21 mixing tips that would have saved me years

[@masteringcom]

Get the ultimate collection of mixing cheat sheets for free here: www.musicianonamission.com/start-ytorg

[@OtivoJumaRockofpeacegosp-by4rw]

10 mixed

[@KinckSound]

As a professional recording engineer with 40 years experience I would like to commend you on all your good advice. Many of the things you talk about are things that took me many years to realize. Excellent work.

[@BALTAOFC]

KinckSound same

[@allabouteverything4925]

Have to say the same only that i got only 12 years experience. Solid Video for newbies and even professionals

[@gatlinproduction]

Great video. For all the newbies this is a great advice tip and guideline. Been pro mixing for over 38 years. Everything that was said in this video is like a natural to me except for one thing. I start my gain staging at -18db. Not 0db. That’s a no go for me. That’s only my preference because I love steamy audio.

[@DocKaosBeats]

@@gatlinproduction So you level everything to -18 db then you mix or you just turn down the master fader to -18db? Sorry I'm not that advance with engineering trying to learn can you please elaborate what exactly do you mean and another question what's the best way to master your music so it's at the required LUFS/RMS level without losing loudness I've heard some say use 2 limiters so 1 limiter isn't doing all the work?

[@willdobson79]

Useful tips, excellent video.

[@studiobischof]

Tip #1: [01:43] Use bussing for speed and glue Tip #2: [04:01] Stereo slapback delay for vocals and melodies - better than reverb for upfront room Tip #3: [05:31] Use two room reverbs - everything is in the same room: mix between ambience and room reverb Tip #4: [09:12] Using reference tracks for better translation to speakers Tip #5: [11:05] Serial compression = 2-3 light compressors instead of one heavy unnatural sound Tip #6: [12:50] Focus on volume balance - height order on most important element Tip #7: [15:04] Roadmap against choice fatigue >> 5 drivers of mixing: 1. Balance, 2. Fix, 3. Enhance (better than life), 4. Shape (make room for stuff), 5. Space [The 5 Drivers of Mixing - The Key to a Great Sounding Mix](prosoundformula.com/the-5-drivers-of-mixing/) Tip #8: [17:44] Mix in mono Tip #9: [19:25] Gain stage Tip #10: [22:14] If it sounds good it is good - break the rules Tip #11: [23:30] Draw automation quickly Tip #12: [25:45] Keyboard shortcuts Tip #13: [27:38] Save a copy before mixing for later comparison Tip #14: [28:32] Panning automation! Stereo more in chorus Tip #15: [31:56] Get a second ear Tip #16: [33:44] Nudging recordings Tip #17: [36:58] Quantisation Tip #18: [40:09] Record quality before mixing Tip #19: [41:31] Take breaks for your ears Tip #20: [43:17] Don’t solo! Use gain plugin instead Tip #21: [46:15] Practice, practice, practice

[@clickbaitcabaret8208]

Mixing is part technical, part intuitive, part art & takes a lot of practice to master. There's a lot to to understand, so never stop learning. Great video.

[@nenissaK]

One to add that I've discovered: from time to time (towards the end), export it (and while exporting, LISTEN TO GOOD MUSIC and DON'T think about the song), and after exporting listen to it from start to finish while at the same time writing down every single thing you want to fix, with time stamps. And do it with your mixing gear, and headphones, as well as with ok/crappy speakers. This does many things: it gives you a compulsory break, reference tracks, and it forces you to listen to the whole song as an entity, it makes you notice volume fluctuation throughout the song, odd changes and unexpected things in the context of the whole mix and forces you to listen with a variety of gear. Also, if you're using speakers while listening to the references and your own mix, it gives you some physical exercise (no joke, it gets your blood flowing after 3 hours of sitting in one go), and listening from different angles highlights some issues

[@amaan6999]

This is by far the most legit "mixing techniques" video that I've seen over KZbin, that doesn't just involve basic concepts. Legit mixing school stuff here, not to mention some techniques that you personally use. I'm sure you've gone above and beyond in your mixes and engineering at around this point but thank you for even sharing some of these techniques with us! This is ridiculously underrated!!

[@dannyclews3340]

Absolutely agree!

