October 23, 2023
After over a year of absence from the Kpop scene, solo artist Sunmi has recently come back with her eighth digital single, “STRANGER.” Co-written by Sunmi...
Read moreOctober 23, 2023
EXO’s Chanyeol dropped the highly-anticipated single, ‘Good Enough.’ The comeback was made two and a half years after his latest release (‘Tomorrow’) in 2021...
Read moreOctober 20, 2023
LE SSERAFIM, a powerhouse in the K-pop industry, is a South Korean girl group formed by Source Music. Comprising five members – Sakura, Chaewon, Yunjin, Kazuha, and Eunchae – the group made...
Read moreOctober 20, 2023
Boygenius, one of music’s latest supergroups consisting of Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, and Julien Baker, has just dropped a new EP with 4 tracks.
Read moreOctober 20, 2023
Recently announcing a collaboration titled “Too Much” to be released with BTS’ Jungkook, as well as Central Cee, it is scheduled to be released on October 20, 2023.
Read moreOctober 16, 2023
Just two months ago, NewJeans etched their names in the annals of music history by accomplishing a feat that set the industry abuzz. Their second mini album, “Get Up,” soared to the top of the...
Read moreOctober 16, 2023
The album was heavily influenced by 1970s rock and folk music, as frontman Neil Smith tells Monday Magazine: “We just decided we wanted to have a very natural-sounding album...
Read moreOctober 12, 2023
Approaching their two-year debut anniversary, they're kicking off their first world tour, titled “SHOW WHAT I HAVE”. It’s been mentioned that IVE’s first concert is set to embrace the idea...
Read moreOctober 9, 2023
Recently, Blackpink's Jennie has made a triumphant return with her latest single, "You & Me," released on October 6, 2023, marking her first solo release since the global success of "Solo" in 2018...
Read moreOctober 9, 2023
Tale Of Us are an electronic music duo formed in 2008 consisting of Carmine Conte and Matteo Milleri. Soundscapes produced range from dance floor music to chill ambient soundscapes and abstract...
Read moreOctober 8, 2023
On October 6, (G)I-DLE dropped their latest EP, Heat. The mini-album, consisting of 5 tracks, was made through a collaboration between Cube Entertainment and 88Rising...
Read moreOctober 8, 2023
NCTzens, the wait is finally over. On October 6, NCT 127 returned with their fifth album, Fact Check, accompanied by a futuristic music video for the album’s title track...
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Mixing is an art form that requires not only technical skill but also a keen ear and attention to detail. Many producers and engineers fall into common traps, leading to subpar mixes that could have been avoided with the right approach. Let’s dive into the top 10 mixing mistakes and how to prevent them from sabotaging your tracks.
Compression is essential for controlling dynamics, but overusing it can strip your mix of life and energy. Solution: Learn to use compression subtly. Set attack and release times appropriately for the material, and use parallel compression to retain dynamics while controlling peaks. Famous producers like Rick Rubin emphasize natural dynamics over excessive compression in his work.
Pushing levels too hard can lead to digital clipping and distortion, ruining the clarity of your mix. Solution: Always monitor your gain staging. Use meters to ensure you’re not overloading your mix bus or any individual tracks. This approach was vital for Daft Punk when crafting their clean, polished sound.
Incorrect EQ moves, such as boosting low-end on every instrument, can create a muddy, unclear mix. Solution: Focus on subtractive EQ first, cutting problem frequencies before boosting. Take inspiration from Timbaland, who’s known for creating space in his mixes with carefully crafted EQ.
Low frequencies can build up and overwhelm the mix if not controlled. Solution: Use high-pass filters on non-bass instruments, and consider side-chaining the bass to the kick drum for better separation. EDM artists like Calvin Harrisare masters at creating a punchy yet controlled low end using these techniques.
When multiple mics are used or tracks are layered, phase issues can lead to cancellation, thinning out your sound. Solution: Always check for phase issues, especially when layering sounds like drums or guitars. Use a phase meter or flip the phase button on your DAW to resolve phase cancellations.
While reverb, delay, and modulation can enhance a mix, overusing them can clutter your sound. Solution: Apply effects with moderation and consider using sends instead of inserting effects on every channel. Look at producers like Brian Eno, who applies effects tastefully to create spacious yet clear mixes.
Leaving all instruments in the center of your stereo field can lead to a flat, crowded mix. Solution: Pan instruments to create width and separation. Refer to the iconic George Martin, who’s known for his innovative panning techniques with The Beatles, creating depth and clarity in their recordings.
Mixing in isolation without comparing to professional tracks can lead to poor tonal balance. Solution: Use reference tracks from similar genres to calibrate your ears. Famous mix engineers like Chris Lord-Alge swear by referencing their mixes against well-known hits to ensure competitive quality.
A static mix with no volume or effect automation can feel lifeless. Solution: Use automation to create movement and interest. From subtle volume rides to dramatic filter sweeps, automation can elevate your mix to a professional level. Skrillex is known for using automation to add dynamics and excitement to his electronic music.
Mixing on poor-quality speakers or in untreated rooms can lead to bad decisions. Solution: Invest in decent monitors or headphones and treat your room for a balanced acoustic environment. Producers like Hans Zimmer work in well-treated rooms with high-quality monitoring systems, ensuring accurate mixes.
By being aware of these common mixing mistakes and taking steps to avoid them, you can dramatically improve the quality of your mixes. Famous producers and engineers have faced these challenges and found solutions, so take inspiration from their techniques to elevate your own mixing game.