The Basics of Starting a Mix - Setting Levels - Warren Huart: Produce Like A Pro

[@Producelikeapro]

Now you know how I start my mixes. How do you start your mixes? Do you want to see more videos like this? Let me know below!

[@Bloemanstudio]

Thank you so match, i need to improve my mixes to the next level!You are all invited to listen my music!

[@devinunderwood9039]

Well.....I start them the exact same way...since that's what you taught me duh ;p

[@ajadrew]

I'm glad I watched this! I'm similar but you've presented it in a polished & professional manner from which I've learnt so cheers! And you were mixing on the phones? I didn't plug my phones in until you'd started the drums so I rewound the tape & of course, I could actually hear what was happening...;-))

[@RogerBrenon]

I start my mixes with "Oh crap, my recordings suck. Gotta do em over" LOL

[@guitarfreekin]

Yes sir more please, from here on what is your workflow, do you go to eq first or compression?? Stuff like that... Thanks a million in advance

[@lahattec]

Warren, you do realize that you have raised the bar for what all other 'KZbinrs' must strive for.

[@Producelikeapro]

Aw shucks thanks ever so much! There will 50 like this within the next week or two my friend! Haha

[@lahattec]

@@Producelikeapro Nice. :)

[@marcelbr815]

True

[@LingKai]

agree. he's a real professional

[@phadrus]

No, no hasn’t. This is vague and poorly explained and generally a disappointment. Seriously, I’ve tried to watch many of his videos and he is one of the worst at explaining mixing concepts.

[@GloveBunniesVideos]

5 years on and it's still GOLD advice. Thanks so much, Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

My pleasure!

[@winterjps]

If I get tracks to mix that I didn't record, one of the first things I do, even before volume and levels, is "track housekeeping," where I name, group, and color the tracks in a way that suits my workflow. I will also created busses and/or VCAs for the groups so that I can easily change levels on multiple tracks globally. During my second pass at volume and levels I like to place markers to identify the sections of the arrangement. Checking the overall levels is important in the beginning as well in order to leave enough headroom for mixing. If I get my kick and snare peaking at -18dBFS after processing I can be pretty confident in that regard. That's my yardstick to get everything else in the ballpark. I generally go drums, bass, lead vocal(s), guitars, keys, etc.

[@noahofficialmusic]

Is that -18dbfs with the kick and snare combined? Do you use a VU meter set to -18dbfs?

[@gagsmedia]

Warren, Your generosity is beyond compare....You really are a diamond in the internet! Love you man G xxxxxx :)

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi gagsmedia you’re very kind my friend! I’m so glad to be able to help!

[@paulie_g_]

I watch this video every time I'm starting a new mix. It's so valuable to be reminded of the basics.

[@Producelikeapro]

Wow!! Thanks ever so much

[@SkankVideosTv]

This is pure gold. Warren, is there a chance to have another episode with the continuation of the same mix?

[@nichttuntun3364]

It's pure logic too. I am also interested in seeing the further mixing steps with track and 2 track handling. Cheers

[@basbakker]

Would like that too!

[@Producelikeapro]

SkankTv RO Thanks ever so much my friend! Yes, I’m excited to keep going with this mix!

[@SkankVideosTv]

@@Producelikeapro Can't hardly wait! :D

[@project1265ffo]

@@Producelikeapro thank you very much Warren, hope to see the next episode about this video :)

[@SpedSpedding]

If you were a musician writing and recording from home, track by track; would you encourage this kind of organic work flow as you add tracks. Or would you recommend just slamming everything in mono and 0db?

[@networkunplugged]

I start my mixes like this... I ruin them always later :-)

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Network Unplugged haha we all do my friend!!

[@ProducerGio]

lol it hurts so much

[@ejaybrand]

@@ProducerGio l

[@necrodogs]

This is so great. I bought Mixbus 5 a week ago and this is exactly what I've been doing since. Adjust volume, pan stuff around, get rid of excess tracks, create groups and assign tracks to buses (and turn the drive/tape saturation UP). Bonus: I started working on this exact song last night. Now I know a bit more about what to fix and how to do it. Thank you :-)

[@magicdrummer411]

Absolutley a great way to start. The best I have seen on this. I spent hours on a song my band recorded, I sampled drums, eq on each guitar and the even the bass. I then hated what I had. I done this to the same track and it is like day light and dark on the sound. Thanks!

