How To Mix 80's Music

Discord: / discord
In this tutorial I cover how to mix 80's, retro, funk, synthwave, boogie music. In it I cover topics like sidechain compression, EQ, reverb, saturation, and more. We cover how to mix with a hybrid style of 80s and modern techniques.
I'm using FL Studio, however any workstation will do. So if you use Ableton, Reason, Logic, Studio One, and so on there will be no issues following along.
Watch "How to make awesome synthwave / 80s drums.": • How to make awesome sy...
Watch "How to write 80's Funk & Boogie music.": • How to write 80's Funk...
Social Media
Instagram: / elianadangelo
Twitter: / thenecrofunk
Soundcloud: / necrofunk

[@jaydiggsmusic]

Love this tutorial, and the track is 🔥

[@ElianaDAngelo]

Thanks fam! Means a lot. 😎😎😎

[@woz3018]

​@@ElianaDAngelo @jaydiggs how do you guys hadle the huge dynamic subby low end of a linn drum or DMX kick in terms of tonal balance/crest level 20-200Hz?Those Kicks drums tend to be so dynamic. But my question is: Considering tuning your kick on the root or 5 note of your songs key...how do you make room for the sub bass without sacrificing too much of your kicks low end and be left with nothing but the punchy rest of it?

[@woz3018]

Look at the Synthbass of 24k magic or most the APX stuff. Jay did it too I think.... How do I let the Bass win over the kick without loosing controll over my dynamics? I noticed tracks like that make a lot of space in the 100-250Hz area to justify that huge lows. But when I do that I lose so much punch that I need to translate that smack of my drum bus on the other hand...

[@ElianaDAngelo]

@@woz3018 not to be short but that is the point of the tutorial and using sidechain the way I did. Literally just sidechain the kick to the sub and it instantly solves that issue.

[@aj-beatsprodproduction4945]

jay, i love your work , your music is my inspiration . don't stop , keep up the good stuff. wish you success in your future

[@michaeldelacruz6370]

I'm honestly kind of speechless, every piece of advice here is given with good context and does make sense. And I feel I have actually learned more about the mindset of mixing electronic music.

[@ElianaDAngelo]

Im really happy to hear that. I want to give genuine advice that teach fundamentals. So many tutorials out there not doing that.

[@AutPen38]

Right when you started the track I thought "I love how clear the kick drum and bass are", so it was very cool that you explained your method for getting the kick to punch through. Lots of other '80s production tutorials on YT are let down by having a muddy bass area, or way too much sidechaining, causing that pumping effect which wasn't a thing in the '80s. This was very nicely done.

[@danvey2560]

That Evelyn Champagne King LP on your desk there! That's the shit!

[@ElianaDAngelo]

Its a great record. Big influence on me.

[@hip-hoprapstorage4440]

@@ElianaDAngelo Love Come Downnnnn

[@AkaTengu]

Was looking for this comment before even watching. Just to reinforce she’s serving up the good stuff 👌 Such an awesome channel!

[@ebutuoytm7560]

Great to see you back!

[@54LZ]

Awesome video, Eliana. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@Syst3mGlitchOfficial]

Phenomenal video. Start to finish. Putting some of this to use immediately

[@vj7248]

This seems like great mixing advice in general. Thank you!!!

[@lockkkpoppp5033]

U make such great tutorials and music! Hope for more

[@svec1000]

This is gold! Thank you for sharing your insights

[@lorddpablo9651]

I love this!! This was the fun music I was looking for

[@jonnkonstantine9660]

Great video. Lots of things to learn from it. Thank you for amazing videos :)

[@wheeljack210]

Sounds Excellent. Good Job.

[@kungpo9524]

This is absolute gold! Thank you for all the advice

[@EMAHGERD]

This is how a production video has to be done, enjoyed every second of it 👍

[@zeroexpresstoinfinity860]

lovely and very helpful. thank you for this!

[@kevindewinter8235]

Professional and very clear, enjoyed it!

[@justinking5245]

Fantastic tutorial, thank you. I was especially excited for the insight into your drum mixing. Your drums always sound incredible on these tuts.

[@skyyamaha]

What a gift of a video, I learned some details I've never heard before but make everything make more sense!! Really cool track too !!

[@sonnymoonlight]

the 80's tutorials you've put out have been so good. really appreciate it

[@a.m.m.4592]

The dynamics on this track are so dope.

