The Mixing Stage, Decentralized
Similar to cloud editorial and remote grading, a cloud mix decentralizes the traditionally centralized process of audio post-production. The final sound mix for a film historically took place on a large, acoustically perfect ‘dub stage,’ with the entire sound team, director, and producers present. A cloud-based workflow allows the sound supervisor, dialogue editor, effects mixer, and music mixer to work from their own calibrated studios, collaborating in real-time over the internet.
Synchronized Remote Collaboration
The core of a cloud mix is high-fidelity, multi-channel audio streaming with perfect synchronization. The lead re-recording mixer in one location can stream their entire Pro Tools session to the other collaborators. Using specialized software and hardware, every participant’s system plays back the audio and picture in perfect lock-step, as if they were all connected to the same machine. This enables them to make collaborative decisions on levels, EQ, and panning in real-time.
This workflow offers immense flexibility, allowing a production to assemble a global team of the best sound talent available. While many high-budget films still complete their final mix on a large theatrical dub stage to ensure perfect translation to the cinema environment, a significant portion of the editorial and pre-mixing work can now be done efficiently and collaboratively in the cloud.