5 Essential Mixing Tips - Warren Huart: Produce Like A Pro

Download the 5 Essential Mixing Tips Cheat Sheet here: bit.ly/2DW9ILW
A lot of the Quick Mixing Tricks I’ve been sharing with you are things that I might do 75% of the time, 90% of the time, or even only 10% of the time.
Anyway, these are the things that I ALWAYS do!
1. Enhance Your Low End by using High Pass Filters
2. Automating Effects
3. Don’t Listen Loud for Too Long
4. Take Frequent Breaks
5. Use Reference Mixes of not only other peoples mixes but yours as well!
Read more about these mixing tips here:
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Produce Like A Pro is a website which features great tips to help the beginning recordist make incredible sounding home recordings on a budget.

[@Kineticartist]

I must say I follow a few folks on youtube for learning mixing and mastering but over the past year they all have fallen short while warren and his friends have kept the bar high and taught me so very very much. I cant express how blessed we are as a community of budding and established musicians, producers, mix & mastering engineers to have someone of Warren's calibur sharing his knowledge with us because after all its about the music first with Mr Huart, and that is a marvelous thing.

[@Producelikeapro]

Aw shucks thanks ever so much! You are very kind indeed! I really appreciate your kind words and marvellous support!! Yes, the music is first my friend!!

[@irecki1]

There's a lot of "guru" on KZbin spreading so many theory about hi pass filter, I'll stick with you because you're a good teacher with huge knowledge.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!! I really appreciate your kind words my friend!!

[@MartinLuxen]

Monday evening (well, here in The Netherlands) after a hard day at the office, a cup of tea (even though I'm not Brittish), a bar of chocolate and a new Warren Huart video! This is a nice and inspiring way to start the week! I'm even looking forward to Mondays now. As ever great tips! Even though sometimes you've mentioned them already, it's good to keep reminding us :).

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Martin! That sounds like a lovely evening aha!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Friends! A lot of the Quick Mixing Tricks I’ve been sharing with you are things that I might do 75% of the time, 90% of the time, or even only 10% of the time. Anyway, these are the things that I ALWAYS do!

[@miasampaoli7587]

Thank you thank you THANK YOU! There is a successful click bait video that confuses people so much!! Thank you for helping us Warren!! Muy Bueno!!

[@iwantappledumplings6187]

Best info Warren! Thanks for letting everybody know about proper real high passing and clearing up the mis-dis-information out there!

[@darlenesheffield9835]

Best info Warren! Thanks!

[@harmonystudios1182]

THE Best info Warren!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Mia! I really appreciate it!

[@frederickthorne2496]

Referencing your own mixes and taking breaks to rest your ears is very important. To be able to A and B a bounce from the day before or an earlier session, etc. is one of the best tricks to keep your progress moving forward. Also - thanks for the reminder about high passing. I always get that feeling like I left the stove on or something when someone mentions it. Too much mud, bad crossfades and clicks and pops are are what I lose the most sleep over, haha. Cheers!

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes Frederick! It's very important! Here's to losing less sleep! aha! Many Thanks!

[@HofTheStage]

Automating the effects is something I need to keep in mind more, thanks! Also, I bought the hs7, they're freaking awesome, thanks for your honest opinion when I asked about them in a previous comment. Have a nice day!

[@HappyMixingStudio]

5. Use Reference Mixes of not only other peoples mixes but yours as well! Is the best advise for me to build my confidence ~~~ Thank you so much for your teaching !

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@Producelikeapro]

Glad to be able to help

[@michal.ochedowski]

It's great to see that information about conscious hearing comes up more often in the music industry. Thanks for this huge contribution!

[@Producelikeapro]

You're very welcome Michal!! Thanks for the great comment my friend!!

[@DailyDrumLesson]

Great video Warren. This has really become my favorite channel here on KZbin. Thank you for all your amazing work, you are marvelous ;-)

[@Producelikeapro]

Thank you Daily Drum Lesson! You rock!!!

