Can Mixing on AIRPODS Actually Make Your Mix BETTER?

[@codycreepcore]

The best part of this video is watching someone else using a reference and seeing what they hear and what decisions they would make from what we both hear.

[@robnagelhoutmusic]

I remember years ago (even before the AirPods) an engineer buddy of mine saying the apple earbuds are the new ns10s, and I think that's proven to be pretty spot on. I always reference on them and it's super helpful.

[@Classical1-17]

Really?

[@wearetulip]

One thing I’ve learned over the years mixing on headphones is that it actually does help with stereo image if you know what you’re listening for. Like it’s easier for me to tell if there’s too much 500hz in LR guitars on headphones cuz the guitars feel like they’re poking into my ears, snare almost feels tilted forward when the EQ balance is correct - that kinda thing. Like Jordan says, overall level balance is sometimes easier to get right on monitors but I always find more cleanup on my headphones than I hear initially on the NS10s.

[@MasTerSn1p3r]

Yesss. Headphones are great for creating a spatial image in the mix. EQing left and right guitars or keys differently, for example. It helps to get a really precise, clean mix too. Overall level balance is a good point though; I could see monitors being a better solution for that. I like to turn them way down until I can barely hear the quietest element of the mix, and then bring everything to a level that sounds good around it. This might be trickier to achieve on headphones. But I think headphones are perfectly fine to mix on 85-90% of the time.

[@billybatesmusic]

Did a mixed a release on apple headphones, and was very surprised by the positive feedback I got on the mix. It sounded good to me, sounded good on the monitors after I mixed it.

[@MasTerSn1p3r]

Agreed. Both of my releases so far were mixed on headphones, and I have gotten positive feedback as well. I don't see a problem with it, as long as you know what you're listening for.

[@danielbrown1724]

I literally just discovered what a huge help these AirPods are for mixing and referencing levels. My Yamaha HS7's have been turned off for the entire mix down of my current Synthwave track.

[@djdanger9812]

I always begin a mix in headphones and finish on my monitors. I find hearing compression easier in headphones and it helps with panning to set an even stereo field.

[@ivomatic13]

I check and mix sometimes on airpods. I also listen to other music on airpods while I work, run, go for a walk so I know them pretty well, I think that is key!

[@dodo13500]

Same!

[@marcmeier1504]

Finally a video like this! I love producing and mixing with Airpods because you can actually hear what you are doing. Mixing only with speakers would be a nightmare for me. Of course, you have to check the mix on different systems (monitors, car, laptop...), but starting with Airpods is the way to go in my opinion.

[@GCrozariol]

I've been mixing around 60% of the time on my AirPods. My studio monitors are just for refinement, and that's it. And honestly, my mixes have never been better!

[@bigkidband911]

I found that Metric A/B is a great main buss plugin for both audible and visual mix referencing. The 1/3 octave spec an is really helpful in getting you into the ballpark of a pro level mix.

[@TrevorWesleyOfficial]

For sure! I use that thing everyday! lol Great references are so key!

[@dirkbrouns5293]

Agreed - could not mix without that plugin anymore.

[@dareomisore7883]

Yesssss !!!! Metric AB on every single session !!!

[@bhosterman]

About 12 years ago I ditched my studio monitors and used some Yamaha home stereo speakers I bought in the 90s from Dillard's, back when they sold electronics... and powered them with a basic Panasonic receiver with the treble and bass turned up almost all the way and mixed that way. I was so tired of taking mixes to my car only to hear wildly out of whack lows and highs that my studio monitors weren't communicating to my ears. This took my mixes to a whole new level. Everywhere I took my mixes, I found that it just worked. Or at the very least they sounded the same everywhere. I'm back on studio monitors after a long recording hiatus, Yamaha HS5s, and I'm considering pulling out the old Yamahas again. I just can't see the advantage of mixing on speakers that don't sound like everyday speakers. I also immediately check my mixes on my air pods, and I spot many of the same issues. Too much bass and brittle highs. The Air Pods can't handle too much low end and will quickly tell you if you're out of spec. I also tried mixing with my live in ear monitors recently and that seemed to work pretty well. I have a house full of kids and a wife that gets annoyed easily if I mix at necessary volumes, so I haven't really given the new Yamahas a chance at normal to loud volumes. I'm loving your videos!

[@helzmusic]

It's nice to have someone take the time to try it out. Related to that, the overheads in the reference are a little darker. I have to admit, I always do my eq boosts according to the airpods. because when I do low end boost on my monitors, it always sounds there was a rumble, but on airpods it stays weak. since I know this, I believe that we should hear some things differently than they really are. we should always recheck from the listener perspective. ✌🏻

[@ChrisTondreau]

I'd be curious if you'd have a similar result if you started the mix from scratch though? You started with what was a finished mix and then continued to make improvements. Structurally, the "hard parts" of the mix were done already.