[@jjjuhg]

What about keeping the pads and/ or synths quiet to sit in the back to give a sense of depth and a pro feel ? Would be a good tip. ( some of the tracks anyway )

[@adamproductions4529]

This video is worth more than a semester of mixing class no joke

[@masteringcom]

Here's the time-codes of each tip if you need them: Tip #1: 01:43 Tip #2: 04:01 Tip #3: 05:31 Tip #4: 09:12 Tip #5: 11:05 Tip #6: 12:50 Tip #7: 15:04 Tip #8: 17:44 Tip #9: 19:25 Tip #10: 22:14 Tip #11: 23:30 Tip #12: 25:45 Tip #13: 27:38 Tip #14: 28:32 Tip #15: 31:56 Tip #16: 33:44 Tip #17: 36:58 Tip #18: 40:09 Tip #19: 41:31 Tip #20: 43:17 Tip #21: 46:15

[@RealHomeRecording]

Yeeeeeee doggie!

[@jacksvocals]

A living legend.

[@chucknkd]

not anything to do with your point of the video (thanks for the tips btw:-) but how are you doing track stacks inside of track stacks? (drums for example) or is that a folder track that they all fold into? thx!

[@ChanderVivekSingh]

Sir i want that eq free training link can u help me in that plz.....i read ur article on 5 eq tips it was so awesome sir

[@SilloniusAeldarian]

I dont need this time stamp! I need every second of that information XD thank you again for sharing your knowledge man, you are the best

[@Juliano_DJOL]

I live and mix by the 5 stepsvand avoiding choice fatigue! This was a good video, I've been mixing and making music for 10+ years and I always say that theres always more to learn and try! Alot of these videos are click bait or crap but this one hit the nail on the head!

[@Vaeis]

This is just gold. Can't believe this information is just for free...

[@tiztoc977]

dont jinx it lol

[@peekpen]

thats GOLD Dylan...just GOLD!

[@MikeGilroyMusic]

peekpen it’s Gold Jerry Gold!

[@officialWWM]

You had 298 likes. I just made it 299. Now my OCD wants to like it again :/

[@yonix3958]

Isn't GOD the first to set an example by giving us all for free?...

[@AKAtAGG]

Started watching thinking I'd know every one of the 21 tips (been producing for about 25 years, just as a hobby) and was incredibly surprised at how many I wasn't fully aware of. Every tip explained in great detail, but not using terms or language that will make even the newest producer/mixer get frightened. Great vid.

[@anxiousmindmusic]

Your explanation of a bus was the most clear and succinct one I've heard I think

[@theaassiim]

This is one of the most useful videos for music producers that is available for free such a legend for doing this I have seen many premium videos and cources and never got so many precise to the point tips like this.

[@FreyaFleurNoire]

Best video I've seen on mixing. Seriously brought me from feeling frustrated to feeling excited to mix.

[@ritodanger]

First I thought hm, this is a long video.. Now that I watched it til the end I feel like it has already saved me Time! I am surrounded by post-its!! Wicked! Thanks so much

[@masteringcom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@niedec_hello]

For tip #20 (Don't solo, use a gain plugin instead), there's an easier way. Some DAWs like Reaper have a "solo in front" button that you can hit, and it will automatically lower the rest of your mix by a set db. So instead of raising a track you want to work on by 6db, you're lowering everything else by 6db. Makes it much easier to hear what's going on, prevents ear-fatigue, and you'll never clip.

[@amaan6999]

Wish ableton had it too!

[@goodnightgoodnight8661]

I need to look into this on Studio One!

[@niedec_hello]

@@goodnightgoodnight8661 Not sure it's a baked-in feature, but I found this workaround on the Presonus blog: blog.presonus.com/index.php/2017/12/22/friday-tip-week-add-dim-solo-studio-one/.

[@HiScoreMusic]

Good one, thanks!

[@maxximilliandafoe9717]

Niedec NICE TIP!

[@bennelson.official]

Thank you for this video. As a very new “newby”to audio engineering/producing of around 2 weeks, this has been the most useful video I have found so far. You have provided a ton of free knowledge that I’m sure will be priceless. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise while helping us novices become the best we can be.

[@LeBrinqueOfficial]

I´ve seen this one a couple of times now, being a producer for like 13 years and its a really really really awesome take on mixing. Even learned (or rather realized) some new stuff from this! This should be on the first page of youtube when someone searches "how to produce a song" Thank you!