[@gmmastro]

Absolutely great advice and video presentation Warren. I learn something from every video you post. Thank you!

[@disinc5189]

Clear concise information on High Passing

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!

[@iwantappledumplings6187]

amazing information! The high passing info helps so much! Clears up A LOT of confusion that is out there!

[@Producelikeapro]

You're very welcome Apple! You Rock!

[@networkunplugged]

i have never thought of highpassing the kick, i do it normally in the masterbus. Great tips! ThankYou!

[@Producelikeapro]

Network Unplugged great stuff! Yes, a little 20-30hz can really help control the low end and get your mix to feel more powerful!

[@mrmagpiepromotions]

When you showed the live kick with the hi hat bleeding in I immediately thought of Iron Maiden's Run to the Hills. It made me chuckle.

[@Producelikeapro]

Love that song!!

[@jonathanmarshall4122]

Fantastic. I'm going to watch this video over and over again. Mostly because I keep forgetting to follow them! When tracks sound great on their own it's hard to throw away some of that breadth so they'll mix together nicely. Just recently 'found' the stems for Rock the Casbah online. The guitar sounds so thin and nasty on its own but great in the mix.

[@Producelikeapro]

Jonathan! We have a Cheat Sheet that you can download for just this reason! ... or keep watching the video over and over again! haha!

[@jonathanmarshall4122]

Fantastic. Didn't notice the link. I actually searched google and ended up back here :@) Thank you thank you

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Jonathan, I'm going to expand on these things more very soon! Thanks for watching and being a marvellous member of our community!

[@SamyakJainMusician]

I do agree to all of them as i have used most of them. Great Warren

[@Producelikeapro]

Marvellous!

[@boldbearStudios]

"...boosting the schnizzle out of your mix..." I can't help myself thinking about German food when you say "schnizzle" :-) Great information, Warren. Thanks!

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha yes indeed Bernd! It's all about boosting the schnizzle! Haha

[@anaiytv2120]

wow automation of effect i never thought of it ,great tips thank u warren

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much! Glad to be able to help!

[@trollstjerne]

This is awesome Warren. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@Producelikeapro]

You're very welcome my friend! Thanks for being a huge part of our community my friend!!

[@karth1kts]

Ohh my god !!! Whenever i watch your video it brings lot of energy in me sir :) Thank you ever so much !

[@Producelikeapro]

Karthik TS aw shucks thanks ever so much!! You Rock!

[@itstommynutter7088]

another awesome set of tips. thanks warren

[@Producelikeapro]

Thank you for watching!

[@bryanmcmanus2788]

Some of the best advice all in one place. Thank you!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Bryan!

[@MatthewDiamante]

More great tips! Thanks Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

You're very welcome Matthew! Many thanks!

[@crttom8413]

Thx for the tips Warren. Always enjoy your educational video's.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thank you ever so much Tom! You Rock my friend!!

[@aleksanderdjuran8010]

I was just recording my kick drum as a test today and was looking for some ways to improve on my bottom end. Great video as always Warren. I'd like to also ask if you have any videos on recording very harsh, powerful vocals. Would love to see your take on that!

[@terrykeefe8386]

Another great video! After mixing a bunch of originals, I started playing around with HPF to get more power and definition in the low end. Finding a home for each instrument started to be my goal and started to look at my songs as 20-20K paintings with a place for each instrument to be heard/seen. Addition can become subtraction.

[@Producelikeapro]

That is a truly fantastic analogy Terry!! I love the idea of a painting of sound! That's coming from the son of an artist!

[@rocamp56]

Warren Great Tips Thanks. Always learn something interesting and helpful on this channel. Hope you have Marvelous Day! Cheers

[@Producelikeapro]

You're very welcome! Marvellous comment my friend!!

[@TonjuwelenDeAgentur]

A man on his mission :) Again great tips. And don´t forget to highpass :)

[@Producelikeapro]

Indeed! haha!

