Behind the Mix : The Unseen Struggles of a Mixing Engineer

In this "Behind the Mix," I'm laying it all out there - the highs, the lows, and the in-betweens of my journey as a mixing engineer. While the final tracks may sound seamless, getting there is anything but.
I'm talking about my personal emotional roller coaster during the mixing process.
The raw truth behind my mixes, from excitement to self-doubt.
A genuine look at my drafts, the feedback I received, and the choices I made along the way.
It's not always about nailing it on the first try or producing the most flawless mix right out of the gate. It's about the passion, the sleepless nights, the collaborations, and the unwavering dedication to bring a vision to life.
So, come with me on this journey as I pull back the curtain on what it really takes to be a mixing engineer. Remember, it's okay to stumble and face challenges; it's rising above them that truly defines us.
🔊 I'd love to hear about your experiences and challenges in the comments below. Let's create a space where we can be open, genuine, and supportive of each other's journeys!
Thanks to ‪@jaemesmusic‬ for the trust.
You can listen to "Cuándo Creces?" here : • Jaemes - ¿Cuándo Crece...
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[@2probeats]

Sharing this was personal and I hope it resonates. Have a similar experience or insight? Let's support each other's creative journeys. 🚀

[@DamianoMauro]

I have been subscribed to your channel for at least 3 years now, and in this video I noticed that you refer to ADHD. I would like to ask you a question that might be related to the topic of the video. I also have ADHD, but my problem is that I can't be consistent in anything. Instead I see that you really mix for a long time and it's really your passion and your job. Here I can't find that in anything I do. Even the passion for mixing is now gone, I'm not saying I don't like doing it, in fact if someone asks me to mix a song I'll gladly do it, but I feel that it's no longer the primary thing that makes me think 'I can't wait to get to the end of the day to do this'. In the video you say to keep practising, but it's really difficult. I could summarise the question as: how do you find that thing you like, you're passionate about it, and you never get tired of it having ADHD? How did you realise that mixing is your passion, job, and what you always want to do? Thanks dear, a hug ❤

[@2probeats]

The truth is that I always struggle to be consistent. Passion comes and goes but I have managed to build a halft decent discipline regarding everything I do. I haven’t found that one thing that I like yet. It’s a love/hate relationship with everything I do. 🙏🏻

[@daniellej3130]

I've been following you for years, and learned more from you than any other engineer. We definitely appreciate this side of the process being discussed. We all need that reminder to believe in the process even when we reach moment's where we question how much we believe in ourselves. I think this just added a sparked perspective for alot of your following, keep at it 2pro! You are a solid professional in and out bro!

[@EXTERMINADORJAVIER]

Was soll ich sagen, deine Ehrlichkeit und deine Worte haben für Gänsehaut gesorgt in wirklich positivem Sinne gemeint 🤩 Bist einen von den guten Menschen da draußen.

[@2probeats]

Thank you!

[@echoesandnoise]

Thank you for sharing your experience. This is the video we all needed.

[@2probeats]

Thank you. 💙

[@wdkbeats]

Rule no.1. NEVER SEND DRAFTS. Send the mix when you feel it's done. Take your time. 2-3 days should be enough to perfect it. Doing this got me to the point where the only revisions I do is when the artist asks i.e. "let's try to push up adlibs (or backing vocals) a bit". Things of that nature. That's it, mix done. If a client would send me a revisions list like in your example I'd write back: "I think I'm not the right guy for the job". Last time I got a list like that it was probably around 2012. Don't rush the mix.

[@TheUrbanistic]

It's about self-respect too, don't forget that You decide when the mix reaches the max point, and then you share with the client , and 1-2 max revisions is a fair balance ... If he wants more , you stop the interaction and block future work with such idiots ! Greets and Respect !

[@2probeats]

That’s something I have to change. It’s hard but I agree with you 🙏🏻

[@lebcaleb8692]

I understand you. I couldn't imagine at your level you could struggling with a mix. I thought over time you can mix a song in 1 hour like so many engineer out there. Thank you for sharing.

[@2probeats]

Haha. It never happens. 🤣

[@triplavine8582]

Needed this .. thank you! Think more engineers n creatives in general should highlight their lowlights … 💯💯

[@2probeats]

Totally agree!

[@DrMax0]

Finally! I stopped watching mixing tutorials because it did not reflect my real struggles. Bring it on man, much appreciated. Fei echt subber glasse!

[@2probeats]

True! Same here, people make it look easy. 😂 and that’s hard

[@Rookslife]

Probably the best most honest audio engineering video I have ever watched (and I have watched a lot). Thank you so much for making this. I think this well help so many people. How you described you're feelings at the start once you knew it could be a hit and you liked it was so accurate for me and I am only a really beginning amateur. The facts someone as good as you can struggle with a mix and need a lot of drafts gives me much more confidence to just keep going and improve!

