Remixing

'Remix' is often used to describe a separate track that has used some elements of the original (the vocal, for example).
The basic idea is to produce a markedly different version of the same track. You are being asked to use the studio creatively, to 'play' it like you would play an instrument.
There is an enormous amount of control available to you. The main points are to change the arrangement and the feel and to maintain interest by movement. These ideas should be used as a starting point only.

Faders

Change the relative volumes of the tracks; e.g. make a 'backing' instrument the main focus for a section
Move the faders during the mix to maintain interest
Make quiet noises (even mistakes) loud, and visa versa

Mutes

Change the arrangement by taking instruments out; start with very few instruments, or take them out during the track
Use them to remove noise
Try taking the main focus out
Muting drums can work really well if you are careful to 'play' the desk rhythmically

Solo

Be careful to set the solo level carefully if you want to use it at mixdown
Make the main focus the only focus, or put a background instrument centre stage

EQ

Boost instruments' most important frequencies to make them almost artificial, or cut these frequencies to change the instruments' basic character
Try 'filter sweep'-style movements of the mid-frequency controls

Groups

Grouping instruments can make changes in whole sections (like the whole drum kit) very easy
Fading sections in halfway through, or fading some sections out before the end, works well

Outboard

This is a very flexible area
What did you effect on your main mix? Try to use other sounds, or effect other instruments (or both)
You can change the effects settings during the mix, either moving between patches or by editing the patches
Remember to take advantage of any automation to create a sense of movement
Try over-compressing instruments; acoustic guitars and vocals can sound fantastic (but be careful)
Also use the gates to either cut out noise, or even cut out some of the original signal
Reverb can give a mix a wonderful sense of space, but make room for the reverb by taking some instruments out
Watch out for the really over-the-top effects like flanging; they can sound great, but use them sparingly so they don't get boring
Remember that reverb gives sounds an illusion of distance; loud, dry sounds sound very close and work well if used briefly

Remember, if it sounds good it is good. You might find Brian Eno's Oblique Strategies useful; there are loads of websites on them…

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