[@LoerdNoerd]

Concerning monitoring volume: the best advice I heard on that was "if it sounds exciting quiet, it'll sound insane loud". If you trick yourself into thinking that your mix is awesome by blowing it out of your speakers in a way that startles your neighbors' cat, you'll just set yourself up for disappointment.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks for your wonderful comment! Getting the balance right around 85db will give you an even result. For some people (who mix loud) they feel that's too quiet, for others that's loud!

[@davidallenhammond2777]

Brilliant advice, thank you so much Warren.

[@Producelikeapro]

David Allen Hammond thanks ever so much my friend!

[@MaartenFranken]

Another great video. Thanks so much for everything you do, Warren! In just a couple of months, my mixing skills have improved so much, I even amaze myself, when listening to the end results. Keep up the good work. :)

[@Producelikeapro]

Maarten! I'm very glad to hear that you're mixing are improving! That's why we do this! Keep up the good work my friend!

[@ShiningHourPop]

Good stuff as usual. Cheers guv!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ShinningHourPop!

[@sergio_m]

Great suggestions as ever, Warren, thanks so much!

[@Producelikeapro]

Sergio M thanks ever so much!!

[@redmonkeeproductions5978]

Hi Warren, thanks ever so much as usual for some truly great information, it's really uplifting to have your experience and knowledge on production workflow as a reference guide. Kind Regards. Gerry.

[@Producelikeapro]

Red Monkee Productions thanks ever so much! Glad to be able to help in any way I can!

[@OmgItsAlexOfficial]

Great stuff as always!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Alex!!

[@ScottLeeOfficialWebsite]

Marvelous tips! 😄👍🏻

[@Producelikeapro]

Thank you my friend!

[@heavymetalmixer91]

"Reference yourself" Mmm, never thought about this, gotta try it, thanks!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks very much my friend!

[@johnnyvegas2015]

Great stuff....thank you sir

[@Producelikeapro]

You're very welcome!!

[@alexandre7634]

I agree 💯 I feel like High passing the kick between 20-30hz and bass actually gives more bottom

[@aipsong]

Very good and detailed advice - thanks.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!

[@eddypalogrande6090]

Hey Warren, how would you recommend cleaning monitors, just a wipe or compressed air? These straightforward tips are great man 🤘

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Eddy! Compressed air mainly, plus wiping where necessary!

[@EricGPLAP]

Very important tips! Just have to get myself to remember all of them when mixing! haha

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Eric Gonzalez thanks ever so much my friend!

[@roysahadoen]

thank you sooo much warren

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks very much!!

[@samuelellringmann3424]

Wonderful information on highpassing Warren! Once, I was trying to get my kick and bass to work well together. But however much I tried, there was still a bit of 'muddiness' going on. When I highpassed the bass at 50 hz, it added a ton of definition and low-end sounded a lot bigger! I really think that having just one instrument in the sub range is key.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Sam, thanks ever so much for the great comment! Agreed, tightening up the low end makes it feel bigger and the mix has more energy!

[@splashesin8]

Can't wait to get my old computers up and running so I can practice this high pass thing. 🙂

[@Producelikeapro]

Wonderful stuff Audrey!

[@claudius3124]

That's great! Plain, simple and quite well explained. Exactly what we need, except for.... more ! lol! These weekly appointments are really appreciated I think ;-) Thanks again Warren :-D

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Claudius! You Rock my friend! Always positive and give so much back to our community!

[@custommelody7091]

Thank you for your awesome video! How about "setting levels tips" ? One of most difficult things for many of us!

[@jonburrellschannel]

Great Video!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks very much Jon!!

[@harmonystudios1182]

THE Best info warren !!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!!

[@darrenross9168]

hi warren , thank you for these fantastic tips ,its nice that we have someone who we can trust to show us how to get better mixes , i am not saying that some people deliberately misinform us ,but if you look at the info out there its yay nay and everything in between ,your mixes sound excellent ,thank you again .

[@Producelikeapro]

You're very welcome Darren! I am here to help and ashore ideas with our community! It's an amazing group of people!! I don't believe in inventing issues that don't exist! Creating a negative video doesn't help anyone! It hurts rather than helps! Let's help each other!