[@xaosnox]

Warren, you've done it again! Brilliant video. As a relative beginner, the hardest thing is getting started, but you bring your fun-loving, positive attitude to the table and give us an example of how to fly through the opening stages of a mix. This is a great thing for those of us who tend to be perfectionists and/or over-thinkers. Love it!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi X S thanks ever so much my friend! That really means a lot! I am so glad to be able to help in any way I can my friend!!

[@krisgotstuff1315]

Brilliant. In this world with endless amounts of plugins and tutorials on how to sound like this and that, bringing it all back to basics is a serious reality check. Thank you for this video Warren.

[@jasonsimmons7479]

A little imperfection in the vocals! Nice. The fact that I was able to hear it and that you used it is awesome!

[@Producelikeapro]

Absolutely my friend! We love the imperfections!!

[@jasonsimmons7479]

@@Producelikeapro you're the best mate!

[@HeathAllyn]

Two things I have loved as I've discovered your channel and binged many, many hours of videos: 1. Even though I've engineered, produced, and mastered hundreds of my own projects over the years, what I know is infinitesimal to what I have yet to learn and always will be. 2. It's also nice that sometimes it helps me see how much I DO know as well and that so many things that are just instinctual auto-pilot knowledge for me are the result of 20 years of experience, studying, experimenting and just doing it, even if I had no idea how to do it "right." Thanks so much for this channel!

[@ChrisInNashville]

I've been addicted to watching your videos ever since I came across your interviews w/Hugh Padgham recently. I learn something new w/every video I watch. Your videos are a goldmine of information that benefit anyone...from someone trying to learn tips and tricks to improve their own recording and mixing to someone who just may be curious as to all of the elements that go into creating a recording and finished product. Thank you for making these videos - they are 1st Class, both entertaining and high value educational tools!

[@Producelikeapro]

Wow! Thanks ever so much! I really appreciate your wonderful comment!

[@leaningtower73]

Superb explanation of how to start a mix. I am glad I do more or less the same thing in the early stages of a mix. Have a marvelous day sir!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much my friend!!

[@camdendebruin6667]

I almost always do drummers perspective when panning. As a drummer, I sometimes feel really unsettled when things like the hihat are on the right. Especially when you have a lot of toms.

[@Producelikeapro]

Interesting!

[@cbrooks0905]

I always had a feeling this would be the case, because I always see them (in my mind’s eye) from audience perspective, and it always throws me off, at first, when I hear it from Drummer’s perspective. Solution: MONO DRUMS! 🤠

[@FakingANerve]

I have always mixed from a drummers perspective, although i'm not a drummer, when in the studio. Whenever I mix live (my day job), I mix audience perspective. 😐

[@rileyjordan8114]

IMO drummers perspective is the best because only drummers will really notice what the panning is, so you might as well pan how they would prefer

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Camden for sharing!!

[@edgarbenjoseph3879]

To compare, listen to before mix at 2:22 and after mix at 14:25 The difference is really impressive with just volume and panning, wow

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@melodaddies8137]

Moin Warren i looked so many videos about mixdown mastering from various yt channels and nothing fit to my sound.. because i got up to 5 different guitars at the same time and every technic failed.. after severals videos you said the magic sentance" thrust your ears" .. after 6 month of muddy sound i found my own mixing style and mastering... Warren huart and gregory scott are the best to find your way to produce your music. The rest at youtube show a way how to produce their music. Thx alot for sharing your wisdom i know this is not common!

[@Producelikeapro]

Wow! Thanks ever so much! I really appreciate it!

[@devinunderwood9039]

Thank you Warren...always a good idea to revisit the basics.

[@Producelikeapro]

It is Devin! haha

[@ricklachaine5406]

For someone like me exploring writing, recording, producing music at home, these videos are fantastic and much appreciated. Thank you very much for your efforts.

