Mix Like a PRO in GARAGEBAND (Advanced Mixing Tutorial)

[@TheBandGuide]

‼️ Download the free 6-Step Checklist here: www.thebandguide.com/6stepPROmix ‼️

[@durtissanchel]

So much depth yet so easy to comprehend. The best tutorial for intro to mixing. Thank you! Do I need to download the mv meter if im running Logic Pro X? or does it come with something like that already installed?

[@SineEyed]

@@durtissanchel I dunno if LoProX has a native meter (I would imagine that it does though) but you should get MV Meter regardless. It's just a great little plugin - everybody talks about it, everybody uses it, everybody loves it. I've never seen _anybody_ complain about it. My 2 cents..

[@TheBandGuide]

@@durtissanchel Just seeing this! Thank you- that's high praise! Logic has built in metering directly next to each fader and it also has multiple metering plugin options. Since all you're looking for here is the peak to be -6db to -3db max, you can just watch the meter next to the master fader and make sure it doesn't go above -3db ( -6 to be extra cautious)

[@TheBandGuide]

@@SineEyed It's a great plugin!

[@JasonSway]

Thank you, sir! I've been doing demos in Garageband for years, but never bothered diving deep into proper mixing because... they were just demos. But now I'm working on an official EP, so my old "throw a bunch of plugins at it" method just isn't going to cut it. 5 minutes into a remix of a track that's been giving me grief for weeks, following your instructions to the letter, and the static mix alone is already sounding better than it ever has. You're a lifesaver. Liked and subscribed.

[@PoorlyWrttenReviews]

I learnt more here than I did in my whole college music technology degree

[@TheBandGuide]

That’s high praise! Thank you 🙌🏼

[@josetavares5094]

😅😅

[@idhamhaiqal4924]

Bro we are in the same course😂

[@JanellyisLuv]

Lol Same

[@TheeKweenKye]

Same tho

[@bezalem5654]

Hey man....I never write comments, i'm a hardcore internet lurker, but man oh man, you have been a massive blessing!! I recorded an EP at home over 8 months ago, and i was so close to throwing in the towel because i couldn't get it to sound right. With no experience in mixing, I was in over my head and the process was proving to be a nightmare. One day i happen to come across this video and you made it seem so straight forward, so i listened to everything you said. Anyone who sees this comment....listen to this man and do exactly what he says and your music will sound better than you thought it could!! I'm not even halfway done mixing one of my songs, and it's sounding crisper and better than it ever has. Seriously, may you be blessed infinitely. I will never forget you. Thank you a million!!!

[@sanacolter8815]

I typically never leave comments, but this video deserves 5 stars. Extremely helpful!!

[@AvvieLanche]

Welp, I was having huge trouble with a mix, saw this video, went and zeroed out and started over. This was a HUGE help! A much bigger sound, and with clarity!

[@TheBandGuide]

YES! That’s what I live for. 🙌🏼

[@terryrollins1973]

This guy really has a gift for explaining this stuff, after just a few videos my recordings already sound twice as good. Thank you so much!!!

[@TheBandGuide]

That’s awesome, Terry! Glad I could help! 🙌🏼

[@burmaunderground]

I've had GarageBand one week and by watching these videos, I've already gone exponentially beyond what my previous recording have been. This is a great channel, thanks for all of the knowledge.

[@Khaleeel]

i've watched a LOT of videos on mixing and this is by far the most concise video ive seen This is great advice for anybody and any DAW. Definitely subbed

[@TheBandGuide]

Thanks, Khaleel! You got that exactly right- mixing is mixing no matter what DAW you use.

[@jhavahnholston]

100% agree with this comment! Subbed as well!

[@tonymata4002]

Awesome! at last a tutorial that gets TO THE POINT!

[@TheBandGuide]

I'm a firm believer in only bringing you content that is as long as it needs to be but as short as it can be! No fluff, just real, helpful tips and tricks.