[@jdiango]

This are very awesome tips. Thanks Warren...

[@jdiango]

"These" rather...

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks very much Jake!!

[@samuelherring9587]

Awesome video as always Warren, heaps of awesome information here. You were right in saying misinformation by the way, disinformation would be deliberately false intended to give people the wrong idea.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Samuel, I think it must be both then my friend! Haha Thanks for the clarity!

[@chrisjordan9259]

Hi Warren. I'm a HUGE fan of your work AND of your tutorials. Now, after seeing this video, i have only one BIG question concerning mixing routine: How important is gain staging to you, especially when you mix in the box? I'm asking, because I've been through odds quite some amount of time, riding my faders at -18dB like nuts and not getting nowhere with my mix. So for me, #1 is ALWAYS: Trim your gain at about -15dB on each channel, so my Master Bus won't clip. Thanks for everything!

[@OlympusHeavyCavalry]

Cheers for this, I believe I understand high pass filtering a bit better now :) I have 3 questions: (this isn't mic cupping related LOL) When a singer gets too close to the mic, there is a type of distortion (similar to too much volume) &/or static overload (similar sound to changing an am station only volume related) during their performance. This can happen at the same time or separately. What type of equipement causes this (equipement limitations) and is there a way to remove this similarly like a de-esser works removing "S's" etc? Is there any vocal related distortion characteristics that are universally acceptable?

[@CazadorNocturno]

Good HighPass tip! thanks

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Allan!!

[@husky_7]

Thank you very much for this video. I already studying music production and your tips gave me inspiration. I hope that someday i will be better mixer than you. Cheers ;)

[@Producelikeapro]

Wow! Thank you ever so much!! I am so glad to be able to help my friend!

[@intersweat]

That Superman quiff is marvellous

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha I'll take any Superman reference I can!

[@sidechaningspinfirehot9420]

Hi Warren i love watching your videos befor i saw them i was just a kid who is thinking i knew how to do Music but i was Wrong cause Now I Do Mix And Master and i can see that am better then i was Wow I spent the whole night online watching Cause Data Is too Expensive In South Africa so i buy Night siffer So I can can lean What u do.Everyvideo u do Makes Me to want more and More Keep up the good work u do for US Thank You So Much Cause now am putting together Studio Equipment So I can Open My Home Pro Studio Name Is Jacob Thosago I call My Self Spin-SA Now People Respect Me When Comes to Music All THANKS TO YOU

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Jacob! I really appreciate it! I am so happy to be able to help! You Rock my friend!

Amazing Episode!! do you sometimes use a analyser to get the rootnote/fundamentals of the bassdrum exactly ? i do that but i really do not know if this is important ... i do the same with all instrumens so i check where the lowest note of the singer is and go from there ... oh and have you tried the demasking tool of izotope neutron? ... i bought it in a bundle with ozone but never tried it in depth.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Lecker, thanks for the amazing comment! I will have to try that feature!!

[@kallekontio2322]

Hey Warren, I have a question! What is your view on recording main vocals with xy mic setup? I recently did that on a track and theres seems to be nothing wrong with it!

[@gr33n1ock]

Hey Warren, great video as always! The cutout at 100ish Hz to make space for the bass is a routine i keep forgetting to implement. I wanted to ask you whether you think the same can be applied to upright bass? Oh and I'm glad to see that little Audient becoming a permanent part of your studio (i guess you're using it from time to time). Cheers!

[@Producelikeapro]

Agreed! A gentle slope around 100hz does an amazing job of clearing room for the Bass and Kick! Thanks for your marvellous comment!

[@musicting2767]

Thanks again Warren, always improving my mixes. What's your opinion on tracking with outboard gear (comps etc) It's the only time I can make sense of using it as mixing itb is way more versatile and recallable for me.

[@Producelikeapro]

Marvellous question! I love being able to use hardware going in! Mixing in-the-box is amazing!

