Avoid allowing artist to 'cheat' gaze direction
Problem: awkward communication
Engineer warns against artists looking away during sessions, as it disrupts natural communication. This is a mistake that undermines the human connection crucial for a successful session. The problem of awkward or…
Avoid random rhythms in ARP without structure
Problem: unintentional lack of rhythmic coherence
The speaker explicitly rejects a random ARP rhythm, noting it 'has no rhythm to it at all.' This highlights the importance of intentional rhythmic design in ARP patterns. The mistake serves as a cautionary example of how…
Avoid over-compressing vocals to preserve natural dynamics
Even with aggressive compression (like the all-tech 322C), avoid excessive gain reduction that removes vocal 'life.' The speaker notes that the compressor used here doesn't suck the life out of the vocal, emphasizing the…
Avoid adding more to fix a flat mix — resolve clashes first
Problem: flat mix due to unaddressed frequency clashes
A common mistake is adding reverb, volume, or effects to a flat mix instead of addressing frequency clashes. The solution lies in identifying and resolving conflicts through EQ, sidechain, or arrangement, not in layering…
Avoid over-compression on dynamic elements
Problem: loss of dynamic expression
The speaker explicitly warns against unnecessary compression on kick/snare in tracks that benefit from natural dynamics. Over-processing can kill the organic feel of a track, especially in genres like progressive house…
Establish rhythm before adding harmonic elements
Problem: harmonic elements clashing with rhythm
The speaker acknowledges a mistake of adding harmony before finalizing the rhythm. This workflow tip emphasizes the importance of prioritizing rhythmic stability before introducing harmonic layers to avoid misalignment.
Avoid aggressive early compression on vocals
Problem: Inconsistent compression due to unaddressed volume differences
Applying compression too early without addressing volume differences creates inconsistent results. Producers often make this mistake by using the same settings for both quiet and loud vocal sections, leading to poor…
Avoid over-saturation on the drum bus
Problem: over-saturated low end
The speaker explicitly warns that excessive saturation can ruin the mix, emphasizing the need for restraint. This is a common mistake when trying to 'beef up' the low end. The advice to use 'soberware' (likely a typo for…
Avoid cutting low end too aggressively in clubs
Problem: Weak kick in club environments
Overcutting low frequencies (especially below 80Hz) can cause the kick to lose its impact in club environments where high frequencies are emphasized. This results in a weak, unbalanced sound that hurts the listener's…
Adjust LFO curve angles to avoid reversed audio
Problem: reversed audio in LFO effects
If the LFO curve is too steep, TimeShaper may play audio backward. To prevent this, ensure the curve's angle matches the grey guideline's slope. This is a common mistake when using extreme modulation for glitchy effects.