One of the advantages of having a mixing console or a control surface is that you can turn the computer screen off sometimes when you mix. When you are listening and looking at a screen at the same time, the visual cues can fool your hearing. Without these cues, the differences in what you hear can sometimes be as different as listening through another set of speakers. Of course, you can always close your eyes too, but somehow limiting yourself by turning off the monitor seems to minimize the temptation to gaze upon the session. Here is a crazy thought to consider: Maybe the differences between the days of analog and digital had more to do with people working without the visual cues? Edit: I also want to add that this is a major reason I prefer to work with hardware. I can make adjustments without being influenced by the visual cues.
Posted on: Sat, 01 Nov 2014 19:37:17 +0000