Hey, Reader, it's Jerome -

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Language & Mixing

We don't often think about it, but the language of the lyrics influences how I mix a song.
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Let me explain.
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The lead vocal is one of the most important elements in a song.
But, our perception of different languages changes --
Each has unique characteristics.

I learned early on that different languages have different intelligibility criteria.
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Let's take a cliché: the French are loud.
What's behind this is that the French language needs a higher volume to be understood clearly.
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But what about other languages?
- Hebrew: The 'sss' sounds are crucial => So I apply less de-essing.
- Japanese: Sentence pauses are shorter. => So it needs more attention to the editing and the attack/release of a compressor
- English: The 'sss' sounds can be harsh => So it needs more de-essing.
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English also tends to be more intelligible at quieter volumes.
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The first time I mixed a pop song in Hebrew, I over-de-essed the vocals.
This taught me the importance of adapting my approach based on the language.
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Now, when I work on non-English or non-french songs, I listen to a few other songs and understand how they relate.

Do you still Experiment?

I remember my early days as a recording engineer.
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I was trying new things all the time.
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One of my favorite ways to do this was simple but effective:

1. I was inviting friends to the studio
2. Set clear experimental goals
3. Dedicate the necessary time
4. Take notes

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I spent hours locked in the studio.
Trying out different microphones, techniques, and positions.
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Recording is such an important part of the production.
It often shapes the entire sound of a record.
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I’ve never been one to follow guides blindly or just do things because someone said so.
I’ve always wanted to try things by myself and make my own thoughts and processes.
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This is how we learn things.
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Not by listening and applying word by word what you heard
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but by:

• Experimenting
• Breaking rules
• Documenting results

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Why this approach?
Because it provides:

• Hands-on experience
• Understanding the 'why'
• Mastering the 'how'

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When you understand the underlying principles, you can adapt to any situation put in front of you.
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So, what are you experimenting with these days?

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Best,
Jerome

Let's Exchange Notes

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