[@musicting2767]

Produce Like A Pro thanks for the reply! I have another question that crossed my mind whilst daydreaming yesterday. Theoretically, should we high and low pass everything at the extreme borders of the human hearing range to remove and Infinite amount of 'clutter' that is clogging up our mixes and we don't even realise? Or does it not exist past a certain point?

[@Producelikeapro]

That's an incredibly interesting question! With high end there is a thought that even though you can't hear ultra highs they help the way we perceive high frequencies below them. Gentle passing allows space in our mixes.

[@LetMeDieLord]

Hey Warren, great as ever! I did a little experiment, to find out what a kick drum sounds like below 30Hz or so. I compared a waves REQ2 HiCut Filter to the one in a Presonus ProEQ. I set both to the steepest possible slope at about 45Hz. The difference is shocking! The REQ still lets LOTS of Mids through, while on the Presonus ProEQ, you really only hear rumble any more.. Any thoughts on that? Thank you ever so much for your channel. It's insanely good.

[@TransverseAudio]

Great tips! Don't you mix in mono? I've heard it's one of the most important things to do.

[@Producelikeapro]

Marvellous question! Interesting! Every mixer I know references in Mono to check for phase issues etc, but no one I know actually mixes in Mono unless they are going to keep it in Mono.

[@TransverseAudio]

Thanks for getting back to me, Warren! I focus more on composition and sound design, so my mixing/mastering knowledge isn't top notch.

[@Producelikeapro]

That's ok! You're asking great questions my friend!

[@stephenzeagman9985]

Hi Warren, great video! How do you know where the fundamental of a signal is for each instrument, is there a website you know of that goes over the fundamental frequency of numerous instruments or is this something you acquire with lots of practice on many instruments? Thanks

[@CaseyJust]

Steve Zeagman it depends on what note the instrument is playing. Here is a good place to start. goo.gl/images/ADnyqM

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Steve, yes, great question! I will definitely do a video on that very soon!

[@MrAmbisonic]

Hummm build up is a terrible thing !!! Excellent high pass/low cut advise 🤘🏾 Thanks

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Keith! Yes! You are most correct my friend!!

[@jonasbambrough1790]

Your intro theme has become Pavlovian for me

[@Producelikeapro]

Stand away from the equipment!!! kidding haha! Thank you!

[@octopusonfire100]

Hi Warren! I see you use Addictive drums (probably addictive trigger as well?) and have a stereo print of the kick sample. Is it because you included the OH/Room part of the sample? Do you usually print the OH/Room with the sample, or maybe print it to a different track/not print at all?

[@Producelikeapro]

Great question! Yes, I often print the room in, in this mix I believe it's fairly dry.

[@nathanleebieber4693]

"you are removing the balls of your mix" had me dying Warren

[@Producelikeapro]

Hahahah thanks Nathan!

[@santinhoww]

Hey Warren! Do you often automate sends or effects directly? Have a marvelous day!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Santim marvellous question! Yes! I love automating my sends and effects!

[@darlenesheffield9835]

Real HIGH PASSING info!! Yes!! Haha

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Darlene!

[@StuartHetzler]

i've never really automated my plugins before. Are you just automating the sends, wet/dry?

[@Producelikeapro]

It really depends my friend on what I'm trying to achieve!

[@miasampaoli7587]

Thank you thank you THANK YOU! There is a successful click bait video that confuses people so much!! Thank you for helping us Warren!! Muy Bueno!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Mia! That's very kind of you! Yes, I've heard from some of our wonderful community members theirs some Click Bait style videos on this issue. That's a shame! I prefer to be positive and support people! I stay away from the negativity! I am NOT an 'expert'! I'm still learning every day! I learn so much from everyone here!

[@andymusicyoutube]

hey Warren! one great audio engineer that works with russian famous artists said to me that when you high pass you remove in low register those harmonics that brings to the listeners goosebumps. what's your opinion about that?

