MixWithTheMasters Inside The Track #81 Kevin Davis [TUTORiAL]

Kevin Davis returns for a brand new series honoring the Queen of Soul - Aretha Franklin! Watch the Grammy award-winning engineer beak down his mix of Aretha's iconic ballad, 'Ain't No Way', as performed by Jennifer Hudson for the 2021 biopic 'Respect'.

This 3-part video uncovers some of the secrets to working with soulful, dynamic performances. Learn new techniques for softening harsh artefacts, elevating subtle details and evoking the spirit and warmth of classic soul recordings. All of this is achieved using cutting-edge contemporary tools, making it a must-watch for vintage connoisseurs and modern innovators alike.

Davis reveals his hybrid processing chains, as well as his in-the-box techniques for treating soulful, dynamic performances. With each processing stage examined in detail, you will be able to learn his techniques for softening harsh artefacts and elevating subtle details. You will learn how KD combines channel strips and compressors to achieve his signature sound and add dimension, tone and color to this luxurious soundtrack. These additions evoke the spirit and warmth of classic soul recordings, while adding a contemporary high-fidelity edge. It is a must-watch for vintage connoisseurs and modern innovators alike.

Part 1
10 min
Mix references, setting intentions, hybrid processing, lead vocal treatment, background vocals, reverbs


Part 2
11 min
Vintage drum tones, taming transients, saturation and warmth, plugin selection, treating piano, vibraphone and horn section


Part 3
10 min
Maintaining perspective, mix buss processing, gain staging, working the artist and label, preparing for mastering

home page