Chapter 1: Intro

Setting the Stage for Professional Music Mixing

When it comes to music production, achieving a professional-quality mix is often the ultimate goal. However, the journey to that polished sound can be complex and challenging. In this article, we will explore 16 essential mixing tips that can elevate your music production game. From understanding the critical 80/20 rule in recording and mixing to mastering the art of volume automation, these tips will guide you toward creating music that sounds truly exceptional.

The 80/20 Rule: Recording vs. Mixing

Before we dive into the specifics of mixing, it’s crucial to grasp the concept of the 80/20 rule in music production. This rule suggests that a significant portion of the quality in a final track (approximately 80%) comes from the recording phase, while the remaining 20% is attributed to the mixing process. Understanding this balance is fundamental to achieving professional-sounding music.

Case Study: Adele’s “Hello”

Adele’s hit song “Hello” is a prime example of the 80/20 rule in action. The raw recording of her vocals was so powerful and emotive that minimal mixing was required to make it shine in the final track. The song’s producer, Greg Kurstin, emphasized the importance of capturing the right emotion during the recording phase, which made the mixing process smoother and more straightforward.

Chapter 2: The Foundation of a Great Mix

Balancing Act: Why Volume Balance Matters

One of the foundational principles of music mixing is achieving the right volume balance. It’s not an exaggeration to say that volume balance can make or break a mix. Before you even think about applying EQ or compression, invest time in getting the volume balance right. This initial step lays the groundwork for a successful mix.

Real-World Example: The Dynamics of “Bohemian Rhapsody”

Case Study: Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”

Queen’s iconic song “Bohemian Rhapsody” is a masterclass in volume balance. The song transitions between soft, melodic sections to powerful, rock-driven parts. The seamless volume balance ensures that each section stands out while maintaining cohesion throughout the track. Producer Roy Thomas Baker and the band spent hours perfecting the volume levels to achieve this dynamic balance.

Expert Tip: Trust Your Ears, Not the Meters

While visual meters and tools can be helpful, renowned mixer Andrew Scheps often emphasizes the importance of trusting one’s ears. In various workshops, Scheps has mentioned that our ears are the best judge of volume balance. It’s essential to take breaks and revisit the mix with fresh ears to ensure optimal balance.

Preparing for the Mix: The Race Against the Clock

Time is of the essence in mixing. Every second you spend on a mix, you risk losing objectivity and perspective. Efficient preparation is key to maintaining control during the mixing process. Spending time to organize and prepare your mix before you start can lead to faster and more effective mixing.

Expert Tip: The Power of Templates

Grammy-nominated mixer, Manny Marroquin, is a strong advocate for using mixing templates. In several interviews, Marroquin has highlighted how templates can speed up the mixing process by providing a consistent starting point. By having preset channels, effects, and routing, mixers can dive straight into the creative process without getting bogged down by technicalities.

Chapter 3: Prioritizing Key Elements

Key Ingredients: Vocals, Lead Guitar, and Snare

In any music mix, certain elements take center stage. These key elements, such as vocals, lead guitar, and snare, drive the song forward and demand your attention. It’s essential to prioritize these elements and ensure they are prominent and well-balanced in the mix.

Historical Context: The Evolution of Vocal Prominence

From the soulful melodies of Aretha Franklin to the powerful vocals of Freddie Mercury, the prominence of vocals in a mix has been a defining feature of many iconic songs. Historically, as recording technology evolved, the ability to capture and emphasize vocals in a mix became more refined, leading to the vocal-driven tracks we recognize today.

Expert Tip: The “Golden Triangle” of Mixing

Renowned mixer Chris Lord-Alge often refers to the “Golden Triangle” of mixing, which comprises the vocals, snare, and bass. According to Lord-Alge, getting the balance right between these three elements is crucial for a mix to feel full and dynamic.

Why Less Can Be More: Background Percussion

While key elements are critical, it’s equally important to recognize when less is more. Background percussion and other less prominent elements should not consume excessive time and energy in the mixing process. Focus on what matters most to the song’s overall impact.

Real-World Example: The Subtlety of “Billie Jean”

Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” is a prime example of the power of subtlety. While the song features a prominent bassline and vocals, the background percussion is understated, providing a rhythmic foundation without overshadowing the main elements.

Expert Insight: The Art of Restraint

Grammy-winning mixer Serban Ghenea emphasizes the importance of restraint in mixing. In an interview, Ghenea mentioned that it’s not about how many elements you can add to a mix, but how effectively you can use a few key elements to convey the song’s emotion and energy.

Chapter 4: Building a Balanced Mix

The Climax Strategy: Looping the Loudest Section

A clever mixing strategy is to begin by working on the loudest section of the song, often the climax. Looping this section establishes a solid volume balance early in the mix. This approach allows you to build the mixture around the most impactful part of the song, ensuring it shines.