[@vincentaugustus2748]

It’s nutty how good you are at implementing your tools to recreate a mix balance.

[@kyleritter3074]

Completely agree it sounds better. I suspect its from the mid range addition. Love mids. And you can get louder mixes that way.

[@boonie2006]

As soon as you played Put the knife away.. I immediately listened to every word you said! Man I love that fucking album!

[@rockboy360]

I mixed on consumer headphones for 5 years! It took me ages to finish my mixes but my results were good regardless.

[@Ou_vision]

Tell me about it 😩

[@berachahmedia3859]

I still struggling to get good mix.. I started mixing on 2020.

[@MasTerSn1p3r]

Very noticeably bigger and fuller. I think one big reason mixing in headphones can be helpful is that you tend to be more particular and precise with your mix decisions. It forces you to be more careful and intentional, at least from my experience.

[@vektacular]

I use a set of the old Apple ear buds that still have the chord….works awesome!

[@kellykellerstein-meatchamb5361]

Sounds better. Dont forget your extra experience since the original mix is incorporated also.

[@michaelshreve6455]

The new mix is fuller and more polished sounding. Hard to match the mids on the vocals because of two different tonal qualities between the reference track singer and your mix’s singer. Very good result!!

[@frankboelens7168]

I personally liked your mix more than the reference track… 😅 The reference track sounds very bouncy in Compression and like there is a boost around 600/1000Hz

[@ghastlyshimmer]

The new mix sounds so full. Really cool

[@AndrewRaia]

Would love to get your take on VSX, been a game changer for many people.

[@ast4127]

Your a really good mixer! Something that I have been noticing lately is two things. 1. A good ”old fashion” mix where low mids are great, still sound better in airpods and laptop speakers even if I hear that the small speakers are being a bit ”challenged” - I think it adds to the excitement. 2. A mix that is ADAPTED or ”safe” on small speakers really needs great care to not sound BORING. Especially EDM. There is nothing worse to my ear then playing a mix on bigger speakers and hearing this hollow low mids and bass that has been sort of dissaproved because it ”wont work on consumer earpods anyway” My 2 cents.

[@TrevorWesleyOfficial]

Love your simplistic approach man. I agree 100% whether it's speakers or your room etc... what matters most is that you KNOW what great mixes should sound like through them... I just got a Avantone mono speaker to switch from my dynaudios and it;s super mid rangy which is cool similarly to the NS10s. I gotta get use to it and hear a lot more records through it but so far I prefer just using it to check how the low and mids translate but I don't find myself making decisions through it yet especially messing with any super highs or super lows. I'll have to give my airpod pros a try too! ha

[@Axeltab]

The original mix, for me sound better overall, more polished with definition. The new version sound obviously more full on the midrange, but maybe lack a bit of sparkle? (The Zakk production to my not expert ears seems to be a little overcompressed) However both awesome mixes as ever! Ciao Jordan!

[@h.p.dominocus]

After I go between my KRK Rokits or sometimes Kali monitors, and beyerdynamic headphones, my last step is always making sure the mix still sounds good in apple earbuds and car stereo.

[@MelomanTheNerd]

Great video! Your quick re-mix feels fuller I must admit I was a little weary of Cervini claiming he "mixes 95% to 100% on HP's and 70% on Apple AirPods". It seems like a dangerous game to play given how easily HP's/AP's tire the ears out, but it seems the low-mid/mid range is a bit easier to realize with a ref mix on AirPods. I'm hearing some side-chaining of the OH's against the kick in some areas on Zakk's Mix

[@MelomanTheNerd]

I’m also hearing some 600-800hz sucked out of the guitars on Cervini’s mix so that he might be pushing that up on the OH’s. Perhaps some M/S on stereo bus, as well.

[@GregorPQ]

Zakk also has far more stereo spread. Great video.

[@hoxseymusic]

great video, I always test a mix with through the phone speaker and then ear buds then end with a car test. Thats where most people listen to the music.

[@Username_Invalid]

New mix sounds great. With earbuds it is easy to make the mix too hot and squashed sounding so I definitely feel short doses for earbuds have some benefits as long as you go back and forth with speakers, regular headphones, and ear buds.

