Avoid the 'turn up my instrument' mentality during mixing
Problem: band members demand louder instruments
Band members often request to have their instruments turned up, but this can lead to an unbalanced mix. Cameron Webb suggests that the producer should guide the band toward a more nuanced approach, such as adjusting EQ…
Mute or reduce overly loud elements to restore balance
Problem: elements too loud, mix imbalanced
If certain elements in the mix are too loud, they can throw off the balance of the track. By reducing their volume, you can restore a more even dynamic range and ensure that all elements are heard clearly. This is…
Identify the 'hero' elements in your mix and prioritize them
Problem: unclear mix direction, competing elements
Every mix has elements that should stand out — these are the 'heroes.' Identifying them early helps guide the mixing process. For example, if a piano is the hero, it should be more prominent in the mix. This approach…
Balance drum groups before balancing the entire mix
Problem: cluttered drums, unclear mix
Drums are a complex group of sounds, and balancing them internally first ensures that each component (kick, snare, hats, etc.) has its place. This step prevents the mix from becoming cluttered and allows for a more…
Set levels before processing to establish balance
Problem: inconsistent levels before processing
Adjusting faders first ensures the mix has a solid foundation before applying compression or EQ. This prevents over-processing later and allows for more precise adjustments. The speaker emphasizes that balance is the…
Adjust snare volume to balance in the mix
Problem: overpowering snare in the mix
The producer reduces the snare volume to ensure it doesn't overpower the kick or other elements. This is a basic mixing technique to maintain clarity and balance in the mid-range frequencies, preventing the snare from…
Balance hats with the rest of the track
Problem: hats overpowering or getting lost in the mix
Maintaining balance ensures hats don't overpower or get lost in the mix. This requires constant comparison with the full track to ensure hats sit naturally within the frequency spectrum and dynamics. Neglecting this can…
Avoid over-adding or under-adding elements during expansion
Problem: arrangement feels cluttered or empty
When introducing new elements every two loops, maintain balance by neither overwhelming the arrangement nor leaving it feeling sparse. This requires judgment based on the track's energy and the listener's engagement,…
Use volume adjustments instead of EQ for tonal balance
Problem: over-reliance on EQ for balance
When the source material is high-quality, the speaker prioritizes volume balancing over EQ to shape the mix. This approach avoids over-processing and maintains the natural tonal characteristics of the recordings. It's…
Balance complexity with sanity in remixes for a cohesive result
Problem: remix feels too chaotic
Even when creating a complex or intricate remix, it's important to maintain a sense of balance and coherence. This is especially crucial in genres like progressive house, trance, and even some forms of drum and bass,…
Use automation to prioritize the vocal in different sections of the song
Problem: vocal gets lost in dense sections
Automation can be used to adjust the levels of other instruments in the mix to make space for the vocal in certain sections. For example, reducing the volume of drums or other elements in the verse allows the vocal to…
Balance left and right panning to avoid lopsidedness
Problem: lopsided stereo image
The host warns against over-panning one side, which can make the mix feel unbalanced. This is especially important for mobile listeners who may not hear extreme panning effects. The advice applies universally but is…
Balance left/right panning to avoid lopsided mixes
Problem: lopsided stereo image
Panning should be treated like a scale—every element panned left should have a counterpart panned right. This prevents the mix from feeling unbalanced or awkward, especially in stereo playback. The principle applies to…
Balance energy through dynamic arrangement
Problem: lack of energy in the track
The phrase 'balance and spill speed' refers to managing the energy curve of the track. This concept involves carefully controlling the intensity of elements (like risers, percussion, and bass) to maintain listener…