5 Things You Should Never Do While Mixing

1. Try To Fix Problems On The Mix Bus

Many problems within a mix are caused by only one track.

For example—if your mix sounds muddy, there might be too much low end on a synth.
Or maybe the lower midrange on a guitar is too thick.

Either way, when you make a move on your mix bus, you affect every track in your
session.

Cut the low end there, and you cut it from every track in your mix.

Why do this if only one track is causing the problem?

This is a surefire path to a thin, wimpy mix.

Instead, find the source of the problem and fix it there.

The mix bus should be your last resort.

2. Overuse The Solo Button

Mixing is all about context. You’re trying to make a group of sounds blend together as a
cohesive unit.

It’s impossible to do this when you overuse the solo button. This is because ​the solo
button removes the context you need to understand how tracks contribute to the mix as
a whole​.

You’ll get much better results if you make the majority of your decisions with the rest of
the tracks playing. Remember – it doesn’t matter how each track sounds in solo. The
end listener is only going to hear the full mix.
When you’re mixing a track that’s part of a multi-miked group (like a kick drum track
that’s part of a full drum kit), this becomes even more important. Mixing a track like this
in solo can create unexpected results when it’s played back with the rest of the group.

3. Avoid A/B’ing

Mixing isn’t just about making the right decisions. It’s also about avoiding the wrong
ones.

Take the time to ensure that every move you make is actually making your mix sound
better. Get in the habit of A/B’ing everything with the original, unprocessed track.
Always level-match the before and after versions, so you can compare at a consistent
volume. If you apply a hefty boost to a track, this means that you’ll need to turn down
the output gain on your EQ to compensate. This is the only way to determine whether or
not a decision is actually making things better.

Every move you make should be a clear improvement. If you have any doubts, you’re
probably better off without it.

4. Mask Problems

Some mixers try to obscure out of tune vocals, subpar performances, or tracks that get
in the way.

While this can seem like a good idea, it often creates more problems than it solves. It
can lead to a muddy, murky soundstage that lacks clarity and depth. It can create
ambiguity—which will cause listeners to wonder if a decision was a mistake.

Don’t be wishy-washy about this stuff. Instead, approach problem tracks head-on. Ask
yourself—does this ​really​ need to be here? Can I re-record it?

The best solution may be the mute button.

5. Get Stuck In The Past

If I see another shootout comparing a dozen 1176 plugins, I might retire.

The 1176 was released 50 years ago.

Sure, it was great for its time. But are there no better tools available today? Has ​no one
improved upon this design over the last 50 years?

No other industry romanticizes the past to such a great degree. Publishers don’t do
shootouts to find the best version of the Gutenberg printing press. Sure, it was great for
its time. But today, we have the internet.

If you’re trying to find the best replica of an ancient piece of hardware, you’re barking up
the wrong tree. Many modern plugins blow the classics out of the water. They’re more
versatile and sound better.

Are you looking for them?

For more mixing tips, visit ​BehindTheSpeakers.com​.

Mix By Design is an online training course that will teach you
how to mix like a pro. You’ll discover a simple, step-by-step
system you can use to break through overwhelm, sink into
the creative flow, and make your best mixes yet.

Ready to get on the path to pro mixes?

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