15 Mixing Tips for Music Producers & Audio Engineers in 2023

Are you a music producer or audio engineer looking to up your game in 2023? Get the tools and techniques you need to mix like a pro with this article.

We’ll cover topics like:

  • Reductive and additive EQ
  • Wide boosting
  • Bus compression
  • Parallel compression
  • And more.

With these tips and techniques, you’ll be able to get the best sound out of your source material and mix like a pro in no time!

Key Takeaways

  • Import each sound as a separate WAV file and label them neatly.
  • Mix the most important elements first and avoid going back to tweak already mixed elements.
  • Use reductive EQ to improve the sound and additive EQ to change the sound.
  • Utilize bus compression and parallel compression techniques to enhance the overall mix.

Importance of Mixing

Mixing is essential for getting the best sound out of your track. From adjusting loudness to adding reverb and delay, mixing techniques can help achieve clarity and separation in a mix. Panning and stereo imaging also play an important role in mixing, providing the space for each element to be heard.

Mixing allows for subtle adjustments that can make all the difference in the sound of a track. It’s important to understand how to use these tools to get the most out of your mix. With the right techniques, you can create a mix that’s balanced, professional, and clear.

Organization in Mixing

Building upon the importance of mixing, organization is key for a successful mix. To ensure clarity, each sound should be exported as its own WAV file and labeled neatly. Grouping elements together and color-coding can also help with organization.

When mixing, start with the most important elements first and work your way down. Mixing techniques for vocal clarity such as reductive EQ and narrow reduction, wide boosting are useful. Creating depth with reverb and delay can also help to bring a mix to life.

Makeup gain should be applied to compensate for volume changes caused by plugins. Finally, don’t forget to add saturation and preamps for analog sound.

Organization is essential for achieving a great mix.

Mixing in Order of Importance

Where should you start when mixing in order of importance?

Mixing automation techniques are a great way to get the most out of your source material when mixing.

Using a reference track for mixing will make sure that the mix is balanced and consistent.

Start with the most important elements like kick, sub-bass, important drums, and vocals.

Automate each element and add it to a ‘MIXED’ group.

Adjust volume and make final tweaks to match other elements, using reference tracks as a guide.

Take your time and make sure to get the best result.

Letting the Mix Sit

Once you’ve finished mixing, it’s important to leave the mix alone for a while. Mixing mistakes can occur if adjustments are made too soon after mixing, so it’s important to take breaks to ensure the mix isn’t rushed.

Taking breaks helps you clear your mind and assess the mix objectively. It’s also beneficial to compare the mix to other references to make sure it’s in line with professional standards.

Avoid the temptation to tweak the mix as this can lead to over-processing and adversely affect the sound. Taking breaks during mixing can help you make better decisions and ensure the mix is as good as it can be.

Reductive EQ Vs. Additive EQ

Understanding the differences between reductive EQ and additive EQ is essential for producing a professional sounding mix.

Reductive EQ techniques involve reducing frequencies with a narrow Q to address problem spots in the low mids and high mids.

Wide Q boosts can be used to change the sound, though they should be limited to general frequency bands.

On the other hand, additive EQ is used to boost frequencies like high shelf boosts for shimmer and low shelf boosts for weight.

High and wide frequencies can make the mix sound muddy, so use Mid-Side EQ to address this issue.

Narrow Reduction, Wide Boosting

By reducing specific frequencies with a narrow Q and boosting general frequency bands with a wide Q, you can easily achieve clarity and power in your mix. Mixing techniques such as narrow reduction and wide boosting provide EQ strategies that shape the sound of the mix.

When reducing, focus on specific frequencies and when boosting, opt for a wider Q setting to affect a bigger range of frequencies. To retain low-end power, use high pass filters and high shelf boost for shimmer.

Reducing problem frequencies in the low-mid and high-mid range helps to create a clear mix.

With these simple mixing techniques, you can create a powerful and professional sounding mix.

Taming Low FrEQuencies With Mid-Side EQ

Taming low frequencies with mid-side EQ can help your mix sound clearer and more focused. Mid-side EQ is an effective technique to enhance low-end frequencies in your mix. It allows you to reduce problem frequencies with a narrow Q, while boosting desired frequencies with a wide Q.

To address the low-end rumble, use a high pass filter to only affect the sides. This will preserve the low-end power of the kick and bass. For further clarity, use a low shelf boost to give the mix weight.

When done correctly, mid-side EQ will help create a more balanced mix that’s free of low-end muddiness. Use these mid-side EQ techniques to give your mix the clarity and focus it needs.

High Shelf Boost on Vocals

Boosting vocals with a high shelf can help them cut through the mix. High shelf boost techniques are important for vocal mixing strategies.

It’s best to use an API-560 emulation or any EQ with a wide Q setting to boost frequencies above 15kHz. A broad boost will add shimmer and clarity to vocals, allowing them to stand out in the mix. Make sure not to boost too much, as it will lead to a harsh and unpleasant sound. Instead, use small boosts to get the desired effect.

