Sonible smart:chain: AI mixing workflow and controls

Luke from Production Expert demonstrates Sonible smart:chain on an unmixed session with unbalanced levels, applying the AI-powered channel strip to individual tracks and submixes. The aim is a starting point for a mix rather than a finished result.

For each instance, he selects a source type and plays audio through the Learn function to generate settings. The processing includes a gate, EQ, compression, an input rider, saturation and a clipper. Depending on the algorithm, it also provides de-essing or de-harshing. On the drum instance, he edits EQ breakpoints and filter shapes, adjusts the strength of the response and demonstrates an adaptive option. The compressor retains manual controls for ratio, threshold, attack and release.

Auto Leveling balances the smart:chain instances against one another, with different genre selections producing different results in the demonstration. Luke then reduces the drums with output trim; DAW faders remain another way to adjust the balance.

Grouped instances can occupy Front, Middle or Back layers. Moving elements between these positions changes more than volume: the drum example shows changes to EQ and compression response too. The walkthrough explains the automatic settings and the controls available to revise them.