20 ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR PERFECT MIXES | Music Production Mixdown Tips, Ableton

[@STRANJAH]

My Top 20 Tips to perfect your mix! Help this get 1000 LIKES, thanks! 🤓

[@djsubliminalreeve]

please try and recreate the bass from g-dub beasty city. i can make growls but the ones on that track have like a really cool barking deeper effect.

[@blaeke64]

AAAAA I'm the 999th like! Love your tutorials so much dude, thank you so much for sharing the knowledge and the love for drum and bass

[@oliverlastery6196]

I use mostly only Fabfilter EQ 3. - To start a good mix, keep more or less -10db on the kick to keep headroom on the the entire mix - Avoid any compression on any channel because 99% of producers don't understand how to use it. You can use Glue on drums channel very carefully. OTT is a good plugin, but still a compressor. I use Saturn instead. - Use a analyzer like Span and avoid any hole on frequencies. Basically, keep it flat and avoid "banana" mix (mostly low and high frequencies and forget medium). Very common error. - Don't remove or add more than 2 db on EQ. 2 shells of 2 db is more efficient than 1 shell of 4 db - Very often, I use more the 1 of the same EQ because I need different results. I use one to cut frequencies, and an other one to remove nasty frequencies if it's to close to the first one. - If the ears is the most important tool for a good mix, the room where you mix is very important. Add reflect panels, absobant panels, trap bass, drapes on walls, carpet on the ground, etc. - Kick and bass in mono - Dont EQ a channel alone (solo). EQ a channel with all channels running. Very common error. - Set speakers at the same height of your ears. You must be positioned at the same distance of each speakers (in equilateral triangle). - Very common error is too much channels (100 or more). You want a clean mix ? Less channels. You can make an hit with around 20 or 30 tracks. (Example : Boris Brejcha) My 2 cents. Peace.

[@yes_iplaycasual376]

Quality advice here

[@cosmicgrooveacademy6367]

Totally agree with you with the -10db, do it myself :)

[@nikko444]

Super useful tips, bro! What do you think of Kiloheartz Slice EQ vs Stock Live’s eq8 vs Voxengo EQ? Thanks for sharing!

[@stefancompaneet7605]

Thanks dude

[@earthtonemedia7225]

hey folks, don't forget to take some risks every once in a while

[@djkrptdnb]

This is definitely the kind of video that needs to be shared around, especially for the d’n’b heads but for everyone else getting their brains around mixing music too ✌🏻

[@STRANJAH]

Cheers brother, appreciate if you could share it to your network!

[@b1a2r3t4e5r]

Definitely! I don't make dnb but I have been using Stranjah's tutorials anyway and they have still been super helpful

[@DJVILIFY]

Preach

[@williamroom6482]

Watched this as an amateur trance producer and I'm hearing this as though its extremely universal for many genres. Really useful tutorial

[@nawok3rouack243]

Fabfilter and blue cat audio EQ's are imo the best ones out there

[@Ben-ur8rt]

I've only just got into production and your videos have been the absolute back bone of my progress. Huge respect for you and your talent, thanks very much!

[@phullauk6284]

Mate absolutely neeed a tutorial on that mid bass!

[@sammiller9855]

TDR Nova is one of the best free EQ plugins I've used. It includes dynamic compression. The upgrade version TDR Nova GE is even more excellent. It adds the ability to dynamically expand as well as compression specific frequency ranges and has a smart function that analyzes the audio, identifies potential problematic resonant frequencies, or references it to pink noise or any chosen file.

[@STRANJAH]

Wow didn’t know bout this one thanks!

[@johnmadison52]

Saving mix as a new file, that's a rule I need to follow more!

[@Topbayder]

yeah man, wish i had watched this video 12 hours ago 🙈

[@CensorWars]

@@Topbayder Thanks for saving me some time. I am just starting to learn

[@timmiller516]

Bruv im 10 + years into production and I've used ableton primarily. I have never noticed the crossfade button, thanks for the introduction! you're a genius!