[@AdMBandLeader]

This is the best possible way to begin and continue a mix almost till the end. The application of dynamics and eq comes almost towards the end of it usually. The less the processing, the better the signal to noise ratio. Channel strips are first aid tools for me normally. Side chaining as well makes life easier for both the kick and the bass breathe easy throughout the song even at decent energy levels, keeping a spacious headroom for the final print. Reverb side chaining on send busses as well delivers clarity, especially on vocals, string and wind instruments.

[@madmac66]

I’m still very much learning and finding my own best practices, but what I’ve learned over the last 3-4 songs is this. I’m a composer/producer so I’m always working on my own music soup to nuts, and not somebody else’s, so this is obviously a bit of a difference to yours. I start with a tracking file in Cubase. Get all the scratch vocals, guitars, bass and drum loops written. Then sequence them with the arranger track until I get a layout I’m happy with. Duplicate the file which is now my arrangement project. I’ll track the final vox in context to the full song now. Record overdub guitars where needed. Ad drum fills and other little bits and pieces. I’ll render all the stems out to WAVs and bring them into a mixing project template which has all my eq and compression plugins instantiated and control surface mapping in place. I’m really glad you mentioned baking any FX from the tracks into the stems as I’ve long hummed and hand over this. I’m going to take your advice and give that a shot on my current track. The delay and mod and verbs and even compression added during arrangement are a part of the sound design, so I can see now that they should be treated as such and baked into the mixing stems. I also export all my stems at 0db so all volume faded mixing is done in the mixing project. I don’t like having a backing synth track so quiet with the fader at 0db in the mix. Thanks for another great lesson

[@sak7530]

Very big THANK YOU. Many years of playing guitar but just started down the road of recording and mixing. All the info out there can get confusing for us beginners. You are a awesome teacher!!

[@Individual22]

Thank you, Warren! I can't stress enough how much this has helped improve my mixing.

[@MACLADILLY]

Thankyou so much for clarifying that primary mixing process. You are a very good teacher esp. "so what have we learnt". Cheers.

[@cortical1]

Thanks, Warren! Sending SoCal love up the 5 from San Diego!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thank you my friend!

[@aipsong]

Great lesson - live music is just that - people and their instruments spread across the stage - it helps to remember that when mixing!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much my friend!

[@jasonsimmons7479]

What a great teacher you are!

[@roydominicmacasero4597]

It's been a few months since my journey in music production and while I think I should've watched this first, I think I'm able to appreciate these "simple" steps more that I've tried doing stuff like these myself. As always, thanks Warren!

[@kevfly21]

That's good Warren, saves time in the long run. I've seen people work on individual instruments (eq, compression, effects etc.) first, then bringing them together. They usually have to go back and work on the instruments individually again!!! This way we've got the big picture from the start. Cool!!!

[@TallyTechandTroubleshooting]

EXCELLENT explanation, Warren and MUCH appreciated! If you could, please consider Craig Sanderson request as there are quite a few of us that DO get mixes that are, well for lack of a better word, in a state of dismay. Thank you ever so much for your continued sharing of knowledge and audio mentorship (PLAPer)...

[@johngallaghermusic9777]

Hi, Warren, thank you for the very informative video. I've been recording a few years now but have only just started being more diligent with the mixing process. I,m now doing them very similar to this. very good to have it reiterated by someone who knows what they're doing.I've got a lot to learn but I'm enjoying the process . Many thanks

[@jimglunt9864]

I am continually trying to find methods to improve my mixes on this journey. This video reminds me that one of the best ways is to go back to the basics and begin the mix correctly. Thank you!

[@NacekO]

I start my mixes pretty much the same way but I do drummer pesrpective. I have a mix template with the most common plugins I use already loaded on the tracks but bypassed. I recommend templates for anyone who wants to save a bit of time and start a mix just a bit faster.

[@FakingANerve]

It works wonders for live sound as well with a decent digital board.

[@jasonsimmons7479]

Do you use live drums?

[@NacekO]

@@jasonsimmons7479 Yes and no. If there is a drummer to be recorded then yes. If a drummer wants to work with me for my songs then I also prefer live drums but if that isn't possible then I program the drums and use drum sample software. Live drums are far superior to samples I think.