Historical Context: The Beatles’ “A Day in the Life”

The Beatles’ “A Day in the Life” is a classic example of a song with a distinct climax. The orchestral build-up leads to a powerful crescendo, which was meticulously mixed to ensure its impact. Focusing on this pivotal section, the Beatles and their producer, George Martin, crafted a mix that remains iconic today.

Expert Tip: Dynamic Range and Headroom

Renowned mixer Andrew Scheps suggests that by starting with the loudest section, mixers can maintain adequate headroom throughout the track. This strategy prevents unwanted distortion and ensures the mix retains its dynamic range.

Starting Big: The Bigger Picture Approach

When starting a mix, resist the temptation to dive into fine details immediately. Instead, adopt a more prominent picture approach. Begin with mix bus processing, volume balance, and broad strokes. Save the finer details for later when you have a solid foundation.

Real-World Example: Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb”

Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” showcases the importance of the more significant picture approach. The song’s mix emphasizes its overarching atmospheric quality, with individual instruments and details fitting seamlessly into the larger soundscape. This holistic approach to mixing contributed to the song’s timeless appeal.

Expert Insight: The Philosophy of Balance

Mixing legend, Bob Clearmountain emphasizes the importance of balance in a mix. He believes that by focusing on the overall balance, mixers can create a cohesive sound where every element has its place. Fine-tuning and details can be addressed to enhance the broad mix without losing sight of the bigger picture.

Chapter 5: Avoiding Common Mixing Pitfalls

The Solo Button Trap: Maintaining Context

A common pitfall for many mixers is overusing the solo button. Mixing decisions made in isolation can lead to imbalances in the overall mix. Instead of soloing channels, consider increasing the channel’s volume to maintain context and make more informed choices.

Historical Anecdote: The Beatles’ “Come Together”

During the mixing of “Come Together,” engineer Geoff Emerick noted that the bass and drums were mixed without soloing. This approach ensured the rhythm section gelled perfectly with the rest of the instruments, leading to a cohesive mix.

Expert Tip: The Art of Relative Listening

Grammy-winning mixer, Chris Lord-Alge emphasizes the importance of relative listening. He suggests that mixers should listen to how instruments interact with each other rather than in isolation. This method ensures that every element complements the mix as a whole.

The Power of Intention: What, Why, and How

Every mixing move should have a clear intention. Before applying EQ, compression, or any processing, ask yourself what you are trying to achieve, why you are doing it, and how you will execute it. This intentional approach leads to purposeful mixing decisions.

Real-World Example: Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean”

Quincy Jones, the producer of “Billie Jean,” had a clear vision for the song’s sonic landscape. Every mixing decision, from the tight bassline to the crisp vocals, was intentional, leading to one of the most iconic mixes in pop history.

Expert Insight: The Philosophy of Deliberate Mixing

Mixing guru, Dave Pensado believes in the power of deliberate mixing. He often states that understanding the purpose behind each decision can transform a good mix into a great one.

Chapter 6: Double-Checking Your Mix

Bypass and Re-Engage: Ensuring Effective Changes

After applying a plugin or making a change, always bypass and re-engage it. This simple step helps you confirm whether the alteration genuinely improves the mix. It’s a valuable practice to maintain the highest audio quality.

Expert Tip: Trusting Your Ears

Legendary mixer Tom Elmhirst advises mixers to trust their ears. Mixers can ensure they’re making decisions that enhance the track by frequently bypassing and re-engaging effects.

The Reference Tracks Advantage: Learning from the Pros

Utilizing reference tracks from professional releases can be a game-changer in your mixing journey. Compare your mix to these references to identify areas for improvement and gain insights into achieving a more polished sound.

Real-World Example: Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep”

Due to its pristine mix, many aspiring mixers use “Rolling in the Deep” as a reference track. By comparing their mixes to this track, they can gauge their progress and strive for similar excellence.

Expert Insight: The Value of Perspective

Mixing expert Manny Marroquin emphasizes the importance of gaining perspective. By using reference tracks, mixers can step back, assess their work objectively, and make necessary adjustments.

Chapter 7: Creating Space and Balance

Mastering Mono: Separation and Balance

Mixing in mono is a powerful technique for creating separation and balance in your mix. It forces you to rely on volume, EQ, and other fundamental tools to achieve clarity and cohesion before adding panning effects.

Historical Anecdote: The Beatles’ Early Mono Mixes

The Beatles’ early albums, such as “Please Please Me” and “With The Beatles,” were mixed in mono. This approach allowed the engineers to focus on achieving a balanced and cohesive sound, ensuring that every instrument and vocal was clear and distinct.

