Home Recording: How To Mix Electric Guitar with a Channel Strip

Mixing electric guitar with a channel strip is a common practice in audio production to process the guitar signal and achieve a desired sound. A channel strip is a device or software plug-in that combines various audio processing tools into a single interface, typically including an EQ (equaliser), compressor, and sometimes additional features like saturation or de-esser. Here are the steps to mix an electric guitar with a channel strip:

1. Set Up the Channel Strip
First, insert the channel strip plug-in on the track where your electric guitar recording is located. Most digital audio workstations (DAWs) allow you to add plug-ins on individual tracks. Ensure that the channel strip is placed before any other effects or plug-ins in the signal chain.

2. Adjust the EQ
Start by using the equalizer to shape the guitar's tone. Depending on the channel strip, you may have multiple bands to work with. Common adjustments include:
Low Frequencies: Cut or boost the bass frequencies to control the guitar's bottom end.
Mid Frequencies: Adjust the mids to add warmth or presence to the guitar.
High Frequencies: Tame or enhance the treble frequencies to control brightness.

3. Apply Compression
A compressor helps control the dynamic range of the guitar, making the loud parts quieter and the quiet parts louder. Set the compression ratio, threshold, attack, and release settings to achieve the desired level of control and sustain. Avoid excessive compression, as it can squash the natural dynamics and make the guitar sound unnatural.

4. Optional Additional Processing
Depending on the features of your channel strip, you might have access to other tools like saturation, harmonic enhancement, or de-essing. Use these features carefully to add character or address specific issues with the guitar sound.

5. Parallel Processing (Optional)
For more creative or nuanced control, consider using parallel processing. Create a duplicate of the guitar track and apply different settings to each one, blending them together to find the perfect balance.

6. Level and Balance
Set the output level of the channel strip to ensure the guitar sits well in the mix. Aim to maintain a good balance between the guitar and other instruments. Use volume automation if necessary to even out specific guitar passages or solos.

7. A/B Testing
Always compare the processed sound to the unprocessed sound (bypass the channel strip) to ensure that you're improving the guitar's tone rather than making it worse.


8. Monitor in the Mix
Listen to the guitar in the context of the whole mix to make final adjustments as needed. Sometimes what sounds great in isolation may not work well in the context of the entire song.

Remember that mixing is subjective and depends on the specific context and musical style. Don't be afraid to experiment with different settings to find the sound that best complements your mix.