[@2probeats]

Thank you. I believe we all struggle but we don’t have the energy to share that with others.

[@ReflektonRecords]

THIS. I do my own mixes and recently started working with another artist which brought to my attention how dull my mixes really were. I've recently started a deep dive on getting my sound on point but man this video hits cause I'm nowhere near your capabilities but i can imagine. Us artists have "That" sound in mind but lack the way of describing it to an engineer cause most of the time we are clueless what goes on behind the curtain. I wish you the best on this journey and hope we can come closer in this new age to close the disconnect on this topic! Thank You

[@ismaeletyl0]

Thanks, thanks, and thanks again for this video and for being one of the very few and extremely rare individuals who share such intimate and detailed experiences. I was absolutely amazed by this video, maybe because I've had very similar experiences (and evidently, I'll continue to have them:). Sometimes, personal pride only makes things worse. Receiving so many reviews from the artist and hearing that the majority of the mix is absolutely disliked is very frustrating. Especially if the artist lacks basic manners. I haven't always been able to keep my cool. This video is truly inspirational. Thanks again!

[@2probeats]

Thanks for the comment! I have learned not to take it personal and I actually like blunt feedbacks. It’s a hard video but I feel that sharing when I am vulnerable might help some people.

[@deezp91]

Final mix fire fasho fasho! well worth the 10 revises 👌🏼

[@2probeats]

🙌

[@darnello80able]

Best Channel 💯🔥🔥🔥

[@2probeats]

Thanks

[@imagensoundgambia8204]

Thank you for sharing this!

[@2probeats]

Cheers

[@RealCbase]

Thanks for sharing that! I think also the trust in you by the artist is a great thing, 10 revisions is really a lot! :-O I think the most artists say thank you and go with another engineer after so many revisions. I for one have gotten into the habit of asking the artist a lot of questions beforehand about where exactly he wants to go and ask for references. (realistic references that also fit the song). It has been shown that it is worthwhile to deal with it longer in advance, you will reach your goal much faster if you understand where the artist wants to go. Thanks again for these honest insights! All thje best from Germany, Sebastian

[@papitoredmusic2]

At least 3 references is a good starting point of which direction the artist is looking to take the mix. Also, not all genres are your forte and that's okay. Honesty and communication is key. This looks more on the Latin urban reggaeton side, mixing this is so specific to the genre. Vocals stacks across the stereo field have to be in your face.

[@2probeats]

10 revisions are a lot but at lesst half are for small things - some noise removal - slight volume automations plus 1 or 2 drafts were for switching some files. And you are right about taking time to discuss everything over with the artist. Cheers

[@LoveMeBack]

Thank you!!!

[@2probeats]

You're welcome!

[@gutshisalamanca1191]

Awesome man, thanks for sharing that!

[@2probeats]

Cheers

[@mixedbyrg5481]

Thanks! 🙏🏻✌🏻

[@2probeats]

You're welcome!

[@DrKaoliN]

What a gem! Thank you, for sharing this, it's very relatable. When I first mixed my own production, I went back and forth for a week until I gave up. Consistent practice, coupled with enjoying the experience of learning, going through trial and error are essential. Also, we need to trust our ears and stop second guessing ourselves.

[@2probeats]

True 🙏🏻

[@harveysoto]

Great video 🙏

[@2probeats]

Thank you 🙌

[@novacanevein809]

Thank you for sharing this. It feels refreshing to hear a high quality engineer be this vulnerable about their struggles…especially when most content creators who are engineers only present perfection. MUCH RESPECT 🫡

[@novacanevein809]

Also this is another example why you’re solidified as my go to engineer to watch on KZbin.

[@2probeats]

Thank you! That’s super frustrating for me too. Life is not perfect and we start to feel “broke” when all we see is others showchasing just perfection without any struggles.

[@CrossbeatsMusicProduction]

I (generally) like to stick with tools I know well when I'm working on something that's not mine. Great that you shared your experience, with this mix🔥💯

[@iron-bitz6860]

My best video ever from a pro . Thank you🙏🏾. This means a lot

[@2probeats]

You're very welcome!

[@jaymusik1235]

Thanks bro

[@strichcodekind5705]

i really love you for sharing your "mistakes" and complications. i do know the struggle when im mixing for my friends - two of them are specifically picky about their vision :D glad to see, that people who make a living from music, also wont send out "rev_1_FINAL[for_now] " to the client and the jobs done c: keep on going with your amazing work and pls [if you want to] share more of the "darker" side of this topic :)

[@2probeats]

Thanks man! I really appreciate the support

[@AttamanKing]

Thanks for share bro, I can relate even been just 3 years doing that, every service I get a little nervous and after this video I realized that is natural for some people like you me and others too feel like this and deal with is always the best advice, no matter how hard it can be, never give up and run it till the end!! Cheers! Btw, nice poetics words!!

