I Critiqued 400 People's Mixes (Here's What I Learned)

Summary

In this insightful video, the host shares five key lessons learned from conducting numerous mix critiques. Emphasizing the importance of getting it right at the source, avoiding boring productions, addressing basic mix balance issues, correcting frequency balance, and mastering vocal mixing, the host provides actionable advice to improve one's mixing skills. A special focus is given to the challenges of vocal mixing, and the host introduces a course called 'Vocal Mixing Guide' for an in-depth understanding of mixing vocals effectively.

Takeaways

• 🎙️ The most crucial aspect of mixing is getting the sound right at the source. Starting with high-quality tracks is essential for achieving great mixes.
• 🎸 Recording and production techniques are just as important as mixing. A well-produced song will inherently sound better and require less effort in the mixing process.
• 🎹 Avoiding boredom in productions is key. Songs should have dynamic changes in instrumentation and arrangement to keep the listener engaged.
• 🔊 Mixing involves balancing volume levels. Simple adjustments like turning down an overly loud snare drum can significantly improve the mix.
• 👂 Listening to the mix with fresh ears is crucial. The 'static mix' approach involves setting levels and panning before adding any plugins.
• 🎵 Frequency balance is critical in mixing. Identifying and addressing issues in specific frequency ranges (lows, mids, highs) can clear up muddiness or harshness.
• 🔧 Mixing requires a combination of engineering and producing skills. The goal is not just to make it sound good but to make it interesting and engaging.
• 📈 Addressing major balance issues early in the mixing process is essential. This includes both volume and frequency balance to ensure a cohesive sound.
• 🎤 Vocals are often the most challenging element to mix. They need to be clear, pleasant, and dynamically balanced without issues like sibilance or harshness.
• 📚 Continuous learning and applying new techniques is important. The speaker learned a lot from doing mix critiques and encourages others to learn from these experiences as well.
• 💡 The speaker offers a course called 'Vocal Mixing Guide' for those interested in mastering the art of mixing vocals, emphasizing the importance of understanding the process and techniques.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The main purpose of the video is to share five big mixing lessons the speaker learned from doing numerous mix critiques and to provide insights that can help improve one's mixing skills.

What is the speaker's background in the context of the video?

The speaker has been running a home studio since 2009 and has offered private mix critiques, in addition to live stream critiques for members, as part of their services.

What is the first and most important lesson the speaker emphasizes in mixing?

The first and most important lesson is to get it right at the source. This means starting with incredible sounding tracks, as they are the foundation for a great mix.

What does the speaker mean by 'getting it right at the source'?

Getting it right at the source refers to ensuring that the raw, recorded tracks sound amazing before even beginning the mixing process. This sets a high standard for the final mix.

Why is it a mistake to ignore getting it right at the source?

Ignoring getting it right at the source is a mistake because mediocre tracks cannot be transformed into an amazing mix. The quality of the raw tracks directly impacts the final mix's sound.

What is the second lesson the speaker discusses regarding mixing?

The second lesson is about avoiding boring productions. It's important to make a production interesting by varying dynamics and elements throughout the song.

What is the 'verse two rule' mentioned by the speaker?

The 'verse two rule' is a concept discussed in a separate video by the speaker, which focuses on making a production interesting and avoiding monotony in song arrangements.

What is the role of a producer in the recording process according to the video?

The role of a producer in the recording process is to not only ensure good sound quality but also to make creative decisions about the song's arrangement and dynamics to keep the production engaging.

What is the third lesson the speaker learned from mix critiques?

The third lesson is that there are often basic level problems in the mix, such as incorrect volume levels, which should be addressed before moving on to more complex mixing techniques.

Why is it important to address volume balance issues early in the mixing process?

Addressing volume balance issues early is important because it prevents the need for complicated solutions later on and ensures a more balanced and cohesive mix.

What is the fourth lesson the speaker identifies in the script?

The fourth lesson is about frequency balance issues in mixes. It's crucial to ensure that no group of frequencies is overpowering others, which can lead to a muddy or harsh mix.

How does the speaker categorize frequencies for EQ purposes?

The speaker categorizes frequencies into five buckets: lows, low mids, midrange, upper mids, and highs. This helps in identifying and addressing frequency balance issues.

What is the final lesson the speaker shares about mixing?

The final lesson is about the challenges of mixing vocals, which are considered the most difficult elements to manage in a mix due to their need to be both prominent and pleasant.

What is the 'Vocal Mixing Guide' course mentioned by the speaker?

The 'Vocal Mixing Guide' is a course created by the speaker that provides a master class on how to mix vocals effectively, covering the process and considerations involved in achieving a great vocal mix.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of managing dynamics and sibilance when mixing vocals?

Managing dynamics and sibilance is important to ensure that the vocals are neither lost in the mix nor overly harsh, providing a balanced and pleasant listening experience.