Mixing A Song With Separation & Clarity

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks heaps for watching guys! Don’t forget to hit that like button and subscribe for more :) also if you want some tasty drum samples while supporting the channel at the same time, follow the link in the description to my website 😊

[@daronkeogh3941]

Subscribed!

[@officialkensonmusicworld1246]

Just Subscribed!

[@shooten1st]

Good stuff!

[@limitlesswheatproductions]

This is my new favorite channel 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@kylo____]

Great video dude.

[@TeddyLeppard]

Once I learned to view all music recordings as a collection of frequencies in a spectrum, I started to learn to separate those frequencies and carve out space in the mix to gain clarity for each track. It's a fascinating process.

[@ZEALm.e.studios]

But that's not mixing not programming. For me digital recording has taken all the fun out of making music it has become more of software programming and problem fixing them making good sound

[@jones1749]

⁠​⁠@@ZEALm.e.studioswhether analog or digital, mixing is problem solving. That’s what it has always been. Nothing they said is specific to digital, digital or analog all recording are a collection of frequencies

[@chinmeysway]

@@ZEALm.e.studiosisn’t that just about the material sucking to begin and not how it’s recorded? i get what u mean tho but there’s just a ton of garbage out there especially mainstream pop. tape won’t matter in that case.

[@chucksl21]

I appreciate this comment. I'm really trying to learn this myself.

[@UseTheSupeRsonic]

You gotta be careful with that way of thinking. Music is very synergistic and you want to think of it that way. The sum is bigger than the sum of its parts so every choice you make when mixing should be something that fits the track and each instrument as a collective

[@edpogalz8957]

You did what I feel like every other mixer on KZbin is too scared to do

[@spinlightstudios]

I mean, mixing to an audience is pretty scary haha but it’s just a rough mix to demonstrate the process!

[@suedetvrecordingstudio4918]

I have been a recording engineer with my own commercial studio for years...this guy knows what he's talking about..well done!

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks mate!

[@Dog_Stare]

Nice to hear, Will be watching myself soon. Like later today after I get off work.

[@gregsonmatthews4453]

Mate it’s great to have a practical step by step work thru on a project like this. You have provided Clarity and Separated yourself from the mess of online content. THANKS SO MUCH - OUTSANDING

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks mate!

[@douglasnethercote9442]

Hi Rhys. IMO this tutorial is deserving of 1.7M subcribers rather than 17K. So many of the big guys do not drill down in such a concise manner or baffle many users with long plugin chains with subtle nuances that are almost inaudible in context with the delivery platform. You are much more than "Just a studio nerd" and you also bring song material here that is well fit for purpose. KUDOS, and keep aiming higher because you have earned that.

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks mate! Really appreciate that!

[@fabellara01]

This uncovers all the mysteries and unanswered questions in mixing for me. Forever grateful

[@spinlightstudios]

Stoked to have helped making things a bit clearer about the process!

[@pilotgav3975]

Dude... This is THE best mixing demonstration video I've seen. You rocked it. Great moves and explanations! THanks.

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks!

[@BradyA1124]

Summary: - Achieving separation and clarity in mixes involves several steps. - Key elements for good mix separation are volume, panning, EQ, compression, and spatial effects. - Spatial effects include reverb and delay. - Fancy techniques like parallel compression and saturation can enhance mixes but are not always necessary. - The mix demonstration shows how to start with raw tracks, set faders, adjust levels, and pan instruments. - EQ is used to shape the sound of each instrument, removing muddiness and defining clarity. - Reverb adds depth and spatial dimension to the mix. - Compression helps control dynamics. - Drum samples can be used to enhance the drum sound. - Monitoring in both solo and context of the full mix is essential. - The video concludes with a before-and-after comparison, showcasing improved separation and clarity. Tips for achieving mix separation: 1. Start with proper volume and panning. 2. Use EQ to shape instrument tones and remove masking frequencies. 3. Utilize compression to control dynamics. 4. Incorporate spatial effects like reverb and delay. 5. Focus on context and monitor in solo and mix contexts. 6. Experiment with drum samples to enhance drum sounds.

[@Aayyushmusic]

very nicely put thank you

[@Alandpope]

Leaving a comment so I can find this summary later on.