[@sneakaholic011]

this is honestly the best mixing video i've seen on youtube. so much information was delivered clearly without stagnating. this is the perfect pace. you absolutely killed this

[@MickGrocholl]

Best mixing video I've ever seen.

[@scottwestfall3522]

Picking up an old hobby after 30 years. These tips were very person-oriented and reflect a lot of experience. Didn't blow sunshine, just said it like it is. Much appreciated.

[@ambivalencio]

I can't believe you gave us this information for free. My mixes immediately started to sound a little bit better just by reminding these tips. So thank you and keep going, dude! Guess you're helping many of us a lot. 🙏🏻

[@masteringcom]

Awesome to hear!

[@ollikaarnisto5179]

I am mostly a musician and songwriter, but I have also been a sound guy, engineer and producer (for to earn my living and for to support my not so commercial music habits). I usually watch these videos for fun and for to learn a thing or two, but now I must say that I have never seen a video as great as this. It is so cohesive and full of wise thinking. If this was a book, I would keep it permanently on my desk right next to my mixer.

[@charliethetyrton3209]

Damm bro! This is the best mixing video on all of youtube. Thx for macking this vid.

[@TsuritaMusic]

Very helpful for beginners! 😍

[@mikerob3339]

I’m a hip hop artist and for some reason none of my engineers have used even half of these tips like the nudging automation the buses etc and I’m shocked tbh because I was in the room as they mixed my tracks the nudging will definitely help me This information should not be free so muchhhhh gold and silver in this video thank you my friend You and Graham are my favorites the goats 🔥🙏🏽🐐

[@LorD3able]

man, do u think these were secrets? come on :))))

[@mikerob3339]

RazvanNn must have been lol cuz I worked with folk who been in this business for decades and they ain’t do this Secret sauce 😂🤷🏽‍♂️

[@shinji1264]

@@LorD3able Believe it or not but info like this is rare

[@kevinmorrissey7084]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I really wish I had seen this video 2 years ago. Great tips can't wait to get to work.

[@DanLugoMusic]

That click and drag to turn on/off all plugins at 3:35 just blew my mind.

[@HannaMia]

same here!

[@Nikita.X1]

I started watching this video thinking there's no way I was gonna watch all 50 min, but you did a great job and even made me take out my notebook. Thank you

[@masteringcom]

Awesome!

[@EnriqueRojasmusic]

I stumbled upon this channel a few days ago and it has become my favorite audio mixing channel on KZbin. The way you present the information is so clear and down to the point, and all the tips and tricks are very useful and even necessary for becoming a good mixing engineer. Keep up the great work!

[@oscarwolfemusic9288]

I'm watching this as part of studying for my university course, some really good techniques and ideas you've given in this video, well done! I'm definitely gonna take some of these on board

[@masteringcom]

Happy to help! Good luck with your uni course. :)

[@oscarwolfemusic9288]

@@masteringcom Thanks! :)

[@stevekirkby6570]

After years of working in the industry, I have to agree with everything here - you know, even experienced audio professionals can use help to remind themselves of the right way to do things as we go down the rabbit hole :) This is a pretty wonderful reminder of the things you need to consider.

[@masteringcom]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@satch500]

I honestly learnt a hell of a lot from this video. I remember when I didn't even know about frequencies, I thought mixing was just about making some things louder or quieter to get instruments to peek through the mix. Now I know there's so much more to it than that. Thanks a lot man. This video was great!

[@adnansaid1092]

Bro same

[@aneveningwithebola2727]

"No listener is ever going to hear the instrument solo'd" Take notes, guitarists.

[@sgodden1]

So true - I'm a guitarist and I've spent far too long trying to get the right tone with the instrument solo'd. But to fit into a mix well (I generally play classic rock) the guitars need to be light on the bottom end, and more trebly than sounds good solo'd - in my experience anyway

[@SamAdvenMedia]

Um we got KZbinrs now that purposely solo sections now.... So this doesn't apply anymore lol

[@bjornborg3195]

The bass often makes the guitar tone sound good. Black Sabbath, iron maiden, rush.

