14 Mixing Tips I Wish I Knew When I Started

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore 14 essential mixing tips that can significantly enhance the quality of your music mixes. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your skills, these tips have the potential to transform your mixing process and help you achieve professional-sounding tracks.

Step 1: Use Good Headphones

• Invest in high-quality headphones to accurately hear details in your mix.
• Recommended models include:
  • Sennheiser HD 650
  • AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio
  • Audio-Technica ATH-M50XBT2
  • Beyerdynamic DT-770
  • Beyerdynamic DT-1990

Step 2: Reference Tracks

• Always use reference tracks from professional mixes in the same genre.
• Compare your mix against these tracks to assess levels, EQ, and overall sound quality.

Step 3: Utilize a Mono Switch

• Check your mix in mono to ensure compatibility across different playback systems.
• This helps to identify phase issues and ensures that all elements are audible.

Step 4: Adopt a Top-Down Mixing Approach

• Start mixing the overall balance first, then work on individual elements.
• This method allows you to maintain perspective and avoid getting lost in details too early.

Step 5: Kick Anchoring

• Focus on the kick drum as the anchor of your mix.
• Ensure it has a strong presence and adjust other elements around it for cohesion.

Step 6: Hi-Pass Almost Everything

• Apply a high-pass filter to most tracks to eliminate unnecessary low frequencies.
• This clears up your mix and allows the kick and bass to stand out.

Step 7: Separate Sub Bass

• Treat sub bass as a distinct element in your mix.
• Use a separate track for sub bass to control its frequency range and ensure clarity.

Step 8: Create a Kick & Bass Buss

• Group your kick and bass together on a bus for easier control.
• This allows you to adjust their levels and effects collectively, maintaining their relationship.

Step 9: Use Auxiliary Channels for Spatial Effects

• Implement auxiliary channels to add effects like reverb and delay.
• This technique keeps your mix clean by applying effects without cluttering individual tracks.

Step 10: Master Sidechain Compression

• Use sidechain compression to create space in your mix, especially between the kick and bass.
• This technique helps the kick to punch through while keeping the bass present.

Step 11: Create a Room Reverb Channel

• Set up a dedicated channel for room reverb.
• This adds a sense of space and depth to your mix without overwhelming it.

Step 12: Employ a Saturation Trick

• Use saturation to add warmth and richness to your mix.
• This technique can enhance the overall character of your sounds.

Step 13: Regularly Check Your Mix

• Frequently listen to your mix on different speakers and headphones.
• This helps identify issues that may not be apparent on your primary monitoring system.

Step 14: Mix for Others

• Remember that your mix should cater to the listener's experience.
• Consider how your audience will perceive and enjoy your music.

Conclusion

These 14 mixing tips are designed to enhance your mixing skills and improve the overall quality of your music. Start by incorporating these strategies into your workflow, and don’t hesitate to experiment as you progress. Happy mixing!