[@MasTerSn1p3r]

True, it's easier to get a mix "wrong" on headphones but I think that is part of why they can help achieve better mixes. You just have to make it that much better, translation wise, for it to sound good. And that will improve the overall mix quality. Honestly, as long as you finalize with a car test and/or room test in an environment you're used to, I personally think mixing in headphones most of the time is just fine.

[@cliveburgess4128]

I have found over the last few years I can only mix on headphones, I'm old and don't like to work loud enough to drive the monitors perhaps? I immediately hear things on phones I miss in speakers, I can't hear anything over about 14k, doesn't help, thanks for doing this, I have been thinking of getting some for reference, much appreciated!

[@ashtaylor5236]

Yeah sounds better. I recently got the wired ones. Helping with low end and transient details in general.

[@lukeGGlee]

The adptr streamline plugin is good for referencing and comparing levels as well as having the codec options built in to hear what it’s sound like

[@Mr_Audio]

I love how you use your own plugins!

[@alessandrosummer]

Yeah I mix a lot on Airpods and they are great since I end up spending maybe even an hour each day listening to music I love on these. I think that it's also worth checking the mix on Airpods connected to the phone since the result can vary a bit. That's what I learned from listening to a mix of mine while going to the university

[@sickmessiah]

I’ve been using Sony 1000xm2’s for years. Along with hs8’s in a treated room.

[@GaunCochran]

Dude your mix sounds better to my ears!

[@DJ-Ophidian]

Same here.

[@MrMikusha]

I tried airpods pro on my mix and was surprised by amount of artifacts I had on my low end, then started to mix ont them more and more and I have improve my mixes. Just looked ont the net of someone else using them for mixing and found this video.

[@SilvioGazquez]

I remember you streamed the mix for that song in real time back in 2019. After that I bought your mixing course. It'd be great if you do that again someday

[@rickard.eriksson]

Smart! Since the airopods suck with mix, you can get a stereo feeling of what the listener hear through speakers.

[@sheep7255]

The best reason I can see to use these types of headphones/earphones is to get a more realistic view on the music, hearing what's likely to be what most other hear.

[@rome8180]

I'll have to try this. I can't stand earbuds and I don't know why anyone would voluntarily use them. But I'll put up with a little discomfort if it helps my mix.

[@ottomlgaardjakobsen3542]

Hey Jordan. Thanks for the ever amazing content! Do you have a video or guide on how to setup the AirPods in Pro Tools 2024 the way you do it? How are you routing your audio and channels to your airpods so you can listen back thru your master fader so easily? I run my sessions with an Apollo interface - dunno if that makes a difference? Best regards Otto

[@isaacleedrums]

Holy shit I can’t call leave how much your mix improved when you took the high-end off the snare

[@theriffdjenerator2213]

Generally using in ears might be beneficial to cross check as that's how many do listen but not "Airpods" specifically. There are many Bluetooth in ears out there with Apple's variant being adequate but certainly not the best.

[@lydfar2392]

Could also be, it was time to get a second set of speakers, with a broader frequency range then the NS-10's? Seems like you are finally hearing some the missing frequencys on the Airpod's?

[@senseiofsong]

While I cant really hear the difference because I am watching uour video on Android, I get the concept. I have been mixing on my Logitech PC speakers for a few years, then jump to headphones, then back, then export to MP3 from Cubase and play it via Bluetooth in the truck. I don't even use my KRK or Genelec monitors anymore.

[@hardcoremusicstudio]

Grab your free Mixing Cheatsheet to learn the go-to starting points for EQ and compression in heavy mixes: hardcoremusicstudio.com/mixcheatsheet

[@allieboy181]

Site does not work

[@Fire-Toolz]

even from the beginning i really didn't like that goldfinger mix. it's so boxy. there's some kind of weird resonance around like 600-800 somewhere. yours sounds so much nicer in headphones and through my monitors.

[@samtheman233]

very cool! listening on my NS-10s that reference has a LOT of mid range to it. I enjoyed the sonics of your mix compared to it

[@GrandNebSmada]

85% of my mixes are done on a pair or Bose QC25's turned on. Turning them on is SUPER important because the low end is extremely flat in comparison to other closed back headphones and the top end is also not nearly as extreme. I've owned a pair for over 10 years and so other than my car it's the listening tool that I know the best but I guarantee they are great for mixing on. The biggest reason I go out to my car is actually about making sure specifically the drums are not to loud or quiet because I'm able to turn my car radio up to the point that I can feel the lower frequencies in my chest which for some reason is the only way I can truly accurately judge the levels.

[@stevelibby3]

AirPod Pro coupled with ADPTR Metric AB is my go-to… works great

[@pianissimo369]

What's ADPTR metric AB?