[@ade_juwon]

Thanks for this

[@austonsmith536]

What if you're doing all this stuff but your ears rarely hear any difference in anything besides loudness levels? It's frustrating mixing and using all these tools yet all you hear is your mix getting worse and worse 'til eventually you're back on youtube tutorials watching people do magic with knobs. Resorting to Ozone A.I. mastering on tracks strictly set to presets [named after the instrument it is for] on all these fancy plugins ... accepting my mediocre track for a mediocre life. :/ [having to use A.I. feels fraudulent and mundane]

[@BradyA1124]

Man .. mixing isn't crazy hard, you got this .@@austonsmith536

[@ChristopherWilley1]

“If you can’t hear that, just put on some better headphones and you’ll hear the bass.” Love this advice, so commonly overlooked somehow

[@spinlightstudios]

Bass is so device dependent - if you’re watching straight off of phone speakers, it might not be very audible, but in your car or on your headphones it’s just fine :)

[@louieAdams]

Dude! You nailed this video. This is what every beginning mixer needs to see. Been mixing for years and the simplicity is FAWESOME!!!!! Thanks

[@spinlightstudios]

Cheers legend!

[@rays7805]

I'm not even 3 minutes in, and I'm LOVING this. This is gonna be so helpful. I can already tell.

[@Lilliputian63]

This is the best mixing demo I've ever seen. You go through every single aspect with a large range of instruments and vocals. There is NOTHING missing from this instructional video and all done in a short 35 minutes. Thank you.

[@blu_scuro]

Holy mother! I'd give this a thousand likes if I could! Best mixing video I watched to date, you explain everything so well! Thank you

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks so much mate!

[@DrProgNerd]

This is exactly what I needed. I'm a total noob - so much to learn. I've been overwhelmed lately - feeling at times like I'm never going to get it. But I was following the moves you made and why you made them. This was the right video at the right time for me. Thank you. Subscribed.

[@spinlightstudios]

Awesome! Glad you enjoyed it and got some inspiration. Honestly every mix is different and you always learn something new, keep going!

[@JustifiedHope]

This was awesome, you’ve got yourself a new subscriber. Thank you! No “best way to mix” crap or “the only plug in you’ll ever need” just make it sound GOOD!

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks mate! No worries :)

[@dsanj4745]

This walkthrough is very helpful, primarily because of the simplicity. A no-frills dive into the heart of mixing is always refreshing! One of the more appealing things is that (for the most part) you get from point A to point B using stock plugins. Far too many believe the 'secret' to achieving good mixes is having an ever-increasing collection of 'holy grail' third-party plugins that often cost a small fortune. Nice work!

[@spinlightstudios]

That’s right! You don’t need all the fancy plugins to get a good mix going, although some plugins can make things a little easier to do. Thanks for checking it out!

[@Reticulan_Techno]

One of the best examples of seperaton I found on youtube, thanks for the walkthrough!

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks so much man!

[@stop6production]

Finally a video showing the WHOLE process. Because of this I've discovered why my piano leads ALWAYS have this piercing sounding clip to it(No spread and piling up with the rest of the sounds because of no separation and split). THANK YOU bro. Straight Subscribed.

[@spinlightstudios]

No problem mate! Glad you found it helpful! Hope you enjoy some of my other vids too :)

[@ictattoo13]

Trying to get my final mixes to sound like your rough mixes. Thank you for all that you do good sir!!

[@spinlightstudios]

Haha thanks mate!

[@WaBoo78]

I've watched your video twice already and I'm still impressed! Simply great!

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks!

[@tomdooley4173]

Definitely coming back to this video, so many gem plugin recommendations that I am going to get and apply to my recording session tomorrow, thanks

[@spinlightstudios]

Glad you got something useful from it!

[@DaftFader]

Amazing vid, and a super important video for any aspiring mix engineer to watch imo. I've been involved with music/audio engineering in some capacity for a few decades, but even I learnt some things! nice job fella.

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks legend!

[@petecarrollmusic]

Love the channel Rhys, clear, concise, simple, articulate, informative. Rock on brother, best wishes from Scotland.

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks Pete!

[@samizzy]

Awesome video man love the simplicity here. Shows that the fundamentals really do go a long way. Great stuff! 🙏

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks mate!

[@soontaek]

Thank you infinitely sir. I've been looking for these kind of information all over the internet. I'm just a hobbyist who likes to make music from time to time (don't even know the theory stuff) and I couldn't even figure out what was it that I needed to fix. Now I listen to what I made and see that everything is muddy and I have no separation when everything is playing together. Now thanks to you I know what I have to do. Thank you for sharing these priceless information and I subscribed to support your channel as much as I can.

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks mate! So glad to be able to help!

