Mixing
Build a mix through level, frequency, dynamics, space, and deliberate reference checks rather than preset claims.
Guides
Check a Stereo Mix in Mono and Diagnose the Change
Check a stereo mix in mono through a documented monitor-only control, keeping an unchanged project version.
Compression Explained Without the Jargon
An audio compressor automatically turns down any signal that rises above a set threshold, reducing the gap between loud and quiet moments.
EQ Basics: Cut First, Boost Last
Use EQ subtractively: high-pass filter low-frequency rumble from every non-bass track, sweep for and cut ugly resonances, then make broad gentle cuts in…
How to Mix Vocals: Making a Voice Sit in the Track
Mix vocals in this order: edit and comp the take, set a static fader level against the full track, cut problem frequencies with subtractive EQ (high-pass,…
How to Use Reverb in a Mix: Depth Without the Mud
Set reverb up as a send effect on an aux bus, not an insert: one shared reverb (100% wet) that every track feeds by its own send level.
Mastering Basics: Loudness, LUFS, and When You're Done
Aim for roughly -14 to -10 LUFS integrated with true peaks at or below -1 dBTP; dense genres like pop, rock, and EDM often run -10 to -8.
Why Your Mix Falls Apart Outside Your Room (Mix Translation)
Your mix sounds bad in the car because your monitoring environment misled you while mixing.
A 15-Minute Mixing Checklist for Finishing Songs
A practical mixing checklist runs eight fast checks in about 15 minutes: a hands-off full listen, a level-matched reference comparison, low-end control,…
Mixing Vocals in GarageBand: A Real-World Chain
Mix vocals in GarageBand with the stock plug-ins in this order: Noise Gate for cleanup, Channel EQ to cut low-end rumble and mud (high-pass around 80-100…
Pan a Mix by Role, Contrast and Mono Check
Pan a mix by building a level-balanced centered version first, choosing the few parts that act as stable anchors, and moving supporting parts only as far…
Reference Tracks: The Shortcut Professionals Actually Use
Import two to four well-mixed songs in your genre into your DAW, route them around your master bus processing, and turn them down until they match your…
How to Use Reverb on Vocals Without Washing Them Out
To use reverb on vocals without washing them out, put the reverb on an aux send rather than an insert, set enough pre-delay that each word's attack…
Separate Kick and Bass Before Reaching for More Processing
Mix kick and bass by defining their roles before adding processors.
Automate Vocal Volume Without Flattening Performance
Use vocal volume automation after the static balance works. Save an unautomated project version, mark only the phrases or words that leave the mix, and…
- Bussing and subgroups explained
- Parallel compression, plainly
- Automation that finishes a mix