[@ethansmithmusic]

I don't think that anyone in this thread gets the joke lol

[@chelmano0]

Yeah they're taking it literally lmao @@ethansmithmusic

[@bellissi]

Damn!! you have just changed everything!!! I'm on my, I don't know, 30th release... And now I just want to rip them all down and start again. Thank you so very much. You're truly awesome! Best advice and tutorial I've ever watched. Take care man.

[@DEADBUNNYMUSIC]

This is the best Video Ive ever seen on YT, thanks for sharing mann!

[@masteringcom]

Happy to help!

[@jamesrossmusic6013]

So much excellence here... Thank You SIR!!!

[@theherbiebrown]

Thank you for this video. I'm still a novice but these tips have helped me understand mixing even more. This video is easy to understand and to follow along. Your delivery is perfect. Also, the video production is on point; you lift important parts of the presentation into text. That's a pro move. Without a doubt, you know what you're doing. I'm grateful for you and glad that I found this video.

[@masteringcom]

Thank you for the kind words! So glad you enjoyed the video.

[@sneakaholic011]

been working in logic for literally almost a decade and have never even HEARD of the marquee tool. better late than never. thank you!!

[@proverbalizer]

here's a tip, just cause something makes your track sound better, that doesn't mean more of it is gonna make your track sound more better

[@GeorgePiazza]

Definitely! The right amount of (x) is critical. too much distortion, too much reverb, compression, etc. Brings one back to the adage 'Stay away from the Solo button'! And don't put an aural exciter on every track.

[@adintyaannasaidhiakharisma5202]

you know what im only 2 year of experiencing recording-mixing-mastering world and people say that "the less is better" its true im doing it around 7 month ago and yeah i feel its better result just don't over do it with plugins if its bad from when you record an instrument so don't put it in the mixing section , record again until its sound good

[@adintyaannasaidhiakharisma5202]

and believe in your ear thats important than your eye

[@kashbandi7461]

I think that’s why he said 10% better. U won’t learn everything from this video, but this video and others, mixes with some hours of trial and tribulation, your mixes will sound way better.

[@RunawayHorses]

it's a sound advice

[@cseymour88]

This is the most comprehensive, practical, and digestible mixing video on KZbin. Thank you!

[@ricksto87]

Every tip I too over years have become a eureka moment and wished this video existed way back when Thanks man

[@masteringcom]

Glad we could help!

[@AndreHansen96]

Dude. I tried applying your techniques today and just from doing the gain staging and volume balancing it already sounds very good. Don’t even think I’m gonna need too much (if any) EQ/Compressor at all...... I am blown away. Thank you!

[@lloyd7miller]

This is the most informative mixing video online. period.

[@kjguitar]

Listen... Listen.... you did a very good deed by posting this. Thank you for this.. Thank you!!

[@iqi616]

Good tips. The important thing with reference tracks is to turn them DOWN to match the loudness of your mix. When at equivalent loudness (not necessarily equal loudness) your ears are hearing both in the same area of the Fletcher-Munson curves which means you will hear the frequencies the same and therefore EQ more accurately.

[@chimpventures]

Im getting only gold from this channel! By far the most productive time seeing audio videos. Im strugglin rn on incresing potential on my mixes, and this certainly helped a lot! Thx for the content.

[@cheyennelowlands2424]

Great tips, thank you. "If it sounds good, it is good." -Duke Ellington

[@DrewWilbur]

saying this was helpful is like the biggest understatement of my life.. thank you

[@Quinn-yi6ge]

That decision fatigue (keyboard shortcut) talk was really thought provoking man, Thank you!

[@spiforiginal2515]

this guide is one of the most precious tools on the beginning. But as an amateur you easily get overhelmed by these mixing tips. Hold in mind that it s extremely necessary that you check your lvls right in the first place and trust your ears in the second place. The other stuff is coming to you from itself when you just try to do your best. Your ears get used to it and get better, so you can trust them even more. But don t forget: You always have to get used to the gear what you are using! If you mix on the best speakers out there, without knowing them, your mix will probably more bad, than if you just took the headphones you are familiar with, which cost just 50 bucks. Gear is not all, you just have to get used to it. The professional gear does not know, where the Journey goes! Greetz Spif

[@TheAJKid]

That Marquee automation tip was gold my friend. Thank you.

[@Slamminbassplayer]

Finally someone with a different approach than most other tutorials out there. Thank you!

