Mixing tips

Tip 1: Get it right at the source. Not a mixing trick, but simply refers to getting good recordings from the
start. 01:27 –
Tip 2: Get the balance right first. Spend a good amount of time focusing on the volume balance to get a
good foundation, and use automation! 02:06 –
Tip 3: Time is of the essence. Make the most of every second to maintain objectivity and perspective, and
prevent ear fatigue. Spend time preparing your mix ahead of time before mixing. 02:35 –
Tip 4: Focus on the key element. Don't waste time focusing on minor elements (such as a tambourine in the
background). Instead, focus on mix bus and group processing, along with main elements such as the vocals,
guitars, the kick and snare, etc. 03:04 –
Tip 5: Loop the loudest section of the song. During initial volume balance, go to the climax of the song,
loop that section, and mix that first. That way, you ensure this is the loudest part of the song and make it
easier to build to this climax. 03:51 –
Tip 6: Start with the bigger picture. Don't start by EQing or compressing kick or bass, as most people do.
Instead, start with things like mix buss processing, group processing, and volume balance. 04:39 –
Tip 7: Avoid the solo button. If you make decisions without the context of the mix, it's probably a bad one.
If you struggle to make EQ and compression changes without soloing, boost the level about 5 db instead,
make your changes, and bring the level back down. 05:31 –
Tip 8: Have an intention before every move. Don't just EQ or compress because you feel you should. The
need should come before the action. Notice issues in the mix, then make these changes. If a kick is already
cutting through the mix, you don't need to apply EQ. Just leave it as is.  Ask yourself; WHAT are you trying
to achieve? You want to boost the midrange of a vocal. WHY are you trying to do that? To help it cut
through the mix. HOW are you going to do that? You're going to EQ sweep to find the right frequency and
boost to taste. 07:03 –
Tip 9: Check your moves. Any time a plug-in is applied, volume match the output level to match the input
level, and bypass the effect to A/B the effect. Close your eyes and listen. Does it sound better? 07:41 –
Tip 10: Use good reference tracks. Compare your mix to multiple professional mixes and ask yourself what
your mix is missing. 08:32 –
Tip 11: Mix in mono for the majority of your mix. Limits you to creating separation in your mix with
volume balance, EQ, automation, etc., rather than relying on panning. Means you really have to create space
for vocals, get bass and kick relationship established, get snare to cut through without fighting guitars, etc.,
using balance, EQ, and automation before panning and opening up the mix. Use a plug-in that allows for
mono playback on the mix stereo mix buss. 09:46 –
Tip 12: Listen back on multiple speakers and headphones. Allows you to recalibrate your ears and hear
exactly what your mix sounds like on various systems. 10:34 –
Tip 13: Mix at a low volume. Mix at around conversation level (85 db SPL). Any louder than that is too
loud, with the exception of temporarily checking the mix at higher levels to hear low-end (or lower levels to
see what sticks out). 11:14 –
Tip 14: Take regular breaks. Set a timer that goes off every half-hour or so and take a quick 5-10 minute
break. This will give your ears a break allowing you to come back with fresh ears, as well as reducing
physical fatigue, and maintaining that objectivity, which is a mental thing.
Tip 15: Assume that volume automation is needed. You can never get a perfect balance without it. There's
always going to be sections where the guitar or vocal drops in level, or where you want the bass to be louder
in the chorus. You don't have to automate everything. Just pay attention the each section. 12:41 –
Tip 16: You don't need expensive plug-ins. You don't have to buy ANY plug-ins. Use stock plug-ins and get
great at them before buying premium plug-ins.