[@jameszabloski3563]

Colin, shout out from Virginia. I am taking every song I recorded and burning them to the ground, remixing using the 6 steps. Using the 6 steps to Pro Vocals. Watching a dozen of your videos repeatedly. I still do stupid stuff like forgetting to set the meter to Peak Standard and then freak out when everything is in the red. But I've learned more this past year than I ever thought possible. Thank you, my friend. I have to humbly admit, thus far, my so-so songs sound freaking awesome. Wish you could hear them.

[@TheBandGuide]

Hey James! Where in VA?? Would love to hear ‘em. Send them over to me at [e-mail]

[@tommylarsson2025]

I'm glad i found your channel. Really good tips and one of the more important (that I often tend to forget, because of the joy), is to leave the mix and rest my ears. It really is important! It can sound totally different after a break. One thing I like to share as a final step is to listen in many different reference speakers and headphones. If you as an example want a dance mix with a lot of bass, make sure your smaller "party" bluetooth speaker can handle the bass without sounding like the elements are going to break. A lot of people only listen to music in headphones and often on the run. Make a mix and get out and walk with your song and see how it sounds. Cause even if you want other people to like your mix, you are the first to really decide what you think it should sound like. Great advice as usual!. Great job! :-)

[@justinheller7541]

Amazing video man. I’ve been trying to find a comprehensive intro to mixing in GarageBand for like 5 years haha. stumbled on your vid on a reddit forum just now. Thank u so much

[@TheBandGuide]

Awesome! I just started a series where I'm demonstrating each step in depth if you are looking for more: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXPCmppom9Z5ntk

[@DrustIV]

Just what I need right now, thanks :-) My mixing technique has been to fiddle around until it sounds half decent. I've watched a lot of mixing tutorials and find most of them incomprehensible but you have the ability to make even a dotard like me understand. Glad I found your channel.

[@ewillyp]

I'm working on a 2009 version of garage band and this was a great reminder of all the analog stuff I learned in the early nineties, I'll check back with you soon!

[@NateTatesMusic]

Dude. I've been actively searching for a good mix tutorial for years and this just popped up on my main page like a diamond in the rough. Thank you bro! You're a godsend!

[@TheBandGuide]

🙌🏼

[@edclayton-jones4368]

Really helpful. A standout in a sea of waffle. Thank you for breaking things down intelligently. Outstanding.

[@TheBandGuide]

Just out here trying to standout over some waffles!

[@ashtrayyfkajennny]

This was the first time anyone has ever said like and subscribe and I actually did. This video was so fucking helpful, I knew none of this stuff before, thank you so much!!

[@Sidharth_k]

Ive searched for all kinds of video to learn basics of mixing and editing music for over a year , trust me guys there is no better youtube channel who starts from basics and takes it to a professional level❤❤❤ he is a genuinely good teacher

[@TheBandGuide]

🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@choonmasta709]

One thing that really helped me in this video: not adding reverb early on in your track because it will cloud your judgement. Effects ARE fun but save them till the end ^_^

[@jeffrey.a.hanson]

I like the tip of riding the vocals with the automation and using it on things like delay.

[@TheBandGuide]

I demonstrate that later in this series on my channel!

[@sarahsmith1418]

I just replaced my fizzled out MacBook and got back into recording, and I can honestly say these videos have been imperative to me!! I like that lo-fi tapey sort of sound, but I want to make sure I keep clarity in the mix (I think Mac Demarco nails this). I feel like I’ve really achieved a new level of mastery and I’ve had incredible reception to the last track I put out. Thank you thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@TheBandGuide]

Sarah- that's so awesome! I'd love to check out the new track! Where can I hear it?

[@Autistic_AF]

This is unbelievably good; high signal to low noise tutorial! Thank you.

[@sauzeeee]

i just started doing drum covers and playing around making music on Garageband, and holy heck i didnt expect mixing would be complicated lmao. glad i found your vid, will use these steps to practice mixing/mastering.

[@Splaze]

I don't know anything about mix and master , but I want to learn. So thanks for the video.

[@TheBandGuide]

I'm here to help!

