Research
Hybrid mixing
How a homogeneous mix is created between acoustic and electronic elements.
Nowadays, many styles in pop music originate from a combination of existing styles. As a result, a lot of pop music consists of sound sources of different origins. These are acoustic elements on the one hand and electronic ones on the other.
As the definition of hybrid is 'being produced by combining elements from different sources', a pop song often contains a hybrid mix. However, very few examples can be found of hybrid mixes that are homogeneous (without contrast). Electronic elements are often used as a contrasting effect to the acoustic elements, amplifying the different origins.
Blind Bull developed a method to create homogeneous hybrid mixes. The production process involves the recording of electronic elements acoustically. The same environment is used for the registration of both the acoustic and the electronic elements. In this way no spacial contrast is created between the acoustic and the electronic elements. The 'sound color' provided by the acoustic environment is part of the electronic programming.
So, how does it sound? Listening to the song 'Dove' in two versions will reveal the unique effect that can be obtained with homogeneous hybrid mixing.
The conventional version uses an acoustically recorded guitar and vocal, mixed with programmed beats. The homogeneous hybrid version contains the same guitar and vocal. However, the beats were recorded acoustically as well.
| Conventional Hybrid Mix | |
| Homogeneous Hybrid Mix |
The conventional mix reveals the spacial contrast between the guitar and the programmed beats whereas the homogeneous mix presents a spacial environment that is shared by all the mix elements. This creates a consistent whole, contributing to the overall atmosphere of the music.
The sound of the beats in the homogeneous version has changed as well. Although the beats are audibly programmed, they sound more vivid because of the recorded spacial reflections. Furthermore, they are provided with the 'warm' characteristics of the recording environment.
Hybrid homogeneity as a productional option can add an ambiance to music that would not be possible otherwise. This offers many new possibilities in the creation of music production concepts.