[@EthanRom]

I use airpods a lot for checking panning, sibilance and leveling

[@milanpolak]

What AirPods are you using? Normally, I'd assume you have the pro models but given the fact that most people can probably only afford the regular ones it would make more sense to do this with the regular AirPods if you want to listen to the exact same outcome most other people are hearing.

[@RocknRollkat]

I've been checking blends on crappy speakers for decades. All the old timers do. We just don't talk about it. I blend on custom built speakers (similar to Altec "Reds"), check on cans, then cheesy intercom speakers. Another technique form the 1960s was to build a 100 mW. A.M. transmitter (we could actually BUILD stuff), then check the mix in our cars in the parking lot. No kidding. Bill P.

[@PacifierMusic]

While other sponsored creators are pushing Atmos and 34 speaker setups to appease online retailers. All we really need is headphones to mix a good song. I love it

[@drummerdramah]

Great video. Both songs sound great! Jordan opting for 60Hz hiss from the CLA-76 on the overheads was kind'uva surprise to me.

[@firstarcanist4952]

He always leaves it on the 60 Hz. When I do that the hiss adds up and starts taking away from the mix, but he never seems to have that problem, never knew why

[@nikolamijic]

You mix like a god :D and there's so much plugins in the project?! what kind of a computer are running there, is it a native setup?

[@seanmakessound]

For working remotely, this setup is extremely powerful!

[@CoreyParkison]

Super cool video! I enjoyed having a solid reference track against your A/B while watching this. It's hard to get a reference point in a lot of YT videos. I'd love to see more like this. Awesome stuff, as always sir!

[@Dakarimusic]

Dude, have you considered testing Slate VSX? Would be interesting to hear what you think!

[@RosewoodMahogany]

You need to mix on receivers gear of the listener. Logical actually!

[@ernieg]

How do you connect the AirPods to protools? Can you show me that?

[@platon3214]

You’re mix sounded way better than the reference!

[@Gregypo085]

I'm curious how much you implemented using the Airpods for mixing/referencing. Do you find you mix with them more often now?

[@stigaar]

Hi! Are these AirPods 2.gen? Great videos!

[@chriskreutz1442]

I think your mix with the high mids sounds like it fits the singers voice better. The reference track sounds like it fits the other singers voice better with the lower mids

[@whosyabobby]

Air pods are the new NS10s.

[@vinnitheratcatcher]

I hope this isn't a stupid question, How do you actually get the output from your audio system into the Airpods etc ? I would like to give this a try myself.

[@saychance3686]

bluetooth as usual. change output settings in the settings on your computer

[@mansosound]

Bring your session on a laptop and plug it on the aux of car stereo? Btw been thinking for years to hack a mono phone and check right away on them instead of one of those silly plugins. Great content maaan. 🤨

[@maraudermusic2714]

Listening on DT-990s, initially hearing the Zak mix A/B with yours, your mix was hands down more to my liking.Zak's mix has what I think some folks call "anxiety" freqs, there is a harsh uptight band of freqs that makes it not nice to listen to IMO. Was a nice experiment but please keep doing what you already were doing! I liked the original mix better, it was a bit lower in volume but smoother and fuller to me.

[@adementedproduction]

All you need to really do to mix is know your system freq very well. If you mix on headphone, eventually you'll recognize it's faults and then you compensate, reference then compensate. . Slate VSX proves this in many factors.. This is why pros move from one reference to another..

[@floere]

Hey man whats the artist and song called? Greetings from Germany

[@FATH.guitarra]

Name of the song ? Its really good??

[@neilduty8448]

Thanks for talking sense my friend

[@mikemeengs5720]

This is an interesting subject. I have a good monitoring setup, but can't take full advantage of them in my small apartment. My DT 770 Pros have been a godsend! Again, the key is listening with them a LOT and knowing how they sound. Just like speakers, actually!

[@iamchillytoy]

This video reminded me that I need to use reference tracks more often. Thanks! 🙏

[@davejohnsonmusic]

Yes, but don't use them like he is for this example. Generally, you just want to throw on the reference briefly in the beginning, 2/3 and at the very end. However, pay attention to the things he's listening for between the two mixes. That is the biggest takeaway.

[@mickjames7962]

But did you make the choices you made because of the ear buds or because of the reference track?