[@eekuso]

Hey! Sounds great Stranjah! Also it`s will be great to see what is the next step after mixing, what kind of plugins you use on the master channel, before render your mix, how you can add colours, what is the space should be on the mix channel ( or this this not so necessery, just need to do without clipping), some limiters, finall eq etc. Thank you in advance !!

[@shroomydaze]

I love this guide and the way you deliver it. You don't lay down numbers and shit saying blah blah set to a certain LUFS...you just offer what works best for you in your expereince, and share, and alot of it is very useful!

[@TheMightyBoogie]

My EQs of choice depending on the job - Pro Q3, DMG Equilibrium ,Pultec EQP 1A, Bax EQ, Manley Massive Passive

[@saratadesse8048]

That A/B is a new one!! writing that one down

[@manudawber1987]

bro your videos are consistently top notch, so much knowledge and no filler. much love

[@bardistass]

I dont even write tunes anymore (kids, work, life, etc).... But I still watch these videos Keep it up man, great content... and those intros kill me everytime!

[@djsubliminalreeve]

You can do it I mean I have 3 kids that are all young and demanding but still finish two tracks a week

[@carveh13]

stop watching pornhub

[@erednmakes4863]

Get up earlier 👍

[@bavingeter423]

You can do it, it’s absolutely possible, don’t hold yourself back!

[@steveg5327]

My tips - #1: Check your mix at a low volume. One mark of a good mix is that the track remains balanced no matter what volume you're playing at. If you're always checking it at an average volume, you're more likely to think major elements sit perfectly in the mix because you can hear them clearly at that volume even though they absolutely disappear when you go below a certain volume. #2: Set your levels in mono, and then make sure it's still balanced in stereo.

[@riseoftheflutes1739]

I know this is an old comment/video, but do you personally mix in mono, and just check stereo levels later?

[@darkjord5823]

@@riseoftheflutes1739 produce the track. Layout/sounds and such. Then set everything to mono then mix your levels. Switch it back when you're done. Though, certain bass, like kicks, can often stay in mono.

[@onamaddeningloop]

💯 Tip one is essential. I literally listen to my mixes at ‘barely Audible’, and see if I can hear everything. If you can, then you’ve nailed it

[@fabiotorres2188]

This was a really useful tutorial man, thank you. Getting rid of unwanted frequencies and panning sounds to structure the track were some of my favourites. Earned a new sub!

[@furleysbrain]

Best mix down tip ever: MIX IN MONO If you can fill the spectrum correctly in mono - it'll easily sound amazing in stero NOT the other way around!

[@obscurepotato]

biggest of ups mate i was just about to look up mixing tips and you delivered this right on time. bless up

[@mchlgspr]

This is probably the best mixing tutorial on youtube. Thank you so much!

[@ASH-ou4cg]

Good point on keeping your master fader empty, but this is subjective. I have been mixing INTO my hardware SSL 4000 compressor for years and I find it really helps to get things gelled together during the entire tracks arrangement. Once you get used to how the compressor reacts, it is very easy to keep things sounding tight and in check level wise, without worrying about any worrisome spikes in level. This of course should be done VERY lightly. After I get my attack and release where I want, in terms of tightness and reaction to the compressor, based on the track, I only VERY lightly adjust the threshold, to only kick in, at the most critical times. 99% of the time, the needle will be compressing less than 1db, at any given time.

[@jdstarek]

FabFilter ProQ 3. But I actually use the stock Live10 plugin EQ Eight a ton.

[@darrenhutchings6264]

Aww, I've been waiting for a tutorial like this. You're a great tutor Alan, fair play!

[@STRANJAH]

bigup once again Darren!

[@darrenhutchings6264]

Right back atcha Alan!

[@TheColossalBlanket]

This is absolute gold! Thank you so much!

