Essential Plugins and Workflows for Re-Recording Mixers Part 2: The Glue Factory, Balancing Music and Dialogue

Before diving into balancing music and dialogue, make sure to read Part 1: Dialogue Editing, Repair, and Perfecting for a comprehensive and sequential re-recording mixing workflow.

Why "The Glue Factory"?

Balancing music and dialogue is all about creating cohesion—or "glue"—in your mix. The goal is to ensure that both elements complement each other without competing for space. In this post, we’ll explore how to achieve this balance using FabFilter Pro MB for dynamic sidechain compression, subtractive EQ, volume automation, and other advanced techniques.

Step 1: Dialogue as the Anchor

Dialogue is the centerpiece of any mix for film or television. Start by ensuring your dialogue is clean, consistent, and properly gain-staged (as discussed in Part 1). Once your dialogue sits comfortably in the mix, you can begin balancing it against the music.

Pro Tip: Bring your music tracks up to meet the dialogue tracks in your DAW (e.g., Pro Tools). This makes it easier to visually align dialogue peaks with music transitions.

Step 2: Dynamic Sidechain Compression with FabFilter Pro MB

Instead of using traditional compressors, FabFilter Pro MB offers more nuanced control by targeting specific frequency bands. This is especially useful for balancing dialogue with music tracks that occupy overlapping mid frequencies.

How to Set Up FabFilter Pro MB for Subtle Sidechain Compression:

1. Create a Sidechain Input: Route your dialogue SUB/AUX track as the sidechain input to FabFilter Pro MB on your music bus.

2. Focus on Mid Frequencies: Use the multiband functionality to isolate the mid-frequency range (e.g., 1kHz–4kHz) where dialogue typically resides.

3. Adjust Compression Settings:

   • Set a subtle ratio and threshold so that the music ducks slightly when dialogue is present.

   • Use a fast attack and moderate release to ensure smooth transitions.

   • Enable lookahead for precision timing.

4. Fine-Tune Dynamics: Adjust the range control to limit how much compression occurs, keeping it subtle enough to maintain musicality while ensuring clarity for the dialogue.

By using dynamic sidechain compression, you can create space in the mix without sacrificing the richness of your music track.

Step 3: Subtractive EQ for Frequency Separation

If your music has a lot of mid frequencies that clash with dialogue, subtractive EQ can help carve out space. Use FabFilter Pro Q4 to create a dynamic or spectral EQ band in the 1kHz–4kHz range.

• On Music Tracks: Slightly reduce mid frequencies to make room for dialogue.

• On Dialogue Tracks: Remove unnecessary low-end rumble (below 80Hz) and tame sibilance (above 8kHz). For sibilance control, use Pro Q4’s dynamic EQ or a dedicated de-esser.

Step 4: Volume Automation

Volume automation is critical for maintaining balance between music and dialogue. When done with precision, it creates a seamless blend where ducking becomes transparent and unnoticeable.

Tips for Effective Volume Automation:

1. Set Overall Levels First: Use monitors to determine where you want your music’s highest and lowest volume levels to sit relative to dialogue.

2. Use Shortcuts: In Pro Tools, toggle track view to volume automation using Option + "-" for efficiency.

3. Shape Automation Curves:

   • For detailed adjustments, headphones are invaluable at this stage. They help you hear subtle inconsistencies that might not be as apparent on monitors.

   • Avoid sharp diagonal cuts in volume; instead, create smooth curves that start lowering music slightly before dialogue begins and fade it back in after.

   • Think of your automation as "surfing a wave"—smooth and natural transitions are key. For a visual of what this can look like, see the screenshot below from, In The Dark, a recent documentary that I mixed. (Music track automation as seen in the dark orange clips.)

Step 5: Avoid Overprocessing

While tools like FabFilter Pro MB are powerful, overusing compression or EQ can lead to unnatural-sounding mixes. Keep adjustments subtle and always listen in context with the entire mix. Remember—volume automation often solves more problems than excessive processing!

Achieving Balance

Balancing music and dialogue requires both technical precision and creative decision-making. By leveraging tools like FabFilter Pro MB for dynamic sidechain compression, subtractive EQ techniques, and nuanced volume automation, you can craft mixes that feel cohesive and professional.

Stay tuned for Part 3 of this series, where we’ll explore crafting immersive ambiences with effects processing!