[@RamosFilms]

Years worth of me YouTubing “mixing tips” summarized super nicely in a single 50 minute video. Superb job my dude, you got a sub from me 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@masteringcom]

Glad we could help!

[@PaulOrtiz]

Fantastic video. I’ve been writing and producing for years now. Like 20+, and I STILL solo channels to mix them, I rarely touch my volume automation and I ignore my stereo field as a creative tool. Got lots of great ideas from this. Thanks so much!

[@AndrewKolotyliuk]

I knew almost none of this and I can't wait to put what I've learned to use. You're the man!

[@SteveCournane]

Wow, amazing stuff. Thankyou so much. Very generous of you to share this stuff

[@masteringcom]

Happy to help!

[@kashdro85]

"Mental Fatigue" laughs in 3 different types of caffeine

[@owens.]

It’s been a year and 30 days since I really started writing, producing, and mixing music. I’m thankful that I’m learning this stuff now before experiencing the blockage. I’m only 18 years old!

[@theinfamousches1258]

This is by far the best mixing tips video I have ever watched on KZbin. Thank you for this!!

[@masteringcom]

Wow! Glad you enjoyed!

[@BillGraper]

Two pieces of advice I can give is ALWAYS save your work as you go! You don't want to lose everything you've done in a session, because of a power failure, computer failure, or whatever. I also keep a second copy of each song, which I update when I'm finished working on the song at the moment. This has saved me, because sometimes I hear something that's suddenly not sounding right, and I want to compare it to a past saved project. In fact, I like to save older versions as well, so I can go back a few weeks & see where my settings were on certain things. Bottom line: Backing things up & not being afraid to overdo it could save a lot of problems in the future. 😎

[@RunawayHorses]

omg I'm in tears for how much I liked this :')

[@joshuafrank869]

I don’t always comment on videos but after watching this I’m completely compelled to thank you and let you know how much I appreciate you doing this and helping the mix community out

[@doomboogie315]

There's a ton of great information in this. Learned a few things.

[@EDMTips]

I second that. Damn good vid, Rob!

[@GravytyMusic]

Yo man, thanks a ton for this. You've clearly put a ton of thought and effort into this video. Really, REALLY appreciate the links to in depth explanations for everything you're referencing. That is something most KZbin teachers are sooooorely lacking.

[@Pikachu-qr4yb]

I've probably said this on other posts but thanks so much for this channel! Your information is on-point, the guides are clear and detailed and your optimistic personality always makes me look forward to watching!

[@masteringcom]

So glad we could help!

[@maxximilliandafoe9717]

😲 Sending all the tracks to a single bus with the same reverb... that tip made me pause the video, leave this comment and SUBSCRIBE! Thank you so much for all that you are sharing here. You are literally making the world a better place because, better music.

[@garethrowley8552]

Very sound advice. Saved to my playlist for future reference purposes.

[@S10Football]

you still have the playlist?

[@abhishekmenon4335]

Dayum, simple yet so precise and powerful. It's like some wisdom from spiritual ETs. Thanks a lot. Now we are part of your mission too. 🙏

[@Virtual-Media]

You got a way of making things so logical in a short amount of time. You're an excellent instructor!

[@will_of_europa]

Boy I tell you what I learned more in this video than all the other tutorials I've been looking at over the last 3 years.

[@PerriwinklePadfoot]

I’m out here taking notes like I’m in school how is this free

[@masteringcom]

Awesome! 📝

[@PivotLoL77]

Lol mee too i'm having pages of notes haha

[@TheBrettEnglish]

Same, yo

[@alendooza]

Me to bro, youtube is a great school if used prperly and with if we choose right teachers and classes...

[@BlezzBeats]

You can even practice on the bus

[@angelosalinas4961]

Dropping straight uncut gems 💎 thanks @musician on a mission

[@ketiwww]

This is a masterpiece. Than you for this.

[@staticstudios7464]

Has to be one of the best mixing videos on you tube. Really great job explaining everything and putting the whole vid together

[@masteringcom]

Glad you liked it!

[@DrBuffaloBalls]

That double room reverb trick will definitely see use in an upcoming project of mine! Thank you for sharing your wisdom!