[@shawtybee7031]

Me either I’m still learning

[@57RickH]

Very helpful info presented in a straightforward, easy-to-follow style. I’m iOS-based but this is just as applicable as far as the basics go. Looking forward to more!

[@TheBandGuide]

Thanks, Rick!

[@germanfokin5047]

Massive thanks for this video on mixing. It makes a lot of things clear from the very start

[@grayorganization]

Dude you taught me more in 16 minutes than I’ve been able to learn in years I feel like 😭

[@TheBandGuide]

🙌🏼 that’s high praise! Dig into the channel- so much stuff I wish I’d known when I was in your shoes

[@pookizzz]

I've never gotten into proper mixing for my music. I heavily layer vocals and use a ukulele as my only instrument so I can't wait to see what I can do with these steps tysm for your time and effort man :)

[@OmoniyiOni]

This is premium content. Thanks for this

[@delgrandephotos]

thats a well made fricking video man, simple, and effective. i already knew how to eq and compress, but i was getting lost in the steps. this helped A LOT like, now i can have an organic workflow and take my time in each step of the mix. amazing. helped a ton!

[@TheBandGuide]

Lucas- I love to hear that! Stoked to hear what you do with it!

[@noelcarolmusic]

I certainly picked up new info on my second viewing. there s so much to learn. im amazed that my past recordings sound as good as they do. i can't wait to open them up again and fix my mistakes. great vid Colin.

[@azuresky1036]

I probably spend way too much time on my mixes. I love this streamlined and very organized approach. I tended to dive into automating my tracks and adding reverb too early in the process and that’s something I’ve definitely learned the hard way. Automating tracks can be tedious, but I use it extensively and love finding those subtle EQ adjustments within the context of the entire mix. It’s especially useful when recording with live instruments. It’s nice to be able to bring forward a particularly strong element in the performance of just one instrument, and conversely, you can eliminate a weaker element of the musician’s performance elsewhere.

[@TheBandGuide]

Amen to all of that. It's hard to resist just going deep on individual elements before the whole mix is done. I've found if I knock out all the steps first then go back and tweak, I get MUCH better results.

[@averylegendre8709]

This video was extremely helpful. I've been playing around in Garageband for yearrssss, and this is the first time Automation has made sense. I'm so excited to use all of this information.

[@chipcurry]

Great job explaining. I'm a lifetime musician but now I have to mix someone else's stuff. Little experience in GarageBand… Until today.

[@rlotustab9099]

The video seems to be have low brightness ..

[@fdemar]

Fantastic, all the information is presented in a clear, logical format without all the flashes and gimmicks of some of the other channels. I have a song I'm going to strip down and remix right away, and will check out the rest of your videos for sure.

[@renahere1885]

Very helpful...thanks! I'm just learning mastering & I have post Covid hyper hearing...so to have a base of knowledge to mix with...big help!👍⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@BrandonReeves]

Thanks for the video, Colin. I literally watch this video every time I mix a song to remind myself of all the steps. I don’t do it often enough that it becomes 2nd nature. ding. 🛎

[@zimzadaah]

This will be a lifesaver!!! THANK YOU for sharing your knowledge of this. Here I was thinking I had to spend hundreds of dollars on new software and such! lol this is a great start.

[@TheBandGuide]

🙌🏼 definitely not! In fact, unless you have a super specific need GB can’t do, I’d HIGHLY recommend learning it first. It’s all about learning the tools and using them properly

[@sugosugiii]

This was so helpful!!!! My mix used to sound really weird and this actually helped me a lot!

[@TheBandGuide]

Amazing!!

[@MikeyBrannonMusic]

I’m going to follow this ti the letter on my next track. Great presentation very well organized

[@nigelcarren]

Christopher Walken teaching me how to master! This could not be any better... Thank you 🏆🇬🇧😉

[@TheBandGuide]

Do I sound like Christopher Walken?!

[@nigelcarren]

@@TheBandGuide Ok I am English so you could argue that 'we' think 'you' all sound the same, but mate... "You... Gotta... Be... c..RAZY... not to heeeeear it!" By the way, this is the highest praise "I... Could... besTOW upon ... a maaaaan! 🏆🇬🇧🎹 I will need my fix regularly... Thank you.