[@thebarbaryghostsf]

Nice to have you back

[@lazynorse5607]

Just stumbled here and love it. Fantastic job, you're one of the few to describe why you make a mixing decision, what you're trying to accomplish and how it does so.

[@Perkunas1564]

Very good tutorial,well covered.

[@rajerel9684]

this channel just offers informative tutorial after another. 11/10

[@hemayetkabir1331]

You are simply great. I have to follow all your tutorials. Love the way you presented. God bless and Merry Christmas.

[@Melmoth]

Great tutorial! Very clear and to the concepts. More of this going in depth with drums/bass/synths/reverbs would be amazing! Thank you a lot Eliana, very helpful info and great sounding material ;O)

[@arturbomert9877]

This video is stunning! Helpful as f#. You are amazing. And Evelyn on the desk also...

[@djGreenALERT]

I'm so pleased I've found this channel. Mixing 80's style drums over a typical 80's DJ Set has always been a nemesis for me. Hopefully by using this technique with side-chaining I may finally be able to crack it. Thank you ever so much for uploading this Eliana.

[@DRIFT98]

YOU ARE AMAZING, im learning sooooo much sz

[@vigilantestylez]

Excellent video! One of the best I've seen on KZbin. I love the way you explain everything. I do a lot of these techniques with channel strip plugins to save cpu plus I dig the SSL color to music. You really nailed this mix! Yes filtering is a must on all sounds. I've subbed. Beat is fire too! 🔥🔥🔥

[@LucaMusicBeats]

Damn.. so cool song and the retro vibes👍🏼👍🏼❤❤🔥🔥. Retro comopositio, great idea! Thank you for your work and respect from germany. I love the 70's and 80's 😅😅

[@EthanFilms]

Omg yes 😭 effin LOVE it!! That talkbox slaps!!

[@MSuperProducer]

Dope sis!!! I came to your page because I have to mix an 80s electric Album and I wanted ideas... THANK FOR THIS!!!

[@bestdisco1979]

Very good tune. Amazing

[@nicholasmarch3286]

Ya you’re fire. Mix sounds great. I love making these old school funk and disco tracks too I just wish there was more of a market for it or people who wanna sing over records like this still. Love that you’re using VPROM too for the linn vibes. Keep it up

[@NeoGenMike]

Man this is going to help me a lot! Thanks for these.

[@ElianaDAngelo]

lolol mike

[@cornbone]

you're the first person I've seen talk about rolling off the highs!! I'm someone with extremely sensitive ears and I can't tell you how many times the high end in songs (especially the hihats) was so piercing I either couldn't listen to them, or had to lower the volume so much it ruined the experience of the rest of the song. that's such an important element of mixing in my opinion that I really don't see getting talked about! also this is such an excellent and helpful video as always

[@bigboss-qv7pe]

People will most of the time pick the brighter version. Get used to it.

[@Paul-ui6in]

This the video that i need! Thanks

[@regsounds22]

Such a solid video! Thank you

[@lush8515]

Best demonstration of Saturn so far

[@tenkyuumocs]

Ahhh. Gotta work rn, but as soon as I'm done, I'll watch this. Thank you!

[@thekaniack]

This was one of the most straight forward tutorials I've seen. Your analytical yet human approach at teaching your method really made applying these tequniques across any platform or daw logical and fun.

[@-LMND-]

I just wanted to say thank you so much for this video! I have watched countless videos on mixing and this one was just so helpful at explaining why things are done and not just how to do them. I truly appreciate you taking the time to make this video!

[@ElianaDAngelo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tylerzep24]

I've been particularly down on my mixing lately, going through a rough mental patch, low morale...that sort of thing. I stumbled on this video and just want to say you helped me get back on track! I took a track of mine I was deeply struggling with, did a full reset...and followed your conceptual approaches step by step, keeping in mind the things you are pointing out, particularly with the low end stuff (drums/bass). My mix is now feeling completely lucious and everything has a nice place. Still have some work to do but seriously, thank you SO much for this. 🙏

[@goldblatalex7516]

i rarely react to YT videos , but your videos are totally awesome with so much details and how this process need to be done. top notch work and explaining to others . Thank you very much Eliana! i sure will visit your channel often and subscribe it!

[@ElianaDAngelo]

You're very welcome!