[@KRAHLAH]

I'ma go with tip number 9 being a game changer to get everything sounding good, volumes so important and i need to pay more attention to this! Huge tip tyty! #10 is awesome as well! :3 Big up!

[@STRANJAH]

Yes its the most important, getting that balance right!

[@rutgerdenijs9286]

I'm more focused on house and techno, but damn your video's are awesome. I think this video may be the best mixing video I've seen. You're the first youtuber I've seen who explains syncopation in a concept, rather than a set of production rules. All these youtubers are teaching rules which impede the creative process. Whereas teaching concepts with an example is so much more effective.

[@ouatedephoque]

The crossfader tip was insane !!

[@kooljules]

Listen up y’all, this dude Stranjah is on point!

[@freshmint5130]

I think tip 20 is the most common mixdown mistake. I noticed that some tracks even sounds good in ableton at wrong volume, but not all. Some tracks could be distorted and ruined when overvolumed. This is especially noticeable when the high frequencies of the sound have a large dynamic range. So, this is really important tip. Thanks!

[@ASH-ou4cg]

VCA faders are great for adjusting volume, while maintaining balance between everything.

[@vajrakilla9124]

Tip #14 -- use odd numbers with unison; i.e. you could've bumped it up to 3 and then gave the balance more mid. You get a more consistent phase and good fold to mono

[@andreilemieux9525]

+1

[@batican8367]

I found mixing each track against pink noise is a good place to start. Loving your videos.

[@corsairdnb]

Thanks for your tips! Could you make a video about preparing the mix for the mastering?

[@illGatesMusic]

Shout outs to a fellow Toronto producer! Loving how active you've been on KZbin. Big ups!

[@STRANJAH]

Bigup man means alot coming from ya!

[@mozzanth]

I'm gonna listen to some of your releases for referencing my tracks, I really liked the A/B feature. Thank you so much dude!

[@TryingNotToLie]

Ableton EQ Eight. Thanks for the reference track tip.

[@DimaShenme]

I like Uhbik-Q. It's a parametric eq with configurable bands (bells and shelves), a couple of dedicated filters for low end and center/side mids and two brickwall lp and hp filters. Because you don't have an amplitude response curve in front of your eyes, the interface forces you to pay attention to every change you are introducing and effectively prevents you from taking decisions with your eyes. The frequency and gain of a band are two separate knobs, so each correction is broken down into two distinct steps, which also helps concentrate on finding the right settings, one at a time.

[@eli123123]

mix tip: milk and cookies, good mix mostly use logic stock EQ for mixing. cheap mix tip: sometimes i use amp head simulators for glueing and colouring my drums, can realy glue them togeher when used subtly. try it just on your snare and hat bus but be carefull with the hi frequencys

[@SaturnsReturn77]

@@172Break solid tool! also easy to overdo it

[@StefanPrammer]

i am loving all the details and examples, so you really hear what its all about!

[@rumli_0]

nice tips, thanks man! my favorite is that you set the volume by ears, and using the sliders as on a hardware.

[@STRANJAH]

Glad you appreciate it!

[@bristolfire5328]

Stranjah is a modern day hero

[@kimisnaps]

LOVE IT! Thanks Stranjah :) Good tips, hope my ears work well

[@alexanderparkin362]

hey, thanks for a great video. I think a few of these tips (for example having a less 'boomy kick') are quite genre specific, I know a lot of your videos are focussed around D&B but just wanted to give my (very personal) opinion for those watching who make other genres (e.g. techno or house) where sometimes you want the kick to have boom as the bass isn't always the element at the forefront of the low-end. But fantastic video as per.

[@STRANJAH]

Thanks for mentioning that you are correct!

[@jonhopwood3947]

Fabfilter Pro Q 3 for the win when it’s comes to eq for me! Can even be used as a super transparent sidechain tool too!

[@Warjah104]

Thanks bro! These are on the point tips. Very clear and no nonsense. Big up!

