Took me 20+ Years to Learn This! My MIXES have never been better!

Summary

The speaker shares a valuable lesson in audio mixing, emphasizing the importance of perspective and the need to avoid over-focusing on minor details. They compare the process to viewing the Mona Lisa up close versus from a distance, highlighting that too much scrutiny can lead to noticing irrelevant flaws. The advice is to listen to a mix with fresh ears after a day's break to maintain an objective viewpoint. The speaker also recommends separating the tasks of editing and mixing, allowing for a clear mind and preventing the creation of non-existent problems. They stress the significance of the first listen, as it provides the most honest critique, and suggest taking breaks during mixing sessions to regain perspective. The message is to trust one's initial instincts and avoid letting insecurities or over-analysis ruin the creative process.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Focus too much on details and you might miss the bigger picture, like noticing minor flaws in the Mona Lisa instead of appreciating the whole painting.
• 🖼️ Take a step back to see the whole picture, which is crucial in tasks like mixing music where the overall sound matters more than individual elements.
• 🎧 The first listen to a mix is the most important as it provides an unbiased perspective; subsequent listens can be tainted by focus on specific elements.
• 🕒 Avoid working on the same project for extended periods without breaks, as it can lead to a loss of perspective and increased likelihood of overthinking.
• 📅 Schedule different days for editing and mixing to ensure a fresh perspective each time you work on the project.
• ⏳ Take regular breaks during the mixing process to maintain a clear head and avoid over-analyzing the mix.
• 👂 Trust your ears during the first listen; what stands out as an issue is likely the real problem, while subsequent focuses can be self-created.
• 🎶 Be aware of personal biases when mixing; if you play an instrument, you might unconsciously make it louder in the mix.
• 🚫 Avoid the temptation to constantly tinker with the mix; it can lead to overworking and potentially worsening the sound.
• 💡 Use the first listen as a guide for what needs attention, and then clear your head before revisiting the mix to address those issues.
• 🔧 Mixing is about balancing the ability to zoom in for detail work and zoom out for an overall perspective, much like an artist would do.
• 📈 Prioritize the first impression and use it to guide your mixing process; it can save time and lead to a more satisfying final product.

Q & A

What is the main point the speaker is trying to convey about focusing too much on a task?

The speaker emphasizes that focusing too much on a task can lead to noticing irrelevant details and potentially ruining the overall outcome. By using the example of viewing the Mona Lisa up close versus from a distance, they illustrate how important it is to maintain perspective.

Why does the speaker suggest taking a break after the first mix?

The speaker recommends taking a break to clear the mind and regain perspective. This allows for a fresh listen the next day, which is crucial for making unbiased judgments about the mix.

What is the significance of the 'first listen' in the context of mixing music?

The first listen is crucial because it provides an unbiased perspective on the mix. Any issues noticed during this initial listen are likely the real issues, whereas subsequent listens may lead to a loss of perspective and unnecessary focus on minor details.

Why is it beneficial to separate the setup and mixing processes by at least a day?

Separating the setup and mixing processes allows the person to step away from the work and clear their mind. This break helps to avoid becoming too deeply involved in the details, which can cloud judgment and lead to over-editing.

What is the 'CLA premise' mentioned by the speaker?

The 'CLA premise' refers to the idea of setting up one's own sessions or having someone else set them up. The speaker suggests that not being the one to do the setup can give a significant advantage, as it allows for a clearer perspective when mixing.

How does the speaker recommend dealing with the tendency to focus on one's own instrument in a mix?

The speaker advises being aware of this tendency and being honest with oneself. They suggest that if a musician plays a particular instrument, they might naturally want to make that instrument louder in the mix, which could be counterproductive.

What is the advice given for maintaining perspective while mixing?

The speaker recommends regularly 'zooming in and out', taking breaks, and listening to the mix at a low volume to regain perspective. This approach helps to avoid getting lost in the details and ensures a balanced mix.

Why are blind tests significant in the audio world according to the speaker?

Blind tests are significant because they help to eliminate bias and the tendency for our brains to play tricks on us when we are overly focused on a particular aspect of a mix.

What is the speaker's suggestion for handling the editing process before mixing?

The speaker suggests that editing should be done on a separate day before mixing. This includes getting rid of any unwanted sounds like clicks, pops, and timing issues, as well as vocal comping.

How does the speaker feel about the common practice of listening to a mix multiple times?

The speaker discourages the practice of listening to a mix multiple times in a row, as it can lead to a loss of perspective and an unhealthy focus on minor issues that may not be significant.

What is the importance of being honest with oneself during the first listen of a mix?

Being honest with oneself during the first listen is important because it allows for an accurate assessment of the mix without the influence of preconceived notions or biases. This honesty helps to identify the real issues that need to be addressed.

How does the speaker describe the process of mixing effectively?

The speaker describes effective mixing as a process of constantly 'zooming in and out' to maintain perspective, taking breaks, and being honest with oneself during the first listen to identify the real issues.