[@pickyyeeter]

I'm one of those people in my early 40s who never wore earplugs when I was gigging regularly. I never stopped to think how it might be affecting my perception of mixes. Your teaching style is great. I love that you focus on why you're doing things more than the minutiae of what you're doing. Subscribing for sure

[@Kahnnias]

Oh definitely sounds worth watching ! Edit: Was worth it, thanks Eliana :)

[@ppoint432]

Such a sick boogie groove

[@ChrisCommisso]

Eliana, your mixes sound amazing! You’ve def got the funk! 🎹🎶🎧

[@ElianaDAngelo]

Thanks! I try to have the funk. I used to make EDM, its funny how much it is like funk to make

[@Callyourmother2787]

This was awesome !!!

[@HeadSynth]

Thanks for your insight on mixing really interesting! Might change how a Mix certain things!

[@therej5052]

Just found your channel and I'm a new producer for Synthwave music so this is all very helpful!

[@AlexLupoz]

Thank you, Lady! This help me a lot!

[@paulrenenichols]

Very inspiring ❤

[@funkmachine6420]

I make 80s funk amd you're teaching me a lot, thank you!

[@lxztbxy]

I will investigate this dischord but was already interested in being in a community of retro music 🤟🏽 nice

[@Chillnote]

Im happy that you are also using VProm like me haha, it sounds great

[@nicool1312]

thank you for your videos, this is very good content 👍

[@HeadSynth]

Thanks for your insight on mixing, really interesting! Might change how I Mix certain things!

[@ElianaDAngelo]

Definitely should! This is the modern and more streamlined way of mixing! Don't let the synthwave guys let you fall into the trap of outdated, antiquated mixing techniques nobody really uses anymore in the modern production environment

[@Langostagigante]

Thanks for the everything.

[@Gosurfdammit]

awesome awesome channel. Gooi hard!

[@rickhuntervrt]

thank you for this tutorial. youve given me much to look at with my own work. ive only had FL studios for a month made a few tracks friends n fam like. but i still have worlds to travel before i can get anywhere near as good as you. but your videos help thanks again!

[@ElianaDAngelo]

All takes practice! I'm at 16yrs and feel lile a beginner still.

[@rickhuntervrt]

@@ElianaDAngelo teaching ones self def takes practice lol

[@Jako8557]

A fantastic tutorial Eliana, thank you. I love your music and mixing philosophy, it sits really well with me. I will need to watch this video again to better understand how you set this up, especially the sidechain (perhaps you could consider doing a sidechain tutorial video).

[@ElianaDAngelo]

Thanks! Im glad you find my philosophy useful. Most of mixing is the basics anyways. A video on sidechain could be useful...

[@Jako8557]

@@ElianaDAngelo Yes, a sidechain video would be really great, but in the style you showed. There are many of the regular (pumping) sidechain video's around. I really liked the way you achieved the same result - or better (yours was certainly 'cleaner') - without the pumping effect on the sidechain. That was really great, I really liked that style, and no one else is showing that in their tutorials - well no one I follow anyway, and I did search for it after I watched your video, to see if there was more info on that style of sidechain around, and found none. I also appreciate the the way you set up the different buses on the mixer, it made good sense. I will have to work some more on doing something like that as well. Very well done. Thank you Eliana.

[@andrewmobley1818]

Absolutely brilliant Producer ! Eliana, you should be producing for other clients... PROFESSIONALLY !! You know your stuff. Your vidz are great !

[@Mastertronic76]

They make great tutorial videos, especially the drums sound amazing. Sincerely Mastertronic.

[@sammysparkbyxa]

THIS SHIT IS AWESOME !!!! Been looking for something like this for a looooong time !!!!!! Keeep makin the 80s tutorials !!!!!! Awesome song too! wanna hear the final version!!! How nice with the Evelynn Record behind there great one, I favor the next record what is it face to face , great production on that one !!!!!

[@kien9]

Such an awesome track, and the advice is really good. One thing id recommend is putting time stamps in the video for specific instruments (bass mixing, synths, drums etc) so it would be easier for people that only want to focus on one part.

[@ElianaDAngelo]

I really should do that. You are 100% correct there

[@197979jones]

Eliana is so good. Like just down to earth, clear, concise and talented.

[@peterpiogmx]

great professional channel !

[@Powerphail]

I cant lie. The track is off the fucking chain. Just found your channel, and wow, simply amazing advice and super clear explanations of everything. Thanks so much.