[@STRANJAH]

Great to hear!

[@iandoty6313]

Big up Alan! DMG Equillibrium is the work horse for me

[@alhoxoxo]

First time seeing your channel, and I gotta say such a gem for beginners like me as well. I fully connected and understood everything clearly. Thank you so much for the help!

[@speedwagon8118]

Hey, I am a great fan of your tutorials. I have learned a lot of things thanks to you. Can you recommend other KZbinchannels you think might be helpfull?

[@STRANJAH]

Artfx, DNB Academy, Let’s Synthesize, oversampled, Venus theory, for production and sound design. more out there though

[@speedwagon8118]

@@STRANJAH Great. I will check them out. Keep up the good work 👊👊🏽👊🏿

[@jdstarek]

Your vids are so quirky, I love it. That opener is gold...or should I say, repasado.

[@STRANJAH]

hahah nice one!

[@wise1beats]

So many gems - that part about adding reverb to high bass frequencies was a big one for me! I'll definitely keep going back to this vid for a long time #Mixing101

[@ilikebassmusic]

This is some of my favorite content of yours

[@MK-fo4fd]

Dear Stranjah, you are discussing so much issues I'm dealing with, thank you!!!

[@franzbalzarisquez1486]

every single one of your tips are just the right ones for me thx!!!

[@Oscar-rw8kt]

I loved the tip related with fixing the volume levels starting with the kick. it'd awesome to see some design tips. Big respect man!

[@majobernal3738]

Cheers bro , luv your vids...keep it coming !

[@Artersa]

Hell yeah, this is so necessary. Thanks Stranjah.

[@funtycase2043]

Start new job next week so that means starting your producertech course. Can't wait

[@speedwagon8118]

Thanks a lot for tip number ten and especially showing the feature in Ableton to do the AB thingie. I was about to spend money on an AB plugin but apparently this is not needed if you use Ableton. Big up from Belgium!!!

[@STRANJAH]

Your welcome it’s a neat trick!

[@djpaulcfunkeddub3951]

Essential video, Alan, much appreciated man, thank you 🙏

[@djpaulcfunkeddub3951]

Referred back to video again today for a track

[@nikko444]

I use stock Live’s eq8/eq3 and kiloheratz SliceEQ. Though I always check my spectrum with Voxengo SPAN plus. Very excited to learn more of DnB mixing techniques! Thanks for your hard work, Bro!

[@Marc.Acidica]

10:15 This is a super helpful one. I always try to balance everything when I'm done with my tune. I'm just starting out so this video is amazing.

[@DNBDJPrinC]

Man your videos are helping me massively with mix downs and eq sound design and structure of my tracks is pretty decent but just trying to learn how to mix down and your videos are really helping thanks buddy I've recently subscribed and liked a few of your videos.. your tunes are sick too 👌

[@method_uk]

awesome dude! You’re KZbin channel is brilliant.. so easy to follow 👌🏻🔥😎

[@STRANJAH]

Glad you think so!

[@TheDarkInstall]

Crossfader A/B trick is good, thanks mate.

[@sebascagua]

Great vid man! We would need a Mastering tutorial :D :D :D

[@arisimon3923]

fab q2 is rockin with the in house spectrograph and pre/post color coding to see whats actually happening as you eq

[@unofficial_nefertum]

really nice tipsss!

[@firstnamelastname6978]

Good tip for kicks and bass is make sure the kick is in key with your track, so if your tune is in f minor make sure the kick is in F, or if or tune it to the most dominant key of your bass if your not working with scales

[@Artersa]

I read that having kicks in the same key as the bass can cause phase issues, and kicks should be 3, 5, or 7 semitones different. Thoughts from the community?