[@JeffArend]

I love these hands on mixing videos! Do more!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Deal Jeff!

[@BadMotivator66]

noob here- i've been starting by hard panning the OH mics left and right, and then using a graphic eq to take the highs out of the kick, and the low-lows out of the snare, cymbals and vocals. I use the bass control on amp plugins for guitar. interesting that you pan from the audience's pov as my instinct has been the opposite. i'm definitely gonna try this first thing when i next record :)

[@stephenzeagman9985]

Did not want this video to end! Wow, very helpful. Would you consider doing a second part to this video, showing the next steps with any eq or compression? Thanks Warren, this was a really, really helpful video.

[@mattshannon4578]

Warren. I am an avid listener to your various channels. One thing that would help add clarity to the many videos you have that evaluate “classic” or exceptionally recorded or produced songs/albums would to give some perspective to what type of equipment was used. By this I don’t mean a rundown on whether a Scully, or MCI tape machine was used, but rather was it recorded to… for instance two 4 channel machines , eight channel … ping ponging two eight channels, 24 track, etc. Not only would this help explain technical limitations of the recordings, but in most cases inspire us to achieve the excellence that was attained within the limitations that they worked within. It might give some perspective as to limitations/ effectiveness of use of stereo field, complexity of mix, etc. Keep up the awesome work. Matt Shannon

[@Kaissa13]

Thank you Warren, as a beginner this video is wonderful! All was simple and well explained. Love it! Will you continue with more episodes of this mix, pleaseee? Like: The Basics of Starting a Mix - 2.Equalitation then 3. Compression........

[@yvindholtan8596]

I am fairly new to the music production process. I have written and recorded 50 or so songs and they all sound like mud, no clarity or separation. I have listened to what seems like hundreds of so-called teaching tutorials but none of them have shown me the beginning basics like you have. Thank you! I look forward to learning more. Specifically adding EQ, compression, reverb, etc. And than mastering. Please tell me where to go so I can learn all there is. Thank you again for a great lesson!

[@justinmontoya4506]

Hey Warren! I watch your videos all the time whenever I have an issue or just looking for some more knowledge. I can't say how many I've watched but it's a lot, and very beneficial for me. I have always had a question about this particular subject that I’ve been told I should do when starting my mixes. (I use Pro Tools.) I was told to grab a VU meter (I use VUMT by Klanghelm) and clip gain down starting with the bass so it’s not going over zero on the meter, then continuing with the kick, snare, hh, and so on to include pads, piano, gars, and melodies. Mainly because I was told this is how you get your tracks super loud and comparable to current pop, hip-hop songs, etc. nowadays. Also because I was told back when everything was analog that’s how they did it to keep the volume controls closer to zero so there won’t be any unwanted noise if they went too low. Now I don’t know how true that is because I’ve only mixed in the box. Is using the VU and clip gaining down any better than just using volume controls or is it the same and I will get the same results in the end? I’ve been doing my mixes like this for a while now but I’m starting to wonder more about this step because after I use the VU meter I still find myself adjusting the volume knobs as well too. After all, some of the stems I get still take over too much of the track that I don’t need loud. I hope this all makes sense and doesn’t confuse you, I spent about 30 minutes trying to make it less confusing to myself.

[@michaeltablet8577]

There's that song again, I'll be whistling it again for days. Cool tune. Love the videos. Keep em coming. Thanks for taking time to teach.

[@sylfan1]

Thanks Warren, I think I've been just loading my mix sessions up and diving in, this helps to remember to take that step back and start from the most simple part!

[@stephanieleclercq890]

Thanks Warren for this new video

[@rivervaughanmusicstuff5771]

This was very helpful. It really gave me an idea on how to make things stand out without being overpowering. One problem I have with my mixes is that the kick, snare and bass are usually overpowering. Otherwise, when recording my guitars, I'll record one take on two tracks, delete one take, pan both off to their respective sides and record the second take on the track with the deleted take. After that, I begin recording vocals and then I'll do all the volume adjustments.