Expert Tip: The Mono Check

Top-tier mixer Andrew Scheps often emphasizes the importance of checking mixes in mono. He believes that if a mix sounds good in mono, it will sound even better in stereo, as mono forces the mixer to prioritize clarity and balance.

A Multispeaker Perspective: Testing on Various Systems

Listen to it on multiple speakers and headphones to ensure your mix translates well across different playback systems. Testing on various systems helps you identify and address potential issues that might not be apparent on a single set of speakers.

Real-World Example: Car Stereo Test

Many professional mixers, including the renowned Bob Clearmountain, swear by the “car test.” If a mix sounds good on a car stereo, it’s likely to translate well to other systems, given the unique acoustic challenges a car presents.

Expert Insight: The Importance of Translation

Mixing legend, Bruce Swedien often spoke about the importance of ensuring mixes translate well across various playback systems. He believed a great mix should sound good everywhere, from high-end studio monitors to small radio speakers.

Chapter 8: The Art of Low-Volume Mixing

Mix in Hushed Tones: Avoiding Ear Fatigue

Mixing at a low volume, akin to a conversational level, protects your ears and helps you maintain objectivity. It allows you to focus on the details without succumbing to ear fatigue. Grammy-winning mixer, Chris Lord-Alge often advocates for the benefits of low-volume mixing. In several interviews, he has mentioned that mixing at lower volumes helps him focus on the essential elements of a mix, ensuring that the vocals and critical instruments cut through even when played softly.

Expert Tip: The Fletcher-Munson Curve

The Fletcher-Munson curve, a set of equal-loudness contours, demonstrates that our ears perceive frequencies differently at various volume levels. Mixers can make decisions based on a more linear perception of frequencies by mixing at lower volumes.

The Value of Taking Breaks: Maintaining Objectivity

Regular breaks during mixing sessions are essential for refreshing your ears and maintaining a fresh perspective. Stepping away and returning with new ears can reveal nuances and issues you might have missed.

Real-World Example: The “Overnight Test”

Many mixers, including the legendary Michael Brauer, swear by the “overnight test.” After finishing a mix, they leave it overnight and listen with fresh ears the next day. This practice often reveals subtle issues and areas for improvement.

Chapter 9: The Magic of Volume Automation

Taming the Audio Waves: Why Automation Is Vital

Volume automation is a crucial tool for achieving a balanced mix. Recognize that almost every mix benefits from some form of automation to ensure elements are appropriately emphasized throughout the song.

Historical Anecdote: The Birth of Automation

The concept of automation in mixing can be traced back to the 1970s when studios began using motorized faders to automate volume changes. This innovation allowed engineers to create dynamic mixes that evolved throughout a song, adding depth and emotion.

Mastering the Art of Automation: Achieving Perfect Balance

Mastering volume automation involves skill and practice. It’s easier to achieve a perfect balance with it. Learn to use automation effectively to bring out the best in your mix.

Expert Tip: Dynamic Mixing

Grammy-winning mixer Serban Ghenea emphasizes the importance of dynamic mixing. He uses automation to create movement in his mixes, ensuring each section feels fresh and engaging.

Chapter 10: Plugin Wisdom: Quality vs. Quantity

Affordable Excellence: Leveraging Stock Plugins

While high-quality plugins can enhance your mixing capabilities, you must understand that you can achieve remarkable results with stock plugins. Focus on mastering the tools you have before acquiring more.

Real-World Example: Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy”

Billie Eilish’s chart-topping song “Bad Guy” was famously produced and mixed using stock plugins in Apple’s Logic Pro software. With the right skills and understanding of the tools, anyone can achieve professional results without relying on expensive third-party plugins.

The Trap of Plugin Hoarding: Focus on Skill Enhancement

Collecting many expensive plugins won’t necessarily make you a better mixer. Instead, invest your time improving your skills and understanding the plugins you already have. Quality mixing is about technique, not the price tag of your tools.

Expert Insight: Less Is More

Mixing guru Andrew Scheps often advocates a “less is more” approach. He believes that understanding a few plugins inside out is more valuable than having a vast collection you barely scratch the surface of.

Chapter 11: Conclusion

Recap of 16 Essential Mixing Tips

We’ve covered 16 indispensable mixing tips to take your music production to the next level. From the importance of the recording phase and volume balance to strategies for efficient mixing and avoiding common pitfalls, these tips guide achieving professional-quality music mixes.

The Path to Professional-Quality Music Mixing

Achieving professional-quality music mixing is a journey that requires dedication and practice. Remember that it’s not about the cost of your plugins but your skill and knowledge. By following these tips and staying committed to improving your craft, you’re on the path to creating music that stands out and captures the hearts of your listeners.

Final Thought: The Journey Never Ends

Legendary mixer Tom Lord-Alge once said, “Mixing is a journey, not a destination.” Embrace the learning process, and remember that every mix is an opportunity to grow and refine your skills.