Mixing down to 2 tracks?

Author
Post
Essentials Only Full Version
Jeffiphone
Max Output Level: -87 dBFS
  • Total Posts : 173
  • Joined: 2014/09/27 19:58:17
  • Location: Santa Rosa, CA
  • Status: offline
2016/10/28 11:42:04 (permalink)

Mixing down to 2 tracks?

I've noticed a few post lately on various threads that mention mixing down to 2 tracks prior to mastering or burning a CD, etc. I think I'm missing something here......
 
When I export a mix, the result is one stereo track, which I then import into a Sonar mastering template for a little polishing, then off to LANDR. What is the 2 tracks thing referencing?
 
Should I be importing 2 stereo tracks into the mastering template? Maybe doing some parallel processing or something else?
 
Thanks for any advice on this.
 
~Jeff

Acer with i7 processer - Sonar Platinum 64bit - Windows 10 64 bit - Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Gen) -
#1

4 Replies Related Threads
    Zargg
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 10666
    • Joined: 2014/09/28 04:20:14
    • Location: Norway
    • Status: offline
    Re: Mixing down to 2 tracks? 2016/10/28 11:51:42 (permalink)
    Hi. I think this goes back to the tape days (others will correct me if I am wrong, I am sure).
    I do the same procedure as you, if I don't do it within the project itself.
    All the best.
    Edit: They might also be talking about 2 mono tracks.

    Ken Nilsen
    Zargg
    BBZ
    Win 10 Pro X64, Cakewalk by Bandlab, SPlat X64, AMD AM3+ fx-8320, 16Gb RAM, RME Ucx (+ ARC), Tascam FW 1884, M-Audio Keystation 61es, *AKAI MPK Pro 25, *Softube Console1, Alesis DM6 USB, Maschine MkII
    Laptop setup: Win 10 X64, i5 2.4ghz, 8gb RAM, 320gb 7200 RPM HD, Focusrite Solo, + *
     
    #2
    bitflipper
    01100010 01101001 01110100 01100110 01101100 01101
    • Total Posts : 26036
    • Joined: 2006/09/17 11:23:23
    • Location: Everett, WA USA
    • Status: offline
    Re: Mixing down to 2 tracks? 2016/10/28 12:38:33 (permalink)
    It isn't necessary to bounce to two tracks prior to export, which itself is a 2-track bounce. As Ken speculates, it's likely an old habit.
     
     


    All else is in doubt, so this is the truth I cling to. 

    My Stuff
    #3
    Jeffiphone
    Max Output Level: -87 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 173
    • Joined: 2014/09/27 19:58:17
    • Location: Santa Rosa, CA
    • Status: offline
    Re: Mixing down to 2 tracks? 2016/10/28 13:35:22 (permalink)
    bitflipper
    It isn't necessary to bounce to two tracks prior to export, which itself is a 2-track bounce. As Ken speculates, it's likely an old habit.
     
     


    Thanks Bit and Ken.
     
    I also seem to remember something Craig posted about doing some parallel processing within the mastering template. Something along the lines of opening up a mastering template; importing two instances of the stereo mixdown; processing one of the tracks, and leaving the other as is.

    Acer with i7 processer - Sonar Platinum 64bit - Windows 10 64 bit - Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Gen) -
    #4
    timidi
    Max Output Level: -21 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 5449
    • Joined: 2006/04/11 12:55:15
    • Location: SE Florida
    • Status: offline
    Re: Mixing down to 2 tracks? 2016/10/28 14:02:51 (permalink)
    I like to mix to (bounce to) 2 tracks (stereo mix) so the mix is there in the project. Then I just drag that mix to desktop or folder of choice or "master" it there. I think the only time I ever use 'export' is for MP3 export.

    ASUS P8P67, i7-2600K, CORSAIR 16GB, HIS 5450, 3 Samsung SSD 850, Win7 64, RME AIO.
     
    https://timbowman.bandcamp.com/releases
     
    #5
    Jump to:
    © 2025 APG vNext Commercial Version 5.1