[@damein5469]

Videos like this are crucial to us!!! Thank you for I learned a great deal. I went to a private university to learn audio recording, and I learned and understood you better than my professor. Awesome job and Thank You so much!

[@Zilmayjaink]

Warreeeeeen! You're the best! This was marvelous man, really. As a beginner sometimes overtweaking stuff in my mixes and getting overwhelmed by the results. Seeing a pro like you getting a mix ready in such a simple way, is eye opening for me. This kind of walkthroughs of mixing are the kind of content I've been seeking in the internet the whole time man, keep em coming! 🤟🏼

[@kieran0000]

Brilliant lesson Warren, thanks !

[@ronbalentine2905]

Excellent tutorial for the beginner and expert. Cheers.

[@urltom]

This helps me stay focused at the beginning of a mix!

[@Producelikeapro]

Great to hear!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for that wonderful comment my friend!

[@the-matrix-has-you]

For me its Best Method too Warren. It is so logical to first make tracks sit on their own space in spectrum. Then I do filtering and eq correction. After that I start to add spices to tracks by sending them to my fx buses. If there is any eq correction needed after fx sends I correct eq again. Thats how I do it

[@ShiningHourPop]

Very well explained in a simple, clear fashion. You are a great tutor Warren

[@985live]

Short sweet and straight to the point. I love it

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!

[@Kineticartist]

I start very much the same way getting it leveled volume and pan wise so I can Lke you said make an informed decision on the steps I take next I love how yo break down your work flow sometimes with a more complicated song its easy to get lost in the complicated parts so starting with the basics is vital As wealso do recording here and not just mixing and my mix sessions are from the recorded sessions I add in gain staging as one of the first steps usng the HoRnEt MKIII plugin saved my butt a couple of times Rarely do I get stereo tracks so I mix mostly in mono so panning alonfg with sidechaining later in the mix session really helps out Again thank you for being so generous with your time and knowledge

[@blissiplin]

Hey Warren Thank you so much for great tutorials. I've dabbled in demos for decades and am not in a jam, having to do my own final mixed on my first big solo song release. Your videos got me into awesome shape. Thx again. -Kerry Furlong

[@quickturnmusic]

these videos provide so much information and confidence in my personal mixes. Thank you

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much my friend

[@TheFeelButton]

Love this! I start with the basics every time because it's all I know. Good stuff Warren!

[@Studiossoundgarage]

Thank you so much. Very useful.

[@PurpleMusicProductions]

Thank you so much Warren. Your videos have really helped me improve my mixes in a short period of time. I really really really appreciate you sharing your experiences and knowledge.

[@snippletrap]

Agree with this method 100%

[@EricGPLAP]

Back to the basics! Great video for both beginners and even those who are already experienced on just where to start and how!

[@MarcBecker_Music]

Awesome video. Thank you ever so much, Warren. I guess I tend to do too much too soon.I use to apply EQ and compression to e.g the drums as soon as I balanced them and move then on to the bass and other instruments. This video is an eye opener for me. I try to have the discipline to get a good overall balance and panning at my next mix before I start to do anything else. I'm curious how it will work for me. I think it's a very good approach to follow your example, especially when there's no rough mix available to listen to to get a first impression,

[@jurgenschuler8389]

What a magnificent video! Awesome!

[@alexbooyse9053]

One of my favourites you’ve done.

[@MrTimdriver]

Wonderfully informative, cheers Warren.

[@pensado3000]

why is this guy so awesome??!!! why??

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha thanks ever so much

[@NozmoKing]

I really dig your videos. You explain things in a very common sense, easy to understand way.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi kevin breslin that’s very kind of you my friend!

[@rogerclemens826]

Thank you Warren!!

[@DanielGittinsStone]

These videos are soooo helpful!! I watched your mixing basics episodes, and learned a ton! I really appreciate how you provide a rationale for each mixing decision. I have a much better idea of how to make decisions about eq and compression in my own projects. Thank you!!

[@GILLESSAISSI]

Great... Respect Mr Warren.

[@nostaticatall]

Love what you do, Warren. Thanks for sharing this.