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Andrey Gaiduk you definitely don’t want to remove low end from instruments that contain it as part of their fundamental signal! I know there’s a lot of confusing created by misleading information, however low end build up with rumble of AC etc is not going to make people’s hair stand up! Low end of a huge kick or bass of course could create excitement though!

[@fraytuck793]

Hey Warren, what's the name of the song?

[@BartBijvank]

Always love your video's! Thanks! But before everyone drops the 100 hz in the kick... if you need it, like in dance music, killing the low end of the bass with a side chained (short attack) multiband compressor is a better idea!;-)

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Bart, I would suggest pulling out 1-2 DB maximum to let the Bass breath! But yes, indeed, you can always sidechain it if you like!

[@Projacked1]

Reference yourself, very nice WH...I hardly do that ...strange... Thanks

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes! It's easy to forget!

[@acmeyakko]

Same solution, but I actually have the opposite problem with high mids. The more I listen, especially at high levels, the more the high mids start to sound harsh and the more I cut them in one way or another. The next day, everything is dull and needs to be brightened back up. I can actually start to tell as it is happening either by feeling or objectively (i.e. either everything sounds harsh, or I notice I'm doing things with EQ too often). I had the same problem as a gigging musician. Again, same solution, I need to step away or find some busy work to do in order to recover from the ear fatigue.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi acmeyakko I understand completely! With some monitors I used to own, like my old NS10’s I had a very similar response to you!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi acmeyakko I understand completely! With some monitors I used to own, like my old NS10’s I had a very similar response to you!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi acmeyakko I understand completely! With some monitors I used to own, like my old NS10’s I had a very similar response to you!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi acmeyakko I understand completely! With some monitors I used to own, like my old NS10’s I had a very similar response to you!

[@alekp6822]

Now that you mention ; ANDY ANDY we want ANDY in your show

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes! That would be amazing!!

[@DMHProductionsStudio]

As always great info Warren thanks again , and if you have time I'll have a video up later today of recording scratch drums over scratch guitar tracks check it out and my other videos and give feedback please and thanks

[@Producelikeapro]

Fantastic!! Great work my friend! Thanks for giving our community so much help!!

[@DMHProductionsStudio]

Produce Like A Pro Warren thank you so much for taking the time to respond and also looking at my channel I am forever a fan thanks for being down to earth and helping the little guys

[@Producelikeapro]

You are very kind my friend! Thanks ever so much!

[@AMB666]

I wonder, have you ever mixed an extreme metal record?

[@Producelikeapro]

Hmm I've definitely mixed Metal! Not sure how extreme you would call it! Haha

[@AMB666]

Produce Like A Pro That's cool. I hope you do more guitar tips in the future. Like getting those signature sounds for that specific song.

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, indeed! I definitely will!

[@TrevorRoper.]

TU^ 602 ;-)

[@hansonigor]

this is okay: short and strictly 'on business'

[@octopusonfire100]

Let's make some predictions: - References - Gain Staging - Know your gear/plugins - Use subtractive EQ most of the time. - Beware of checking phase Now, off to see the video and check out how off the mark I am. Thank you in advance, Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

Great predictions! I went with High Passing first because there's been such confusion about it and Mastering Engineers have been complaining about not being able to bring out the low end properly!

[@octopusonfire100]

Pretty much off the mark. This is why I love your advice. Cheers!

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha the first one was right my friend!!

[@Stratomacaster]

#1 Creating the right bottom end - It separates the men from the boys, the girls from the women, and for some special snowflakes, the Huey's from the Apache attack helicopters.

[@Producelikeapro]

Stratomacaster haha have a marvellous time recording and mixing!

[@thesoundresidence]

there's nothing always "always" in mixing...... neither is it a religious exercise.... Please don't fall into the big bag of "youtube how to this and how to that" channels...

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha However I myself always do these things, you don't have to my friend! I'm not a self proclaimed expert at all, I only share my personal experience! The guys who are telling you that you are doing it wrong aren't usually actually working in music at all! Thanks for the great cent Bredo!