[@jakeypainstone7342]

Awesome and helpful vid! My only complaint is that your lighting is dark dark, like curiously dark 🧐

[@aaronranta8634]

Wow. Thank you so much. You have helped me more than I can say. I wasn’t able to download the 6-step Checklist. So I had to watch it a bunch of times so I could write it down

[@TheBandGuide]

🙌🏼 so awesome to hear! Shoot me an email at [e-mail] and I’ll send the checklist over! Not sure why it didn’t work 🤔

[@DeanBothaMusic]

I'm a metal musician and still your videos helps me out tremendously. Thank you so much for all your guides.

[@TheBandGuide]

🙌🏼 that’s awesome, Dean! I follow all the same process even when mixing metal

[@forestgoblinwav7600]

everyone needs to watch this!

[@enkaydubyaenkaydubya5854]

Thank you! I remixed a new track from scratch and it sounds so much clearer and open now. Love the meter2 plugin too! I tried the steps without it as I initially couldn’t see the plug in after installing it, but GB just needed a restart. I Was relieved that I was already only peaking around -6 when I got the meter going. Think I’m going to remix all my recent tracks now. Thanks again 👊

[@TheBandGuide]

That’s awesome! Exactly why I’m doing this 🙌🏼

[@iscaballero2471]

Just want to say...Thank You...for this KZbin video

[@renatoviolavozepoesia]

Thanks, the band guide! Your 6-steps save my last vocal arrangement! Please, continue to produce such useful tips!

[@TheBandGuide]

Amazing! So glad I could help!

[@yungoutkast]

this is amazing now i’m encouraged to record vocals separately and mix them onto tracks

[@joeliberty545]

I had shirts like that in 68 seventh grade :) Thanks for the great tutorial!

[@TheBandGuide]

It’s a great shirt! (I think at least). Thanks, Joe!

[@timsellsted521]

This was super helpful. I've been using garageband for awhile and struggled to get a consistent mix. Excited to try this method!

[@TheBandGuide]

I hope it helps!

[@LEEXMUSIC356]

Thanks sooo much, Colin. Currently struggling to get a good final product. Hopefully this will help. Just subbed

[@warninggator4481]

You’re a genius man. These videos are so helpful.

[@TheBandGuide]

Whoa thank you!

[@bowerfilms]

Brilliant... it cut to the chase with no waffle. It'll help me a lot... thank you!

[@TheBandGuide]

Pancakes only! Actually... I love waffles.... haha But I’m glad you enjoyed this video and it was helpful to you!

[@ZTrader_]

Great Job, Colin. Thanks.

[@SaxophoneMasterclass]

Solid tutorial bro! Clear and to the point!

[@kaikoaparker7454]

I don't comment on youtube videos, but this is awesome. Subbed

[@TheBandGuide]

Hey that’s awesome! Thank you 🙌🏼

[@yioryaras]

Thanks ever so much Colin for the free PDF downloads, much appreciated; you're a STAR!!! 👍👌👏🎶🤣

[@TheBandGuide]

Thanks, George!

[@jacobhuson6200]

Wow, this was an awesome video. I don’t leave comments often but this was very well explained. Thank you so much man.

[@TheBandGuide]

🙌🏼 that means a lot, Jacob! I’m a non-comment leaver myself so I know how much extra that means haha

[@Jcmessengers]

Thanx so much...u just earn ur self another subscriber...very helpful i did learn a lot 🙂

[@TheBandGuide]

Thank you! 🙌🏼

[@alanreadofficial]

Great advice your one of the best on youtube, still people should'nt be fooled into thinking that the end sound results from garageband can sound anywhere near as big and as epic as a million grand studio, those big studios have the best pre amps money can buy, and without them it dont matter how great you mix you wont achieve that sound lol, some people might not except that, but it's facts!