[@2probeats]

I appreciate that

[@EDog]

You are the realist in the game ! thank you for your transparency !

[@2probeats]

I appreciate that!

[@davidrotimi]

It's great to see that everyone goes through this! The revision stage of mixing can be very scary/frustrating especially when communication isn't the smoothest. Thank you for sharing!

[@2probeats]

It really is!

[@deewillofficial]

Good take. Thanks

[@2probeats]

Thanks!

[@hip_hopwar8844]

🔥✨

[@2probeats]

🙏🏻

[@gabrielthesingingpilot]

Thanks for sharing your story! I mix my vocals to a mastered instrumental and constantly struggle. But I enjoy the little improvements I make each time i learn something new from engineers like you sharing your years of wisdom and knowledge for free. So thank you ! Subd 😊

[@2probeats]

Glad it was helpful!

[@FLAVMEDIA]

Great Video:))

[@2probeats]

Thanks!

[@austinmsisya4897]

I experience this a lot and it made me feel like to quit.Thanx for the video

[@2probeats]

Sorry to hear that

[@KrishnaprasadPKD]

❤️

[@2probeats]

🙏🏻

[@DariuszBlasi]

worst part of the process is that artists give you feedback that they don't understand themselves :D They can even have problems differentiating reverb from delay....they say "robotic" but still want robotic autotune :DThey say "transients" but they just mean "loudness" etc.

[@2probeats]

Yeah, but that’s part of the job. As a freelancer you need some great communication skills. But sometimes it takes time and patience.

[@blaqyung8393]

2ProBeats .....2theWorld💥💥💥 Inspiring one.....!!! 10 draft's Gad I thought it was the only...one, frustrated cause I got all this information about mixing but still can't right from the jump. Thank u...... Pro

[@2probeats]

💯

[@InaktiverUser]

can do a video on the vocal chain explicit for this vocal u mixed for Jaemes - Cuándo Creces ? would be awesome to see how you achieve that thick warm sound

[@2probeats]

Will have a mix breakdown soon. Cheers

[@nethercords]

working on my own mixes is hard enough, because i have to constantly gauge my progress never quite knowing where the finish line is. for the past 10 years of producing there has never been a finish line, only one continuous body of work. i can imagine delivering results for a client can be just as difficult if not more so. i think the trick is to get out of our own way and continue the journey.

[@2probeats]

It’s not an easy job but it has amazing parts 🙏🏻

[@legeneralmusic]

I have the same issues with reggaeton songs for artists , some if artists dont have the money AT right moment so they try to have Time sometimes to have the money to pay you it's the part of the bizz. I like your point of view and WE are just the mixing engineer the artists have something in the head that want to be on their music WE have to do it and sometimes WE have to remove our convictions .

[@2probeats]

For sure! I remove my ego from a mix even if it feels weird

[@astiginrecordsofficial2763]

Sometimes the main problem is artist not your mixing and mastering bradah😁🤟✌️

[@momoflows1923]

Remember no matter how you think about it the artist is always right, it is their song

[@2probeats]

I have no problem with no artist 😂. I believe I have to do everything for the song.

[@chadywunna]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥.... Did u mix this in the Box or did u mix hybrid???

[@kaisersoze9488]

I actually heard the mix in my studio and you are right the mix really sucked no low end, no punch on the kick, clashing frequencies, over compressed and you got lucky that the customer liked the last mix because it was no were near ready, is not the gear is the ear, and there's 3 techniques to achieve a good low end remember a little goes a long way

[@Despotez]

Dunno, only thing i see here is a artist struggling with a mix. Not you, as one who does mixing for a living. SOOOO many artists have this shit vision of them selfs sounding like a Drake or Daddy yankee in their head and they expect you to make them sound that way. GTFO. You dude, know what you are doing en i found out that i became very insecure when my own decisions were put in question by people who have no idea what our craft is. So, you are doing fine, it's not you its them.

[@2probeats]

Thank you. You are right but this is a dance in two. 🙏🏻

[@babylittlebaby]

if eminem woud give you to mix master... it woud be hit... doesnt meette r how good you are as a mixer... the song is what metters... sicret to you

[@2probeats]

That’s 100% true.

[@therealarrogant1725]

Too much mids in the the first mix

[@2probeats]

Too much and too little of everything 😂

[@oompapompaa6543]

One of my biggest problems lately is CPU related. My computer has 16gb ram and its inteli7. Is this common?