[@final_animal]

@@Artersa idk, Deadmau5 says the whole thing about tuning your kick to your sub or to the root note of the track is unnecessary and a waste of time, causes you to write a track around a kick for no reason (he didn't put it quite so politely as that lol, but that was the gist). The kick usually isn't your bassline in most cases, so tuning kicks to subs can derail the production process. Depends though, some tracks have really long kicks that do act as more than just a transient percussive element kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3Pdpmuug9VojpY

[@TheCommentator353]

Yes! really need this

[@MrGuitarSmoker]

Dude, i found your channel not too long ago and it is awesome ! I think it really explains with more depth and more accuracy each step of music production! Love your videos keep up man ! Love from France :)

[@SpennieLence]

Love these videos, Stranjah you are a boss!

[@STRANJAH]

Thx man!

[@sammo2207]

Another great video, this stuff is gold!

[@STRANJAH]

Thank you!

[@erikhillblaske]

When using the stock Ableton EQ click the arrow toggle in the top left to bring up a fully controlled spectrum analyser for fine tuning your EQ.

[@SUBCHVRGE]

YES. This is incredible.

[@moonmonk7]

Good Job man! great insights and information.

[@andreilemieux9525]

To expand on the idea of high-quality samples, it's super important to make sure your samples are all recorded using the same sample rate/bit depth. I have found that a lot of Vengeance samples are all over the place, and when you play your song back through any decent studio monitor; your mix will sound like unwanted distortion make sure your file heiracrhy is all in order. Such as where you save your tracks, stems, and finished project files/Demos. Understand song structure of EDM and which tracks can be automated to fade in and out. Make sure bass frequencies arent conflicting any other production ideas?

[@raptormoments]

dude Sinkhole is so good and it's crazy you picked that because I was just thinking of using that as a reference, its just so well mixed. I once flew into Bogota, Colombia at midnight my first time in south America, flying down the highway in the back of an uber through the scariest neighborhoods iv ever seen with that tune cranked to 11 nothing ever fit so perfectly.

[@surreal8zero475]

Frequency 'Cubase 12 pro is my go to EQ plugin 🤙

[@m00ftak]

you da man! thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@juntin810]

great tips! the utility plugin in the master if feeling lazy!.. thanks.

[@dantaylor2287]

Thanks a lot as always mate! 🤩👍

[@adamkissinger7113]

As a beginner, this was very helpful. Thanks!

[@jeremyfox7599]

Another great video thank you Stranjah

[@ASH-ou4cg]

I really enjoy the built in Cubase EQ... Frequency...

[@miausick9845]

Dudee, I needed this so badly, thank you!!

[@hoshinkanri123]

Nice video man, very helpful.

[@dima3801]

Thanx man! Good tips!

[@quikdon]

Super helpful, thank you!

[@mariaradeva4497]

thanks. you're a good teacher!

[@acidiozh]

great tips ty

[@trancodingertranscodinger387]

Very appreciated! Going to share that for sure.

[@dfsdnb488]

Yo , pretty new producer here, I’m using renoise but this is all very useful thanks man! Got a few of your tracks on vinyl too, huge up!

[@Joejoejoe1967]

Really helpful tips

[@01Decapitator]

pls make video about that signiture dark dnb pad u have in your track! great tut

[@ASH-ou4cg]

One VERY important tip I am surprised you didn't mention, is how to choose the right EQ for the task. Does one do a bell EQ, or a shelf EQ, etc? A tip I learned from you many years ago, was using a shelf EQ to add a broader boost to key frequencies, all in one shot. This really helps to have things stay consistent and balanced in the mix, all while sweetening up the area in question, without worrying about doing too many smaller EQ adjustments in the same area of the spectrum.

[@STRANJAH]

Good point. I may do a video with intermediate/precision techniques. Just wanted to get the basic concepts of mixing down for this one.

[@dirkvoltaar]

That intro is amazing! 😂

[@kaineshutler]

Super helpful mate. Thanks!

[@MarioPorst]

Straight forward and on point... thx mate!

[@beastrockdocw]

Man, thank you for the video! 🙏