Mixing extremely high frequencies

[w_]

I sometimes use a lot of high frequencies as rhythmic elements, lots of sine wave/test tone type sounds in the 12-16 kHz range. They seem very difficult to mix, as the slightest fader adjustment can make the difference between the sound being too loud and not being loud enough. Anyone have any tricks or ideas as to how to get these sounds/frequencies to sit a bit better in the mix?

Thanks,
W

[TapeOpLarry]

Realize a lot of these problems will be caused by your monitors and room acoustics. It's easy to lose certain high frequencies by just turning your head. Use an RTA, check on headphones and be careful.

But I have to ask, what kind of music has rhythmic elements at 16 kHz? Wow!

[w_]

Thanks... It's not a steady 16 kHz or anything, just kind of a slight delayed "blip" every 8 bars or so, mixed real low. But yeah, you are right, I mean even the difference between monitoring in headphones and on monitors is huge.

[KennyLusk]

Monitors with ribbon tweeters would help with that alot.

Also, shelving the high's on some other tracks will make more room for the tracks you really want to have more presence with in that freq range.

[atdunlap]

Also, (sorry if this is a "duh!"), but if you want to have more control/sensitivity with you fader, turn your gain knob down a bit.

Andrew