In every mix you should do certain things in the same order every time. This results in more consistent mixes and you will improve every time. It is also good to try something new, but you have to build your base strong before adding new elements or plugins. For example if you build a house you need to build foundations carefully and with the same methods in every house to be able to build anything on top of it. In this post we will go through five things you should do in every mix.
1. Organizing the project and tracks
When your projects are organized the same way in every mix you don't have to consume time on finding things so you can focus on the mixing process.
2. Same working order
When you mix in the same order every time you can be sure that the mix will work better and nothing is not forgotten to do. Also make an order which instruments to mix first.
Example of a working order:
3. Parallel compression of drums
This helps drums to get through the mix and get the ‘punch’ or ‘snap’ effect. Good plugin for this could be Waves SSL Compressor.
4. Use same effects
This means using the same delay, chorus or reverb plugins in every mix. It is a really time consuming task to find new effects every time. Find the best sounding effect plugins and use them. Special effects are a different story so you might have to use different special effects in every mix
5. Mixbus compressing
Use the same mixbus compressor in every mix. This glues your mix together. Possible good plugins for this could be Waves SSL Compressor or Slate Digital's bus compressor. Find yourself a good compressor that suits your style and use it!
Conclusion
In conclusion, maintaining a consistent and structured approach to mixing is important for achieving better results and continuous improvement. The importance of organizing project files and tracks in a standardized manner allows for a more efficient mixing process, eliminating the time spent searching for elements and enabling a focused workflow. It is also important to establish a strong foundation before incorporating new elements or plugins.
Did we forget something? Please let us know how do you mix your song!
See our previous blog post: What is a hook in music
