Mixing A Song With Separation & Clarity

When you think of an amazing mix these two words come to mind - SEPARATION & CLARITY.
In this video I will show you my approach to creating Separation & Clarity in my mixes.
Hopefully after watching this you will better understand how to declutter, unmask and remove muddiness from your mixes, leaving with you with something that really shines!
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(00:00) Method
(01:42) Levels & Panning
(08:35) Vocal Compression
(12:30) EQ - Unmasking
(23:59) Spatial FX (Reverb)
(25:30) Drums & Compression
(29:44) Drum Samples
(30:54) Before & After
(31:50) Final Thoughts & Tips
Keep in mind this is just a rough mix for demonstration purposes!
I would spend a lot more time on this if it was a proper mix for a client.
If you want to check out the official mix I did, listen here:
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[@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.

[@user-jq4fz6co8b]

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!

[@aliceberethart]

Bear in mind there is not one single process to mixing. While there are general guidelines, everyone is unique, and every song is unique . So showing people how you mix can be more than a bit personal.

[@DbiPro]

@@aliceberethartit’s hard to agree to that. Winging it never works well

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@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 :)

[@isaacsitiakalaabwenje]

I love the way you are presenting It's evident

[@dez5]

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

[@BrandonBurch]

It's amazing the transformation throughout the video!

[@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!

[@sammeyers8724]

Man this is absolutely amazing. Thank you!

[@MichaelAlso]

loved seeing your workflow! great video!

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks for watching Micheal!

[@mav3ricks]

Dope to see this process

[@kennylewis6702]

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

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks! I’m glad it’s helped!

[@MrCJ-lc9ru]

Awesome! The best mix video yet!!!

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks man!

[@ednaraval612]

So neat! We need to see your EQ

[@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.

[@reuq007]

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

[@spinlightstudios]

Stoked to hear that mate!

[@Preachmusic4u]

clear and precise instructions. love this 💯✊🏼

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks!

[@Mariusags]

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

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks mate!

[@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!

[@fingerbob74]

Brilliant vid mate, love your speedy no nonsense workflow!

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks mate!

[@DeanBenn]

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

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks Dean!

[@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 🙏🏻

[@trewgodell]

Excellent video! Thanks so much! Lots of wisdom

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks mate! Appreciate it :)

[@rajmahey1904]

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

[@spinlightstudios]

Thank you!

[@samizzy]

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

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks mate!

[@kenb3020]

Very nicely done. Simplicity rules.

[@spinlightstudios]

Indeed! Thanks!

[@tertuliusmederick7895]

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

[@spinlightstudios]

No worries! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ocljtc]

Amazing end result. 👍👍👍Also, that song is so powerful and well written. I love it!

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks! It’s definitely a great tune!

[@AMSOfficial79]

Good insight into the process. Thanks!

[@spinlightstudios]

Glad it was helpful!

[@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 🙏🏻

[@lucksondacelus9405]

Very good work! Congrtulations bro. Very useful tips. Thanks

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks!

[@0x0777]

Excellent tutorial and great song!

[@spinlightstudios]

Thank you!

[@stevebrown2070]

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

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks Steve!

[@petecarrollmusic]

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

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks Pete!

[@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!

[@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

[@hilow139]

Thank you so much for posting this

[@michaelshreve6455]

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

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks mate!

[@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!

[@GeorgeAmodei21]

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

[@spinlightstudios]

You’re welcome!

[@rojoratatatata4002]

THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO

[@SeawellStudios]

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

[@spinlightstudios]

Thank you sir!

[@realcarlspartacus]

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

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks man!

[@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!

[@libtekk]

That’s one overloaded song to de clutter good job

[@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

[@adyxsaj]

Really good video. Love it, watched every second! Subscribed and looking forward to more.

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks mate!

[@CannaprizeBEATS]

Thank you for that! 👏 We need more straight forward info like this. Great job 👍

[@spinlightstudios]

Glad I could be of help!

[@andrewkigen]

Thank you so much! You don't know how much I needed this!

[@spinlightstudios]

You’re welcome mate!

[@DiamondThief444]

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

[@spinlightstudios]

That’s awesome! Glad to have helped!

[@gregsonmatthews4453]

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

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks mate, glad you found it helpful!

[@hv3485]

I am so thankfull for your videos! learning a lot from this💯

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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 :)

[@paulinachmara6692]

This is an amazing video!!! I loved it. I’d love to see more like this one! Full mix through would be awesome

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks Paulina! I have a full mix vid similar but more in depth ^ it’s in the description link above :)

[@paulinachmara6692]

@@spinlightstudios thank you! Found it now and already saved it to my playlist. Really appreciate the amazing content!

[@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!

[@askwho69]

Great and simple way to mix but, very effective. Thanks

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks! It’s just a quick/rough mix to help demonstrate how to separate sounds :) once you get the hang of that you can get more complex (if needed) thanks for watching!

[@doremind1]

Great tutorial and i love this song now!

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks! Yeah it’s a goodie!

[@bonanzagroove]

Excellent stuf, thanks so much! 🙂

[@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!

[@itspetedee]

This is amazing mate! I learnt so much in 35 minutes!!!

[@spinlightstudios]

Stoked to hear that

[@mostafaben]

👍👍👍mixing in the context is the best way.tnx bro,you re great.

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks mate, you always have to check in the context of the mix!

[@elimorris4134]

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

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it

[@gathobeevens2644]

Thank you very much, you are an amazing engineer !! Blessings!!!

[@spinlightstudios]

Thank you mate!

[@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

[@jackiedixon5076]

This video was very helpful. Thank you.

[@spinlightstudios]

Glad it was helpful!

[@queengorgeous5334]

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

[@spinlightstudios]

Awesome mate! Glad to hear it!

[@Kmanhada]

Fantastic video! Learned a ton

[@spinlightstudios]

Awesome! Thanks 🙏🏻

[@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!

[@bojanzdolsek63]

Excelent job man🤟

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks mate!

[@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!

[@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!

[@simpsimpson5175]

well done.. pretty much the only mixing lesson one needs.. subscribed

[@spinlightstudios]

Cheers mate!

[@JustinGamana]

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

[@spinlightstudios]

Awesome!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@eltole4766]

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

[@spinlightstudios]

My pleasure! Stoked to hear that!

[@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

[@khayree]

Great ,great work !!!!!! Thank you Dig the song too!!

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks legend!

[@KaitavSapreMusic]

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

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks mate!

[@RedsunMusiq]

Chill video with excellent reminders

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks mate

[@PatrickObiang]

VERY USEFUL. BRAVO!

[@spinlightstudios]

Cheers Patrick!

[@mainsailsound983]

Great mix and great video! Thanks :)

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks for watching!

[@Mohawkjoe77]

Killer workflow 🤘🏻

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks man!

[@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

[@mistermusicenterprise3148]

That’s was very helpful and on point. 👍🏼

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks man!

[@raaszmelodicBB77]

Sounds great thanx for sharing..

[@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!

[@iamhunterreece]

great job on the mix, great job on the video. singer has some killer pipes!

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks! Yeah she’s good!

[@jeffreyhensley1857]

Love it. Thanks!!

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks mate :)

[@dumdubbs2427]

This is the best mixing video I've seen

[@spinlightstudios]

Glad you think so!