44 Tips for Mixing Music – Vanterra Arts

Mixing music can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. There are countless techniques and tools to consider, and it can be challenging to know where to start. However, with practice and patience, anyone can learn to mix music like a pro. In this article, we’ve compiled 44 tips for mixing music that will help you create a professional-sounding mix.

Start with a clean slate: Before you start mixing, make sure you have a clean and organized session. Delete any unused tracks or plugins, and organize your tracks into logical groups. This will make it easier to focus on the task at hand.
Use reference tracks: Having reference tracks can help you achieve the sound you’re aiming for. Pick tracks that have a similar vibe or sound to the mix you’re working on, and use them as a guide for balancing levels and EQing.
Set levels before EQing: Start by setting the levels of your tracks before you start EQing. This will give you a better sense of how each element fits into the mix, and help you make more informed EQ decisions.
Cut before boosting: When EQing, it’s often better to cut frequencies rather than boosting them. Cutting can help you remove unwanted frequencies and make more space in the mix, without introducing additional noise or artifacts.
Use panning to create space: Panning can be a powerful tool for creating space and separation in a mix. Try panning elements slightly to the left or right to create a wider stereo image, or to create more room in the center for important elements.
Use compression sparingly: Compression can help control the dynamic range of a track, but it can also suck the life out of a mix if overused. Use compression sparingly, and only when necessary to control peaks or add sustain.
Pay attention to phase: Phase issues can cause a mix to sound muddy or undefined. Make sure your tracks are in phase, and check for any phase cancellation between elements in the mix.
Use automation to create movement: Automation can add movement and interest to a mix. Try automating levels, panning, or effects to create dynamic changes throughout the song.
Avoid harsh EQ cuts: Harsh EQ cuts can introduce unwanted artifacts and make a mix sound thin or tinny. Use gradual EQ cuts to remove unwanted frequencies and create space in the mix.
Don’t be afraid to mute: Sometimes the best mix decisions involve muting elements that aren’t adding anything to the mix. Don’t be afraid to mute or remove tracks that aren’t contributing to the overall sound.
Use reverb to create depth: Reverb can be used to create a sense of space and depth in a mix. Experiment with different reverb types and settings to find the right sound for your mix
Use EQ to clean up your mix: Use EQ to clean up your mix by cutting frequencies that are not needed. Be mindful of the mid-range frequencies which can be cluttered and sound muddy. Use a high-pass filter on instruments like guitars and vocals to remove low-frequency noise and make space for the bass.
Use sidechain compression: Sidechain compression is an effective technique used in mixing to reduce the level of one track whenever another track plays. For example, you can use sidechain compression on the bass track to reduce its level whenever the kick drum plays. This creates space for the kick drum and allows it to cut through the mix.
Use parallel compression: Parallel compression is a technique where you duplicate a track and apply heavy compression to the duplicate. This adds punch and presence to the original track without losing its dynamics. Blend the compressed track with the original to achieve the desired effect.
Use saturation and distortion: Saturation and distortion can add warmth and character to a mix. Use them subtly on individual tracks or on the entire mix bus. Be careful not to overdo it, as it can cause the mix to sound muddy.
Use automation to adjust levels: Automation can be used to adjust levels of individual tracks, create fades, and add effects. Use automation to bring out certain parts of the mix, and to keep the listener engaged throughout the song.
Use high-pass filters on non-bass tracks: Use high-pass filters on non-bass tracks like guitars, pianos, and vocals to remove low-frequency noise and make space for the bass. This helps the bass sit more prominently in the mix and prevents it from being masked by other instruments.
Use bus compression: Bus compression is a technique used to apply compression to multiple tracks at once. This helps to glue the tracks together and make them sound like they belong in the same space. Apply bus compression to drums, vocals, or any other group of tracks that need to be held together in the mix.
Use stereo widening: Stereo widening can be used to make a mix sound wider and more spacious. Use it on background vocals, guitars, or other elements to create a bigger stereo image. Be careful not to overdo it, as it can cause phasing issues.
Use EQ to create separation: Use EQ to create separation between instruments that are competing for the same frequency range. For example, use EQ to remove low-end frequencies from the guitar to make space for the bass. This helps each instrument stand out in the mix and creates a more balanced sound.
Use reference monitors: Reference monitors are designed to give you a flat and accurate representation of your mix. Use them to make critical mix decisions, and to ensure your mix translates well on other systems.
Take breaks: Mixing can be a tiring and demanding process. Take breaks frequently to rest your ears and come back to the mix with fresh perspective. A rested and refreshed mind will make better mixing decisions than a fatigued one.
Use reverb and delay in moderation: Reverb and delay can add depth and space to your mix. However, be careful not to overuse them, as it can create a muddy and cluttered sound. Use them sparingly and adjust their settings to fit the style and genre of the song.
