Pre-Dub Sound For TV | Behind The Scenes Mixing Workflow

Ever wondered what happens on day one of mixing a TV mix? In this video, I take you behind the scenes on the dub stage and walk you through how I pre-dub sound effects for a TV episode.

You’ll see how I:
• Check and organize all tracks before starting
• Build backgrounds scene by scene
• Shape space with panning, EQ, and reverb
• Balance walla and ambient sounds to fit the story

Mixing is an art, and pre-dubbing is where that art begins. My goal is to give you a real look at the workflow, thought process, and decisions that help set up a clean, creative final mix.

If you’re a sound editor, mixer, or filmmaker curious about how TV sound comes together, this one’s for you.

CHAPTERS????
0:00 Intro – Pre-dubbing on the dub stage
0:05 What I handle vs. my mixing partner
0:22 Starting with backgrounds (day one workflow)
1:02 Checking materials & template setup
2:15 Memory locations & session organization
3:13 Walla tracks setup & quick tips
4:05 Muting effects to focus on backgrounds
5:06 Mixing workflow as a two-person team
7:11 Listening through backgrounds (with Abe)
8:06 Panning and EQ basics for backgrounds
9:28 Balancing layers & client preferences
10:36 Handling unexpected effects (gunshots, screams)
12:16 Interior vs. exterior background setups
14:02 Using wind & space creatively
15:32 Room tones & dealing with “RZ/hiss”
17:10 Distant gunshots & exterior verb
18:16 Adding character with sound design layers
19:18 Mixing walla for exterior crowds
21:55 Choosing the right sounds as an editor
23:28 Backgrounds with vehicles (motorcycle pass)
25:15 Constantly adjusting panning for realism
27:06 EQ tips & favorite plugins (FabFilter)
28:34 Wrapping backgrounds & walla for each scene
29:13 Closing thoughts – subjectivity of mixing & encouragement

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