[@garrettbuck512]

I've been mixing for a while, and learned a few new things in this. Was a little surprised but glad to see the first tip was bussing... even though I know what bussing is, it's nice to see a video that just jumps into more advanced things rather than being super basic review for 10 minutes and wasting time. Most annoying thing about youtube videos is how long people take to get to the point... everyone feels like they have to preempt the audience with something. Thanks for the info.

[@ChristineHals]

Thank you so much! I learned a lot of new things watching your tutorial. Can't wait to apply them on my own mixes! 🎶🎧🎚️🎛️

[@masteringcom]

Best of luck!

[@metal_helm]

I have a 126 people I subscribe to on YT. I don't need another. But when I heard that story about hanging your head in shame after checking out a "great" mix in your own car, I knew I had to subscribe. This is me ALL the time.

[@payments2010]

A M A Z I N G !!!!!!!! Thank you so much for sharing your expertise.

[@musikerman52]

Wise words, really - I have had the opportunity to work with one of the most respected pair of ears in Finland and the owner of these has said exactly the same ones (multiple speakers to switch between etc.). One more - try to go forward. The more you go back and forth the more confused and tired you will eventually become. You'll end up finding mistakes on places there is none, missing the point, wearing out your ears... (just working with a project with a musician, who didn't believe this, and what could have been done in a week took three months and still continues!).

[@hectormayoral443]

This is why I don't like going to youtube for tutorials... You get a good video with interesting tips... That links you to 50 other videos that also have interesting tips... I'm never going to get to the mixing part if I keep on watching these videos xD Thanks for the vid

[@bdubzproduction5597]

But I bet your mixes sound great :)

[@PetkoKostadinov-e6e]

Thank you for synthesising all this valuable information. I appreciate your effort. Happy to find this in the early months of my production.

[@meyer2534]

You just dropped a gem. Thanks man 👍🏼

[@apoplexiamusic]

The Serial compression tip is awesome. Serial limiting is also really great if you want a loud ass mix that isn't crushed by one limiter with extreme settings.

[@Big_Theft_Auto]

WoW this is very interesting, I especially like the serial compression tip. I really want to try that now!

[@enriquecorro]

Antonio Jiménez Pérez I tried it and it works GREAT! Thanks❤️👍

[@VanGoHAF]

3 compression always better than 1?

[@prarthnap7105]

thank you for shaing all this GOLD !! you're a gem to this humanity

[@MatthewMcGurty]

Fantastic video man! Really insightful but digestible as well. Many thanks 👍

[@Lordsallakh]

i wish all my teachers at school had this amount of passion for teaching. respect for Musician On a Mission

[@pure3081]

Dude, your voice, that video, its incredible! It helped me so much. Should be 1#video on KZbin! Just Great

[@AnjiKaizen]

This is pure gold.. Thank you! Mixing my first album this month & need all the tips I can get.

[@housethegrate6093]

For a quantized MIDI part to sound more human, use the Random function and set the range for position and velocity.

[@alexapodaca2895]

On tip #4, hearing your mix thinking is so perfect and exactly what you were looking for, and then hearing it on commercial speakers/headphones and realizing it didn't adapt well to them is one of the worst feelings ever! such an important thing every producer must be aware of

[@jasonstatement3553]

Straight gold, immediately subbed!

[@masteringcom]

Glad we could help!

[@brianblommer7248]

Tip #22 (From Bob Marley and the Wailers): Oh, you know what they would say. Seriously though, excellent video with practical tips to apply. Love it.

[@DaddaPsy]

If you have a gaming mouse, you can assign all the extra buttons to different shortcuts in your DAW. Might be helpful for some that is really quick with the mouse but not so handy with the keyboard.

[@masteringcom]

Great tip!

[@Jaburu]

better go straight to production mouse like the Logitech MX Master series

[@TaylorWheeler]

Tip 11 made me cry tears of joy thank you

[@matt_glista]

"IPAs and cigarettes, anything to keep my mind off ALL THESE MIXING MISTAKES I'VE BEEN MAKING" 😂

[@gabrieljones4693]

Good God man. This needs to be made into a poster that folks new to mixing (like me) can put on their studio wall. Insanely helpful!

[@alexbecker4149]

*Re tip 4: When comparing your mix to a reference mix, what to pay attention to? Other than spectrum sections, stereo image, dynamics (LUFS)?*