Pay attention to the stereo image: The stereo image refers to the placement of instruments and sounds in the stereo field. Pay attention to the stereo image to create a balanced and spacious mix. Use panning to move instruments around and create separation between them.
Use volume automation: Volume automation can be used to make sure every part of the mix is heard clearly. Use it to bring out specific parts of the song, and to ensure the mix is balanced from beginning to end.
Use bus sends for effects: Use bus sends to apply effects like reverb and delay to multiple tracks at once. This can save CPU power and keep your session organized. It also allows you to adjust the level of the effect for each track separately.
Use compression to tame transients: Transients are the initial peaks in a sound that create a snap or punch. Use compression to tame transients and make them more consistent. This can make a mix sound more polished and professional.
Use EQ to shape the sound: Use EQ to shape the sound of each instrument in the mix. This can help them sit well together and create a cohesive sound. Pay attention to the frequency ranges of each instrument and use EQ to make sure they don’t clash.
Use reference tracks: Reference tracks are songs in the same genre that are used as a reference for your mix. Use them to compare your mix to a professional standard and make adjustments accordingly.
Use automation to create movement: Automation can be used to create movement and interest in the mix. Use it to add variation to the arrangement, and to keep the listener engaged throughout the song.
Use volume faders to balance the mix: Use volume faders to balance the levels of each instrument in the mix. Start with the drums and bass, and then add in the other instruments. Use your ears and visual meters to make sure the mix is balanced and each part is heard clearly.
Use a spectrum analyzer: A spectrum analyzer is a tool that displays the frequency content of your mix. Use it to identify frequency clashes and make EQ adjustments accordingly.
Take breaks and switch up your listening environment: Taking breaks and switching up your listening environment can help you stay focused and make better mix decisions. Step away from your studio and listen to your mix on different speakers or headphones. This can help you identify problem areas and make adjustments.
Don’t forget about the vocals: If the song has vocals, make sure they are clear and present in the mix. Use EQ and compression to make sure they sit well with the instrumental tracks. Pay attention to the level of the vocals and adjust them as necessary.
Use automation to fix timing issues: If there are timing issues in the performance, use automation to fix them. You can manually adjust the timing of individual notes or phrases to make them sound more in time with the beat.
Use automation to fix pitch issues: If there are pitch issues in the performance, use automation to fix them. You can use pitch correction software or manually adjust the pitch of individual notes or phrases.
Use bussing to group tracks: Bussing is the process of sending multiple tracks to a common destination, such as a stereo buss. Use bussing to group tracks together, such as all the drum tracks, all the guitar tracks, etc. This can make it easier to process and mix them together.
Use sidechain compression to make space for the kick drum: Sidechain compression is a technique where the compression is triggered by a separate track, such as the kick drum. Use sidechain compression on other tracks, such as bass or pads, to create space for the kick drum to cut through the mix.
Use saturation to add warmth and character: Saturation is a form of distortion that adds warmth and character to a sound. Use saturation plugins on individual tracks or on the master bus to add depth and character to the mix.
Use multiband compression to control frequency ranges: Multiband compression is a technique where the compressor is split into different frequency bands. Use multiband compression to control specific frequency ranges and make sure they don’t overpower the rest of the mix.
Use parallel processing to add depth: Parallel processing is the technique of duplicating a track and processing it differently. Use parallel processing to add depth and character to a track, such as adding a heavily compressed version of the track to the original.
Use high-pass filters to remove low-end rumble: High-pass filters are filters that remove frequencies below a certain point. Use high-pass filters to remove low-end rumble from tracks that don’t need it, such as guitar or vocal tracks.
Use low-pass filters to remove high-end harshness: Low-pass filters are filters that remove frequencies above a certain point. Use low-pass filters to remove high-end harshness from tracks that don’t need it, such as cymbals or hi-hats.
Trust your ears: Ultimately, the most important tool for mixing music is your ears. Use them to make decisions about the mix and trust your instincts. Take breaks and come back to the mix with fresh ears if necessary. Remember, the goal of mixing is to make the song sound as good as possible, so don’t be afraid to make bold decisions if they serve the song.

Mixing music is a complex and rewarding process that requires dedication and attention to detail. By following the 44 tips outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to creating professional-sounding mixes. Remember to take breaks when necessary and trust your ears. With practice and persistence, you’ll develop the skills and confidence needed to take your mixes to the next level. Keep experimenting and trying new techniques, and before you know it, you’ll have a signature sound that sets you apart as a mixing engineer.