[@Producelikeapro]

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

[@mrpurple1513]

Great video 😁 this is how I start my mixes also. . it's also good to remember to check your mix in mono because people tend to listen to things on Bluetooth speakers now so this needs to transfer to that .. thanks again for another awesome video . 🙏

[@radiobikini6429]

Great revision of the basics.

[@jvogt30]

Very helpful videos. Thanks so much for choosing to share what you’ve worked your entire life on to us. I really appreciate the tips you give.

[@harrisonray4234]

In reelbus v4 I add a little wow and flutter to everything...movement is what made tape great. Love the stuff Warren.

[@LarryGreenMusic]

Yup! That's pretty much the way I start a mix. Thanks, Warren!

[@cbrooks0905]

This was far more interesting than I thought it would be. I would love to see this mix continued through from this point. I felt like I was with you every step of the way, which is great, because it means I get it. Also, I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen a professional production actually started from the very beginning before now. I’m definitely really interested to see where you’d go with it next.

[@sonicunfoldment4715]

Thank You Warren!! You are very appreciated!

[@leopoldbluesky]

Great stuff, as usual Warren. This is pretty much the way I usually work, though I confess on longer-term projects it very easy to slip into bad habits and start mixing before the tracking is properly finished, resulting in having to clear the board and start again!!

[@familytreemusic]

Very useful video, even for us who have some degree of experience in mixing. I am a drummer but i always pan drums from the audience perspective. Panning, at least when dealing with real instruments, should reproduce a virtual stage in my view, that's also why i don't usually spread drums to cover the whole sound field between the speakers, but keep it more focused around the center or, if it is jazz or non dance oriented music, even off center. Also a nice mono drums in the center or off center may work great for a Motown or a vintage vibe in general.

[@DenisAshton]

Never thought about drum panning like this… having conflicting things like hats and tambourines panned opposite sides by a certain percentage in order to make them both hearable and distinguished as well as creating space for potentially conflicting frequencies. Thanks!

[@marksextonmarkeaux4181]

Thanks Warren and Thanks Eric I know you had a hand in this! you guys do fantastic work!

[@ragingchimera8021]

Thanks for the tips Warren! More "ground up" videos like this would be great.

[@kenmercermusic]

Loving your videos Warren! I've been following your work for a number of years now. Thanks for the detail and time you put in to your content. It's a pleasure to see how you work in your music productions. All the best! Ken :-)

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for your great comment!

[@gHexMusic]

Great video! Thank you!

[@Producelikeapro]

Glad you liked it!

[@geetarman513]

Great video. Thank you Warren.

[@debbarber1]

I love your videos Warren! So much to learn from you! Thank you

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!

[@corbanboutot293]

This completely blew my mind. Thanks for sharing!

[@Producelikeapro]

Corban Boutot Thanks ever so much my friend!!

[@andaryal256]

this is the most useful video i have watched

[@coyungemach2225]

Thanks for this! It helps to know that what I do aligns with the the thinking of others, especially those much more experienced than me. I also appreciate the drum mix 'perspective' statement as I was just having that conversation with my drummer last week at his studio Really no hard and fast rules in my mind when it comes to that and I tend to think that it may be advantageous to vary the perspective dependent on what other elements of the song are sharing the hi-hat or ride space in the mix.

[@patkelly3966]

As many have asked below Warren, - Please give us the next stage(s) to the mix - invaluable stuff here.

[@andyhep]

This is awesome. Thanks Warren. Love your videos

[@maidenthe80sla]

The video is a great reference tool and also a perfect foundation for a beginner such as I to use. I say more videos such as this in the future would be much appreciated.

[@lumpumgoolawsh7605]

Amazingly helpful video exactly what I needed!!

[@CRXYTV]

Definitely going to try this with dancehall and rnb to get levels right need to do more panning

[@LarsTaylorMusic]

Priceless, bro!

[@Producelikeapro]

You’re very welcome

[@nikhillekhra]

I have learned the most important things in production and mixing from you. Thankyou 🌻 🌻

[@kevinbutler94]

Excellent video/tutorial Warren, keep em coming!