alto Music. He kept some special things like his tape delays or the Fusion. But signal flow is basically the same. Haven't you seen the setup video here? He pretty much explains everything in detail.
Nestor July 25, 2020 at 8:54 AM

spanish please
Fernando July 25, 2020 at 4:19 AM

I love Zac Brown Band and love Brauer mixes, but this video is very superficial!
Billy July 26, 2020 at 10:56 PM

I don't see it that way at all. His job was to enhance the mix and that is exactly what he did. But we all have our opinions. "Mixing" is such an undefinable term. I learned a lot from this.

Christopher July 27, 2020 at 9:24 AM

You think so? I found it went deep at some points.

Will July 27, 2020 at 10:53 PM

See if this helps: turn off your screen, and just listen. I find that I get more out of the videos that way.

James July 28, 2020 at 9:32 PM

If the difference between the rough and the final doesn't sound significant to you, maybe try rethinking your monitoring/headphone situation?

Omar July 30, 2020 at 5:30 AM

I think it is important to use good headphones, because I hear a big change, boost and more punch

MosciMix June 23, 2024 at 12:43 AM

I think this video is more about the mixing philosofy, than techniques. I uderstand complaints about lack ot details, but some points are very nice regarging the process.

Mixing Masterclass

Dec 14, 2024

Rue Boyer Studios, France

Michael Brauer is back! The multi-award-winning engineer is returning to Paris for a four-day mixing masterclass from December 14–17. This winter, a select group of participants will join him in the studio for an in-depth exploration of his latest ‘Brauerize’ techniques. Drawing from his roots in the analog domain, Brauer will showcase the tools and techniques that have shaped his transition to a fully digital workflow. The program will feature a series of advanced mixing workshops, listening exercises,...

About Michael Brauer

Michael Brauer has an impressive back catalogue, having worked with Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Coldplay, John Mayer, Ash, My Morning Jacket, Ben Folds, Eric Clapton, Prefab Sprout, Leonard Cohen, Pet Shop Boys, Dream Theater, Elle King, James Bay and Calle 13 to name but a few. He has won seven Grammy Awards, including best engineered album for John Mayer's "Battle Studies". He currently works in Electric Lady Studio B in New York, where he works...

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