What is Music Mixing?

Music mixing is the process that transforms your collection of individual tracks or grouped channels (often referred to as stems), into a polished, cohesive piece of music. Think of music mixing as the bridge between the raw, creative phase of music production and the final, emotionally engaging masterpiece. When mixing for our clients, our goal is to discover and present the best version of the artist’s vision. At the same time we ensure that every element of the track complements each other seamlessly. For example, the kick drum must sit alongside the bass and both elements should work with each other to create a groove.

In a mix, we look to eliminate resonant frequencies, remove frequency clashes, and refine poorly executed sounds. This careful balancing act enhances the emotional impact of the song, making it more compelling for the listener. By blending various elements, adjusting levels, panning sounds, and applying effects, mixing engineers breathe life into a track, shaping it into a captivating experience that moves the audience emotionally.

Many novice musicians believe that everything can be corrected and tuned, that effects can make everything sound great. This is far from the truth. If you were using a low-resolution camera to take pictures, you would not be able to create high-quality photographs. Exactly the same is true in music. Recording vocals at home and using low-quality equipment or a careless approach to the recording will ruin your song.

We can start by making sure every track is labelled properly. Simple descriptions, along with colour coding, is a time proven way of laying out a project. Take care to remove meaningless sample titles at this point.
Example:

Track 1 – VFX-KIK3457
Track 2 – VFX-SNR1294
Track 3 – Darrens second take

We could change the above to:

Track 1 – Main Kick
Track 2 – Snare

Track 3 – Bass

Notice how every channel is now easy to identify, both by name and groups of colour. In this case we have gone for red for drums and blue for bass. Follow this process for the entire project.

Our aim here is to get a sense of the natural order of sounds and to clean up any unwanted noise. This preparation sets the stage for a smooth mixing process.

Begin with the most important elements, usually the vocals and drums. Adjust their volumes to ensure they sit well together, then bring in other instruments one by one. Use equalization (EQ) to carve out space for each element, removing frequencies that cause muddiness or clashes.

Top music mixing tip: Don’t forget to reference the music of professional artists within the genre that you are working. You can head off a lot of issues by referencing as you go.

Start with EQ to clear out unnecessary frequencies. For instance, high-pass filters can remove low-end rumble from non-bass instruments, while low-pass filters can tame harsh high frequencies. By carving out these frequencies, you prevent overlap and ensure each element occupies its own space.

Panning is another essential technique used to mix music. By positioning sounds in the stereo field, you create a sense of space and depth.For example, keep the kick and bass centred, while spreading other elements like guitars and synths to the sides. This spatial arrangement prevents overcrowding and makes the mix more dynamic.

Panning plays a significant role in creating depth. Positioning instruments in the stereo field not only separates them but also adds a three-dimensional feel to the mix. Experiment with placing different elements left, right, or centre to find the best balance.

Compression is key to controlling dynamics. It smooths out volume variations, ensuring consistent levels throughout the track. Use it subtly on vocals, drums, and bass to maintain clarity and punch without sacrificing natural dynamics.

Finally, apply effects such as reverb and delay to enhance the sonic landscape. Reverb adds space, making the mix feel more immersive, while delay can create interesting rhythmic textures. Use these effects sparingly to avoid cluttering the mix.

Creating space and depth in a mix is about giving each element room to breathe while maintaining a cohesive sound. This begins with proper EQ and panning, but extends to using effects creatively.

Reverb and delay are powerful tools for adding depth. Reverb creates a sense of space by simulating acoustic environments. Short, subtle reverbs can add intimacy, while longer, lush reverbs create a sense of distance and size. Delay, on the other hand, can add rhythmic complexity and echo effects that enrich the soundscape.

Automation is another technique used for enhancing depth and movement. By automating volume, panning, filtering and effects parameters, you can introduce movement and variation into your mix. This dynamic approach keeps the listener engaged and adds a professional touch to the production.

Referencing music is a vital part of the mixing process. By comparing your mix to professionally mixed tracks, you can identify areas for improvement and ensure your mix stands up to industry standards.

Choose reference tracks in a similar genre and style to your own. Listen critically to how they balance levels, EQ, and use effects. Pay attention to the low end, clarity of vocals, and overall dynamics. Use these insights to make informed decisions in your own mix.

It’s essential to switch between your mix and the reference tracks frequently. This practice helps you stay objective and avoid common pitfalls like over-processing or missing crucial elements. Additionally, listening in different environments, such as on studio monitors, headphones, and even car speakers, ensures your mix translates well across various playback systems.

Music Mixing FAQ’s

What plugins do I need to mix my music?

To mix your music effectively, you’ll need a selection of plugins for different purposes. Essential plugins include EQ, compression, reverb, delay, and saturation. EQ helps shape the tonal balance, compression controls dynamics, reverb and delay add space and depth, and saturation introduces warmth and character.

Although there are hundreds of third-party plugins, most DAW’s have a comprehensive range of standard plugins to get you going.

What DAW is best for Mixing Music?

The best DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) for mixing music depends on your personal preference and workflow. Popular options include Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, FL Studio, and Cubase. Each DAW offers unique features, so it’s essential to choose one that fits your style and needs. Most DAWs have comprehensive mixing tools and support third-party plugins, making them suitable for professional mixing.

Are online music mixing services worth it?

Online music mixing services can be worth it, especially if you’re seeking a professional-sounding mix but lack the skills or equipment to achieve it yourself. These services provide access to experienced mixing engineers who can enhance your tracks with high-quality tools and techniques. While it involves an additional cost, the investment can significantly elevate the quality of your music, making it more appealing to listeners and industry professionals.

You will learn a lot from working with a mixing and mastering engineer, too!

Why not get in touch here to discuss your project?