[@musicallyunpluggedmanish9023]

I was mixing the individual tracks first and then working on the Master Track... You have suggested just the opposite... Huge takeaway will try and see how that works for me. Thanks

[@TheBandGuide]

🙌🏼

[@connor_anthony]

Thank you for this! Can’t believe this video is free

[@BarryArends]

This is an extremely good video. Thanks alot! Will leave a comment again when I am ready mixing.

[@RokhartMusic]

Just what I’m looking for at this time. Thanks Colin ✌️

[@TheBandGuide]

Awesome!! Anytime 🤘🏻

[@puresoul861]

Helped me twice. Just hope you'll remind me when i'm able to repay you

[@Timbensonmusic]

I love this channel; excellent overall organization of material, fabulous presentation, clear instructions. Highly recommended.

[@TheBandGuide]

Thank you, Tim! 🙌🏼

[@hello55125]

Thanks very much for this mate, it’s really helped me segment my mixing process so that I am not completely overwhelmed.

[@peterpinnpalermo6887]

This is great! I will need to watch this again. Thanks for the tips.

[@TheBandGuide]

Thanks, Peter!

[@ClydeneBalkeMusic]

Great info!!! This will help tremendously. I always knew just enough to make a mess. Thanks for explaining not just the how and what but the why, too!!

[@TheBandGuide]

Hey you’re welcome, Clydene! Exactly my goal with this whole channel

[@ClydeneBalkeMusic]

@@TheBandGuide so I'm working on my first recording. I did some mixing yesterday, but I want start overnight your checklist. Is that possible without recording everything iver again?

[@ClydeneBalkeMusic]

oh my typos... start over... and everything over again. lol thanks for your feedback.

[@jonasrejment2338]

Must try these steps ASAP. Been going crazy trying to mix my music but the more I try the worse it sounds. I also feel like the sound becomes a bit different when I export to SoundCloud. Great vid btw!!

[@TheBandGuide]

Thank you!! You're going to crush it.

[@eiscafeveneziaproductions2605]

Well, thank you bro 👊!!!! Sounds definitely understandable and I will try it right now! You have a new subscriber

[@TheBandGuide]

🙌🏼 Thank YOU, bro!

[@amongtheheathen981]

It seems that iOS is missing a lot of things and an upgrade would help a bunch. I still have to figure out where to put all of this stuff though. I think your videos will help.

[@fadyshokry2516]

Amazing content and great work man! Very much appreciated. it would be great if you make a dedicated video to mixing vocals specifically. As a beginner, I have my rap lyrics fully written, and I buy beats from other producers so what I really look forward to learning is how to master & mix my own vocals professionally. And I guess many people are in the same position. Keep up the great work and looking forward to watching ur new content.

[@TheBandGuide]

Wow thank you! That’s a great idea. In the meantime... I have a few videos on EQing vocals and stacking vocal compressors which would definitely help! I also spend a fair amount of time using effects on vocals in the step 5 video that goes along with this video. I hope those help!

[@fadyshokry2516]

@@TheBandGuide Yeah man, I am literally waiting to finish finals and watch your videos one by one and apply them, so thank you!

[@jblumemusic4455]

Very well communicated, nice job- and thank you!

[@richarddhu8452]

Great info! Thanks. You were clear and concise and presented well. I'll be looking forward to more vids.

[@TheBandGuide]

Thanks, Richard! I just started a series where I actually demonstrate each step in-depth, if you're interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXPCmppom9Z5ntk

[@JohnLynagh]

Great advice, going to try out these tips now.

[@TheBandGuide]

Awesome! Let me know how it goes

[@JohnLynagh]

@@TheBandGuide mvMeter2 can be a little bit inconsistent. The max value seems to fluctuate. Any tips?

[@TheBandGuide]

@@JohnLynagh It will definitely jump around. Most of the mix will sit much lower, but when several things hit at once (a drum hit, vocals, guitar strum, piano chord, etc) that's when you will see the max hit higher. These will be tamed a little bit as you get to compression on the master track and individual channels. But ultimately, you likely want to be mixing at a lower volume than you otherwise would to avoid any digital distortion/clipping. You can always turn up a mix with a limiter at the end of the mix, so don't worry about mixing too quiet (there really isn't such a thing as mixing too quiet in the digital age because there are so many ways to turn up volume of a mix without adding noise). -6 to -3 on the max will be a nice middle ground that isn't super quiet, but gives you plenty of headroom.