Additionally, it’s important to reduce problem frequencies in the low mids and high mids. This will help create a smooth and balanced mix. Make sure to adjust makeup gain to compensate for any volume changes, and use mid-side EQ to preserve the low-end power of kick and bass.

With these high shelf boost techniques, you’ll be able to get the perfect vocal sound for your mix.

Bus Compression for Glue, Warmth, and Tone

You can use bus compression to add glue, warmth, and tone to your mix. It’s a compression technique that helps elements gel together and can be applied with a slow attack, fast release, low ratio, and low gain reduction.

Recommended setup is an SSL compressor with specific settings. Preamp plugins like Waves Scheps73 and Soundtoys Radiator also add warmth and color to the mix.

With parallel compression, you can add depth and punch to drums. Make sure to adjust the makeup gain consistently to ensure the effect of each plugin is audible.

Use bus compression and preamp plugins to give your mix the glue, warmth, and tone it needs.

Parallel Compression on Drum Bus

For parallel compression on the drum bus, use a duplicate of the drum bus and apply heavy compression to it. This technique helps achieve punch and depth. Blend the compressed signal with the original to add life to drums.

Use a slow attack, fast release, low ratio, and low gain reduction. A good starting point is the SSL compressor with specific settings. Avoid over-compressing, as this can lead to a flat and lifeless sound.

Keep the MIX knob low, as this will help maintain the desired dynamic range. With the right settings, parallel compression will help glue together all the elements of the drum bus.

Compression Techniques

Frequently, compression provides tightness, body, and clarity to sounds. Advanced compression techniques can be used to further enhance the sound.

Parallel compression on the drum bus adds depth and punch while soundtoys Devil-Loc Deluxe can provide a 5% wet boost.

For vocals, a high shelf boost can help them stand out in the mix. Mid-side EQ is great for taming low frequencies and reducing specific problem spots.

Narrow reduction and wide boosting can also be used to enhance sound. Finally, parallel distortion is great for combining dry and distorted sounds, taking them to the next level.

These are just a few of the many distortion techniques available.

Utilizing Makeup Gain

Your compression techniques provide the foundation for utilizing makeup gain effectively. Makeup gain is essential for making sure that the effects of plugins are heard in the mix. It adjusts the volume to compensate for the volume changes caused by the plugins.

Makeup gain techniques can be applied consistently to all types of plugins, and the benefits are clear. Mixes can sound fuller and more professional. Makeup gain can also help make better mix decisions since it allows for better evaluation of the changes that have been made.

Incorporating makeup gain into the mix can take it to the next level.

Saturating Software Synths

Building on the makeup gain techniques discussed, saturating software synths is another way to add warmth, perceived loudness, and professionalism to your mix. It’s a creative sound design technique that can help make your synths stand out.

Various saturation plugins can be used to achieve this effect. Try using Soundtoys Devil-Loc Deluxe for a 5% wet boost. Insert the plugin on the desired synth and adjust the MIX knob to taste.

You can also use other saturation plugins to achieve different sounds. With careful adjustment, you can create a unique tone that will make your synth sound dynamic and alive. Remember to adjust the makeup gain to compensate for any volume changes caused by the plugin.

Saturating software synths is a great way to add character and spice to your mix.

Adding Preamps for Analog Sound

Following the use of saturation plugins to create a unique tone, adding preamps to your mix can give your recordings an analog sound. Preamps amplify weak electrical signals and add warmth and color to your mix. When inserted at the beginning of a channel strip, they can give your mix the professional sound you’re looking for.

Preamp plugins like Waves Scheps73 and Soundtoys Radiator are popular choices for this purpose. Using preamps in mixing provides many benefits, such as improved dynamic range and more body to sounds. In addition, the analog sound will add a warmth and depth that digital recordings may lack.

To get the best results, adjust the makeup gain to compensate for volume changes caused by plugins. Incorporating preamps into your mix will add clarity and power for a professional sound.

Utilizing Parallel Distortion

Try boosting your mix with parallel distortion.

Parallel distortion techniques are simple yet powerful, blending dry and distorted sounds effectively to add clarity and power to your mix.

To achieve this, insert a parallel distortion plugin on the track you want to distort and adjust the Drive and Mix knobs to taste.

Soundtoys Decapitator is a popular plugin for this purpose.

Parallel distortion adds an extra layer of character and depth to your sound, making it stand out from the crowd.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with the settings until you find the perfect blend.

With a little bit of tweaking, you can create unique and powerful sounds that will add a professional touch to your mix.

Conclusion

Mixing is an essential part of music production and audio engineering. By following the tips provided in this article, you can be sure to create a professional-sounding mix in no time.

Utilize reductive and additive EQ, narrow and wide boosting, taming low frequencies, high shelf boosting on vocals, bus compression, and parallel compression on drums to create the perfect mix.

With these techniques, you’ll be mixing like a pro in 2023!

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