[@stefanoguidone]

Great video and not only the mix got clearer, but you also had clarity in your explaining that is the real quid of the video. Thanks!

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks Stefan!

[@skirmantasstankevicius458]

You are the hero we don't deserve, but desperately need. Thank you so much! It was so interesting to follow and helped me a lot.

[@spinlightstudios]

Haha thanks so much 🙏🏻

[@OfficialStevenCravis]

I like how you got what sounded to my ears like a final mastered sound, just at the mixing stage. VERY impressive, helpful, and appreciated!

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks mate! Appreciate it

[@isaacsitiakalaabwenje]

I love the way you are presenting It's evident

[@fivebyfivesound]

Great walk-through. Thank you! Drummers tune your snare drum when you record! Thank you 🙏🏽 Signed, a drummer and mixer

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks man! Haha yeah.. that was my snare drum and me playing lol, I think the tuning slipped after a few takes and I didn’t realize until after the fact 😂

[@wereallthinkingit9389]

I feel like this helped me more than like 99% of videos on youtube... Also this vocalist really gives er This song kicks ass

[@kaaro4832]

Not hyperbole, defo the best mixing guide i've seen. Thanks mate

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks legend!

[@cagdasozdemir4753]

Making the difficult seem so easy is not something everyone can do. You give courage and endurance, brother. We are with you.✌

[@spinlightstudios]

Appreciate that! Thanks

[@rojoratatatata4002]

I literally learnt something from your video that you didn't even show but just by looking at your dial settings, I got my answer , thank you!

[@spinlightstudios]

Glad I could help!

[@Aposethevibes]

Exactly, It was panning same instrument left and right for me

[@carlosarenas8618]

Thank you for this clear, illustrative video. Among the thousands of videos out there about similar topic yours was the most simple straight forward I have seen so far. Less dynamic vídeo editing and silly comments and just mix and give wise advices on the go. Thank you so much.

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks mate! Appreciate the feedback! Sometimes it’s best to keep things simple!

[@dez5]

Thank you for taking us the musical Mix Journey. Takes to consider when mixing a track. 🎚🎚🎚

[@StevenWilsonBeales]

Not only is this a great mix example, this guy is a great communicator. Watching this on repeat.

[@spinlightstudios]

Thank you Steven!

[@djw457]

Great stuff, It's always helpful to look over someone's shoulder as they work through a mix. You made it look easy.

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks mate!

[@jemsophia]

incredible video, thank you sooooo much. truly a breath of fresh air. one thing that stood out to me: in the intro when you said you were going to get into unmasking i presumed you'd be using some fancy new EQ plugin; was so happily surprised to see you doing the bulk of this mix with the vintage EQ rather than the channel EQ or anything third party.

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks! You really don’t need crazy plugins to mix a song well, you can do so much with stock plugins! I do like my third party plugins, but you can do a lot with the things built into your daw.

[@stevebrown2070]

great video! Clear & concise, thanks mate. Great to hear how to get separation in a dense arrangement like this.

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks Steve!

[@gilldanier4129]

Honestly, in all the mix tutorials over the years, this has to be the absolute best for me, such a pro style of just getting it done and telling us what's happening. The difference is black and white for the outcome. This is what I need to study. Thank you and definately subbed.

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks! So glad to hear this was useful to you! Thanks for the sub!

[@TheVictoriousWon]

This is one of the best videos on how to approach mixing that I've come across on KZbin. THANK YOU!!

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks so much!

[@BrandonBurch]

It's amazing the transformation throughout the video!

[@kallofkthuluz5922]

I do not know how I was looking past the most obvious things. Thank you so much

[@spinlightstudios]

No problem! Thanks for watching!

[@JustinGamana]

This might be one of the best tutorials I've ever watched so far!

[@spinlightstudios]

Awesome!

[@FernandoMartinez-sz7lp]

Just wanted to say Thank you! Excellent video and demonstration. Watching you work gives such insight, much more than words. You explain things clearly, a talent in itself.

[@spinlightstudios]

Thank you Fernando!

[@JoeCreatesMusic]

My oh my...you just warped me into the next level of my mixing game. Learned a lot. You are a great teacher. Thanks a lot. ❤from 🇮🇳

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks mate! Glad you learnt something from it!

[@rajmahey1904]

Love this.❤ you’ve done a phenomenal job in this mixing tutorial.

[@spinlightstudios]

Thank you!

[@DeanBenn]

This video is unlike anything else I've seen on KZbin. I really appreciate the explanations and walkthrough. Amazing work!

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks Dean!