[@samrasta]

blessed to learn from u

[@brandonbayangos6261]

This is fire. Your room is also a vibe haha

[@ElianaDAngelo]

Wait till the next video its pink and white now

[@reereelization]

You are epic and amazing!!!! Thank you for sharing!!! 👍👍👍

[@iiidbeats]

joined the discord, thank you!

[@BluXi]

very interesting, ty !

[@IDigress]

Choon + great vid. Thanks!

[@niqulusviii987]

I've met producers and engineers of age who haven't heard the term "minimal" lol but hey Gaucho was a drum machine based album and there's not one touch of high pass filtering on that album an old practically zero channel processing. This is a great tutorial!!!

[@audiowavezofficial5910]

That bass is addictive

[@Foxx07]

Hot stuff 🔥 😉

[@ziggybeats]

Love it!

[@Skiroy]

Love to see a tutorial more in depth on using Saturn 2 for different sounds and what frequency range to saturate for each.

[@catigluzmann]

THANK YOUUU i needed so much this types of things because theres so much people doing modern mixing tutorials but i wanna sound like freaking 80s

[@ElianaDAngelo]

I kind of tricked you cause its more modern mixing wrapped in some reverb hahah

[@catigluzmann]

@@ElianaDAngelo lol hahahaa

[@catigluzmann]

@@ElianaDAngelo anyways i love your content

[@DanCThorpe]

Evelyn Champagne King in the background. Class.

[@AntoineDuez]

Nice tutorial! Keep good job like this (Maybe other styles?)

[@harem137]

Pretty cool Music and all on FL studio! Nice 80s feel even without the electric guitar...

[@RobTheN00b]

underrated channel

[@su5981]

Hi, I've listened your tutorial two times, because I find your approach to mixing more musical and very reasonable. No crank eq or comp or crazy layering. I'm surprised even you talk at 15:00 circa about the non sense of high-end boosting which could be an issue for the ears! I'd have a bunch of question, but now I thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. Waiting for your next video! Cheers!

[@ElianaDAngelo]

Thanks I'm really happy it has helped you so much!

[@su5981]

You're welcome! Also, one of my doubt was if sidechain compression was available and used in 80s music. Your video has brought some clarity about that. :-)

[@oziaso9655]

I just watched Timecop 1983's production video and its amazing to see just different his production practises are from this .

[@ElianaDAngelo]

Yeah my style is 100% different. I really am not a fan of synthwave mixes. Tried to be slick about feeding people newer production techniques.

[@oziaso9655]

@@ElianaDAngelo you were slick 😉... your mix is so much cleaner than his...he only hard compresses the whole mix and not individual tracks ...you should do something like the Stranger Things theme...theres a BIG market for that on youtube now .

[@ElianaDAngelo]

@@oziaso9655 IMO the goal should be to compress on busses before sending to master bus and then on their do some final hard knee limiting/clipping (if you want to high like high LUFS).

[@oziaso9655]

@@ElianaDAngelo Yeah when I play his tracks i can hear the extreme compression ....Using saturation is a better way especially considering one shot samples are already heavily eq'd and compressed.

[@ElianaDAngelo]

@@oziaso9655 saturation is compression. The ideal way is to make the drum samples have a short decay and compress/limit the drum bus and sidechain kick and snare to everything else. That way when the master is limited you have much less peaks to cut off

[@DEADLINETV]

There are so many things I like about this video; great content, great music, funded choices with great explanations but most of all, your straightforward, no bullshit attitude! Very refreshing! Happy new subscriber here! ps. I think your instagram link doesn't work. Or at least, it shows us a different Eliana.

[@777lando4]

this is a goodass tutorial

[@simcard4296]

thank youuuu !!!

[@chrisleate1175]

Love your videos, How did I miss this one?

[@timothysan]

thank you

[@pmunkey1]

Hi Eliana. Really enjoying your videos. Could you do one about your vocal production techniques? All the best.

[@primechaser3071]

such a great tutorial - thx. for that! any advice how to find quality linn-drum samples? 👌

[@unknowndesire1633]

thankyou

[@Johnb.78]

This is sick! Thought it was gonna be another shitty ‘how to mix synth wave’ where all the sounds are Serum vids. This is spot on!

[@VB_Bryan]

Make more tutorials, you're a goldmine of knowledge.

[@ElianaDAngelo]

Thanks! Soon, I have a lot of ideas.

[@skyinthewinter1732]

Make more !!!!!!🖤