Basic mixing in Ardour 3

In this video series, LMP invites you to mix an entire track together with us. The stems for the track used in this tutorial can be downloaded below. We'll start with importing the stems into Ardour and editing the song material. Next we will arrange the song before doing a basic balanced mix. Finally, we'll throw on some basic mastering effects, and do a few final touches.

Download the stems used in this tutorial series from this link.

This series is aimed primarily at beginners. If there are any terms used that you do not understand, you can search for them in our Jargon Buster, which can be found on the right side of each page. The Jargon Buster will simplify any technical terms that are used in our tutorials, and elsewhere on LMP.

You're welcome to ask any questions you might have in the comments section below. We welcome all questions, no matter how basic they may seem. You may not be the only person wondering the same things so, ask away!

Part 1 - Introduction

In this first video we'll go through what you need in order to follow the video series, as well as what you can and can't expect out of the material. You're strongly encouraged to watch this first!

Part 2 - Importing files, arranging tracks and overviewing the session

In this part, we'll teach you to import files into Ardour 3, arrange tracks, and overview the session as a whole.

Part 3 - Using the grid, setting tempo, duplicating and moving regions

This part will teach you to use Ardour 3's built in grid functionality, edit the tempo of your session, and a bunch of things related to working with regions in Ardour 3.

Part 4 - Planning the mix, setting up FX buses for mixing

Here, we'll plan our mix, and set up some basic FX-buses for later use.

Part 5 - Basic mix, grouping tracks, applying FX

In this part, we'll do the actual basic mixing in Ardour 3. We'll work with grouping tracks, applying some light effects, and adjust the levels of the tracks comfortably.

Part 6 - Finishing touches

The final video brings some final touches to our mix, including some more advanced concepts, like using different types of meters to check your mix in Ardour 3.

Thanks for watching! As previously stated, you're welcome to ask any questions you might have either below in the comments section, or in the YouTube comments. Thanks again!

Written by Gabriel Nordeborn