[@JohnLynagh]

The Band Guide Thanks Colin; Faders down again I reckon.

[@rmattis100]

Outstanding video, Sir! Could you possibly do me a huge favor? For your next video, could you build a time machine and travel back 10 years with a copy of this tutorial? It would have saved me many headaches back in the day, lol. But seriously -- good work. Thanks!

[@TheBandGuide]

😂 when my time machine is complete, that will be 3rd on my list!

[@musicjazzvez]

Thank you for sharing, I am applying the steps on my song.

[@TheBandGuide]

Awesome!

[@jhavahnholston]

Thank you so much for making this video! This step-by-step process has allowed me to thoroughly mix my tracks effectively! I now enjoy the mixing process due to these simple steps you laid out! Subbed, turned on notifications, and subscribed to your emails! I would love to send you some of my final mixes to get some feedback and insight from you if that's alright on your end!

[@TheBandGuide]

I love to hear that! Absolutely. You can email me your favorite mix at [e-mail]

[@ganeshlama9489]

Best and honest tips for GarageBand much appreciated, thank you 🙏 Colin

[@TheBandGuide]

Thank you, Ganesh!

[@jacoreycarlton959]

Thank you so much. You’re an absolute life saver. 1000000/10‼️❤️‍🔥

[@TheBandGuide]

🙌🏼 Happy I could help!

[@TheophilusMutsigwa]

Before you start mixing, do you bounce all tracks as they are in the original seting or what? l m asking because l don't see any midi lines and all in the instrument section.

[@allancrow134]

I've watched a lot of Garageband videos, this was really good. I downloaded the Vu meter and subbed. Thanks

[@TheBandGuide]

Awesome, thank you!

[@Humble_Electronic_Musician]

I just discovered your Channel. Thank you for creating awesome content, I learn a lot and it will help me

[@Afurthyclays]

Ok, this was GOOD. I needed this. Thanks! 😃

[@TheBandGuide]

Wow thank you!! 🙌🏼

[@DuncanGBNZ]

Using GB on iOS but everything here works irrespective of DAW. Subscribed!

[@TheBandGuide]

🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@Salesforceconsultant]

Really useful, clear and basic information for a novice like me!

[@TheBandGuide]

Awesome! That's my goal 🙌🏼

[@aaronlennon3592]

Thank you very much, What a helpful hand you are. Five stars dude! STAY AWESOME :D

[@DiegoRobledo]

Great video! Thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge

[@ZenTradeGame]

Thank You 😊 🙏🏾 for this for video !

[@TheBandGuide]

🙌🏼🙌🏼 you're welcome!

[@GoodArtist]

You’re the best!!!🎧🎶

[@TheBandGuide]

🙌🏼 thank you!!

[@415getActive]

can you do this exact video but with all stock plugins for the beginners out there....would appreciate it

[@song_the_farmer]

This is incredibly useful! Thank you!

[@BrandonReeves]

Brandon loves this tutorial, but doesn’t see any “light indicator” for the 2nd compressor for the Master Track Processing part. Any help?

[@jeremyzamorano4774]

Such a good video. Thank you for making this.

[@TheBandGuide]

You're welcome! Glad it was helpful

[@jmcas86]

Thank you very much!!! This method seems so great: consistent and robust. Definitely I'll try it :)

[@TheBandGuide]

Stoked to hear what you do with it!

[@elliottsmith8636]

This is the most amazing youtube video ever

[@TheBandGuide]

Wow that's high praise! Thank you, Elliott!

[@elliottsmith8636]

@@TheBandGuide honestly I'm not kidding

[@JJ_DaJenius]

Great video. I’ve been using these steps out of order. This gave me a different perspective. Thanks

[@TheBandGuide]

Glad it was helpful!