[@BusterZee]

Everything about this video is freakin badass

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks mate!

[@tomcox875]

Was thinking about my mixes in comparison and laughed out loud when you said, "rough mix." Really enjoyed this and learned a ton! Great song too.

[@spinlightstudios]

That’s awesome, glad you enjoyed it!

[@tertuliusmederick7895]

Very nice work!!! I enjoyed watching this. Thanks for sharing

[@spinlightstudios]

No worries! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kennylewis6702]

Mate...thanks so much for taking the time to make this content! Very helpful!

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks! I’m glad it’s helped!

[@TheGeneticsOfRock]

Brilliant mixing demonstration with stock plugins!

[@spinlightstudios]

Thank you!

[@dugl]

Thank you very much, you're mixing so calmly in this video, it really helped for me soak all the information and steps that you did

[@spinlightstudios]

Gotta be chill 😝 thanks!

[@eltole4766]

Dudeee thanks a looot!! you actually help me to clean my muddy mix!!! a million thanks!

[@spinlightstudios]

My pleasure! Stoked to hear that!

[@Mariusags]

Excellent! One of the best mixing videos on KZbin! Thank you!

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks mate!

[@Chrisikins1234]

Ma brotha this sounds really great man! Really great stuff! I'm a musician who's fascinating by mixing/mastering this is definitely inspiring! ✊🏽

[@WayneW]

This is the most concise but thorough mix demonstration I’ve come across. I am forever grateful for this. Theory is great, but this hands on mix and explanation is what I needed today. Thank you! Liked and subscribed…

[@spinlightstudios]

Glad to hear this was of help to you!

[@libtekk]

That’s one overloaded song to de clutter good job

[@DiamondThief444]

definily gave me sum good perspective to have in my mixes going foward thank you!

[@spinlightstudios]

That’s awesome! Glad to have helped!

[@ApexArtistX]

Not everyone with gears is a sound engineer too many KZbinrs showing off gears with raw mixing skills 😂 .. but this channel is gold

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks!

[@ednaraval612]

So neat! We need to see your EQ

[@realcarlspartacus]

I enjoyed the final version indeed, great mix. I'll try to learn from it, thanks.

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks man!

[@elimorris4134]

Marvelous video. Really tamed my perspective in a way when approaching a mix. Thank you!

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it

[@alexalexanderman1238]

Excellent fly on the wall session with just enough explanation to help us follow. I just found your channel and have subscribed. Also saved for future reference.

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks Alex!

[@TheRussianGenius]

2:48 somewhere around that mark you say "from the drummers perspective" on the pans, and that made me think entirely differently about mixing

[@reuq007]

I loved this! So precise and I've learned a lot from this.

[@spinlightstudios]

Stoked to hear that mate!

[@Hobbs-1]

Absolutely fantastic tutorial, I am guilty of concentrating on individual sounds and then wondering why my mixes are muddy. Thank you so much for this.

[@spinlightstudios]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@frankcoffey]

One recording I've always admired was Van Halen - Runnin' With The Devil. You have to get the old CD (released 1984 I think) not the newer remastered loudness wars version. It's amazing listening in the car it's got a 3D soundstage to it. The levels are really low on the old CD but when you crank it up all the dynamics are there. I ended up doing my own remaster just to use all 16bits without altering the dynamics and it's just beautiful.

[@chickberth]

People used to leave so much more space in mixes. Mixing through a buss compressor was a thing but it was a rare thing. And of course no loudness war as you mention. Another thing that really helps those old VH mixes is the drums are in mono, leaves plenty of room for giant guitars to dominate the L/R channels.

[@queengorgeous5334]

i just learnt alot from your teachings .this will take my mix to whole new leel

[@spinlightstudios]

Awesome mate! Glad to hear it!

[@georgepoindexter7416]

This is a good example of Clarity of Instruments / Mixes….thx ( a good ear ) helps also in highs and lows

[@chickberth]

Makes life so much easier with a good arrangement. Since you are a drummer and it's your performance, your ears are likely trained enough to get away with adjusting out of context with the mix, but I wouldn't suggest that for most people. Good job on a tough mix.

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks! I haven’t mixed or looked at this project in over 6 years, so it felt pretty new to me! It’s okay to solo sounds to identify things, but I definitely finish it all off in the context of the mix! You can’t beat a good arrangement, makes mixing much easier when it’s put together well.

