Mixing is where songs come to life. These five fundamental techniques will dramatically improve your mixes and help you achieve professional-sounding results.
1. EQ Before Compression
One of the most important rules in mixing is to EQ before you compress. Here's why:
- Removes unwanted frequencies before they get amplified by compression
- Allows the compressor to work more effectively
- Prevents pumping artifacts from problematic frequencies
Practical Application:
Use a high-pass filter to remove unnecessary low frequencies, then apply corrective EQ to address problem areas before hitting your compressor.
2. Create Depth with Reverb and Delay
Spatial placement is crucial for a professional mix. Use reverb and delay to create depth:
- Short reverb: Places elements closer to the listener
- Long reverb: Pushes elements back in the mix
- Delay: Adds width and interest without muddying the mix
Pro Tip:
Use pre-delay on your reverb to maintain clarity while adding space.
3. Bus Compression for Glue
Bus compression helps "glue" your mix together, making all elements feel like they belong in the same space:
- Use slow attack times to preserve transients
- Aim for 2-4 dB of gain reduction
- Choose compressors known for their musical character
Popular Bus Compressors:
- SSL Bus Compressor
- API 2500
- Fairchild 670
- dbx 160
4. Frequency Separation
Give each element its own frequency space to avoid masking:
- High-pass instruments that don't need low frequencies
- Create complementary EQ curves between competing elements
- Use multiband compression for frequency-specific control
Common Frequency Ranges:
- Kick drum: 60-80 Hz (sub), 2-5 kHz (attack)
- Bass: 80-250 Hz (fundamental)
- Vocals: 1-3 kHz (presence), 5-8 kHz (air)
- Snare: 200-400 Hz (body), 5-10 kHz (crack)
5. Dynamic Range Management
Maintain dynamic interest while achieving commercial loudness:
- Use parallel compression to add punch without losing dynamics
- Automate levels to highlight important sections
- Leave some elements uncompressed for contrast
- Use limiting sparingly to preserve musicality
Automation Tips:
- Ride vocal levels for consistent presence
- Automate reverb sends for excitement
- Use volume automation before reaching for compression
Bonus Tip: Reference Mixing
Always reference your mixes against professional releases in similar genres. This helps you:
- Calibrate your ears
- Understand commercial standards
- Identify areas for improvement
- Develop critical listening skills
Conclusion
Mastering these five techniques will significantly improve your mixing skills. Remember, the key is to serve the song—every technical decision should enhance the musical and emotional impact of the track.
Practice these techniques regularly, and don't be afraid to break the rules once you understand them. Great mixing is both technical and artistic, requiring both knowledge and intuition.