[@marudelel]

that's funny I mix most of my stuff on AirPods and mastering engineers always tell me how great my mixes are and I am afraid they find out its made on AirPods Pro 2nd gen (which are a beast btw)

[@EsQuizzyMusic]

Jordan, I’ve learned so much from you - you have a way of simplifying things for me that would otherwise keep on confusing. Thanks for this encouragement. =)

[@SabatierBeats]

This video has been a gamechanger for me personally. I had always mixed on my beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO's and then the mix would sound like absolute dog shit on my phone, car, soundbar you name it. Using this method in the video, everything sounds a million percent better. Like others have said, wouldn't make major song decisions on anything with them, but the airpods are extremely helpful in the mixing process.

[@sbanville4761]

Can you describe how you did the routing to get the output from Prol Tools to your Mac ?

[@em8969]

Excellent video, such golden advice

[@petitepyromaniac]

Great video Jordan! I loved seeing how you used the reference track and the results were quite amazing. Can you also share the name of the artist? I want to check more of their songs out. Thanks again!

[@mika461983]

I also had an idea to mix in my car)

[@rockboy360]

that's a lot better

[@boonie2006]

I’ve done this before… was great except my laptop lasts about 10 minutes when it’s not plugged in 😫

[@kaiulrich6185]

Same here

[@sonymicronin]

@@boonie2006get your self one of those car plugs that plugs into the car socket and has a extended for regular wall plugs. They cheap and work perfectly fine. Just keep your car running or it’ll drain your battery and you’ll need a jump start lol

[@RenanBEreanSound]

how do you connect airpods with your interface output?

[@castleultra1082]

Your mix actually sounds better than the reference track in my opinion haha both however sound awesome! 🤘🏽

[@shabnamekhoshhal]

anything that is good for hearing great mixes is great for doing good mixes, and a good mix is a lot about clarity and less about loudness and fullness, I think even though you used reference track, and used very much more than just earpods (I mean unconsciously from memory ) I still prefer orginal.

[@christiankremo]

Do you need to set up an Aggregate audio first to do this?

[@seanriley9045]

Great video, Jordan!

[@noloveluciano9195]

Had a question in regards to getting rid of harsh high frequencies in my screams without removing too much. I’m using a Neumann tlm 104

[@hardcoremusicstudio]

Try a tape saturation plugin first in the chain to smooth the highs... but I think the mic choice is what's creating the harshness. Sell it and get an SM7b

[@robjohnson5829]

Do you use a gate on your drum tracks? If so, do you think you’ll do a video on it? I don’t know whether or not to use a gate on my drum tracks as I’ve heard on various forums that the cymbal bleed from the various drum mics can make the overall drum set sound “better”. Thoughts?

[@JacklegEnterprise]

Oh I hope he answers you and does the video. I use a gate on snare, toms, kick.

[@Fexiheit]

Yes he uses gates on all drum shells :)

[@ZimmermanTube]

How did you connect airpods to your interface?

[@lylaznboi01]

I like the new mix better. Realisitically, I feel like people can mix on any headphones, speakers, or whatever, regardless of what room situation you have as long as you reference and mixing at a more conversational volume. I remember taking audio classes at my local community college and they always say you should never mix on headphones or ear buds. The reasoning I don't remember, but obviously, if the pros can do it, so can you as long as you reference.

[@MasTerSn1p3r]

Audio classes will give you quite a bit of misinformation about what you should and shouldn't do (as someone who went to a four-year program for this). There are so many "rules" surrounding mixing, and most of them are pretty much bogus especially nowadays with the advancements in technology. Jordan has said similar things in some videos-for example, he pointed out that a lot of old pros will tell you not to boost or cut more than like 3dB but he says there's literally nothing wrong with it and he does it all the time. In my opinion, if it sounds good it is good (just make sure you check your final mix in multiple environments before calling it good... translation is essential)

[@iseeu-fp9po]

@@MasTerSn1p3r What was the reasoning behind "the +/- 3 dB"-rule?

[@zacharydefosse4965]

@@iseeu-fp9po there was some validity to certain mixing tips like that back when everything was analog. Not exactly sure why though. I think J has a video that goes into a lot of detail about this topic

[@iseeu-fp9po]

@@zacharydefosse4965 Ok, thanks.

[@mjk9833]

Whats the song and band called?

[@snowandcoal]

Bass has way more thick low mids on REF track.

[@billyhughes9776]

Great idea for a video Jordan. I agree, after the tweaks you made to the original mix it did like the sound bit fuller and a bit better, but, I still think your original mix sounds good as well. The Goldfinger song you referenced (I went and listened to it after watching this) -- the elements in it all sounded a bit different,...especially IMO, the guitars. To my ears, more of a boxy midrange almost like a distortion pedal straight in. It works for the song but, not my favorite type of guitar tone.

[@lastcall9998]

Seeking pillow! Through my long storm! (I don't know what that means but great song).