[@edwardkenemorales]

Really dig your sound mate. Great video! No software can ever replace the ears of a seasoned engineer when it comes to unmasking stuff

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks mate! It was only a pretty rough mix, but hopefully gives some ideas on how to get started with unmasking and cleaning things up!

[@edwardkenemorales]

@@spinlightstudios your rough sounds better than my final mix hahaha

[@spinlightstudios]

😜😜

[@Preachmusic4u]

clear and precise instructions. love this 💯✊🏼

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks!

[@t5madeit]

came here as an hiphop engineer but i definitely learned something here! nice mix

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks man!

[@composermalte]

You are really great at keeping things simple. Which is true genius in my opinion. Really great job! You are a fantastic mixing engineer. Keep doing what you do! ;)

[@spinlightstudios]

Thank you for the kind words mate!

[@ModernResilience]

Great stuff man! Appreciate the mixing tips and awesome song as well. When you brought those double tracked leads, I couldn't get that melody out of my head. Super catchy. Enjoyed listening to it!

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks heaps mate!

[@ModernResilience]

no problem! Thanks for the mixing lesson@@spinlightstudios

[@basspartout]

Very very nice! Thank you very much for this. One of the best mixing tutorials I've watched so far! Straight to the point, focused on the important stuff. Liked and subbed!!!

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks 🙏🏻

[@wiseoldfool]

Like many things, it is an iterative process. I really enjoyed this and learnt a lot, I'm looking forward to more from you.

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks mate

[@hilow139]

Thank you so much for posting this

[@fingerbob74]

Brilliant vid mate, love your speedy no nonsense workflow!

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks mate!

[@jeffrey.a.hanson]

My biggest mistake is to do any mixing or adding reverb without a bass track. Now I use a dummy track while waiting on a bassist or start work on my next song. It’s amazing how ‘bad’ something can sound isolated, yet perfect in a mix.

[@PaulSpaccavento]

Nice! Articulate breakdown of how you think about finding space for all the freauencies 👌

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks!

[@dumdubbs2427]

This is the best mixing video I've seen

[@spinlightstudios]

Glad you think so!

[@justinchorley9233]

Amazing video. I've been hoping to find a demo this good with real instruments for yeeeears. I really appreciated hearing what a 'levels and panning' mix should sound like in the early stages. And all the other details, of course :) Just wonderful. Epic not-even-final mix too. What a legend. Thank you!

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks man! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MrCJ-lc9ru]

Awesome! The best mix video yet!!!

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks man!

[@michaelshreve6455]

Your videos are awesome!! Glad I found them!!

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks mate!

[@MorzakEV]

Great vid dude. Very transparent on your process which which really helps. You’re a mean drummer as well!

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks mate! Appreciate it!

[@mlwd1]

Great video! I knew I have been on the right track with this but you cleared up several things. Thanks!

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks! Glad I could help

[@maruserumangaka]

Thank you very much. Really and very educative. That is definitely the video I was looking for without knowing it. I have to continue to carve and sculpt my mix for better clarity, separation and depth definition 🙌🏾❤️‍🔥

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks mate! Glad to have helped!

[@KaitavSapreMusic]

Great video. 7:50 loved how you mixed in the organs! Thank you.

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks mate!

[@keith_hudson]

Absolute legend! Still my favorite bud.

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks Keith! 🥇

[@SeawellStudios]

Killer video dude! 👏🏼🔥 Continued success for you and the channel, you're one of the very best doing it👍🏼

[@spinlightstudios]

Thank you sir!

[@mati-fena]

Great video! Impossible not to subscribe after watching this video, thank you 🙏🏻

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks so much mate! Hope you enjoy the other videos too!

[@gregsonmatthews4453]

I love your work - The explanation makes sense - This approach will change my mixing life..😊

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks mate, glad you found it helpful!

[@GeorgeAmodei21]

I’m so happy I stumbled on this Video. 🙏 Thank you.

[@spinlightstudios]

You’re welcome!

[@mav3ricks]

Dope to see this process

[@OilRacki]

I watched loads of mixing videos. I tend to skim through a lot of them, and also get a bit frustrated by some where it can be so hard to hear what's happening (maybe due to YT compression). However, this one I watched start-to-finish, and right from the beginning I could hear the difference in what you'd done. I really like how you set up checkpoints, essentially, and showed A / B comparisons of what it was like before and after that checkpoint. So helpful. Very inspiring video. I subscribed, and hope to watch some more helpful video of yours.

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks mate, glad you liked the video! Thanks for the feedback, definitely take a scroll back through my videos, lots of stuff to check out :)