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Rina Sawayama has burst into the consciousness of queer music listeners in recent years. My first time listening to her work was Cherry, a track that is bubbly ...
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In the wake of Tiktok’s rapid expansion and growing dominance in the short-form video market, YouTube has felt the pressure to adapt to keep up with the shifting demands of its audience...
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Phoebe Bridgers is an American songwriter, singer, and producer who has, in recent years, gained mainstream recognition with the release of her sophomore album “Punisher” in 2020...
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Steve Lacy is a singer, songwriter, record producer, and living proof that you don’t need the most advanced or high-tech studio equipment to create music that listeners will love...
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For the last two years, there has been something missing in the lives of music lovers around the world—live music. The advent of a global pandemic meant the absence of concerts, festivals........
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One of the biggest questions many spaces face today is how blockchain technology may overhaul industry norms, and the music industry is no exception. In particular...
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Snapchat has recently announced Snapchat Sounds Creator Fund, a monthly grant program of up to $100,000 awarded to independent artists distributing music on the platform...
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Over the past few years, TikTok’s popularity has significantly increased resulting in 1 billion global daily users by early 2022. The app has also become extremely influential in the current music....
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Charlie Puth has paired with Studio to create a 30-day online course that outlines the entire songwriting and production process for $279 USD. This hands-on learning experience has been marketed....
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Whether you know Lexie Liu from her performance as Seraphine in K/DA’s “MORE” or her fourth-place finish on The Rap of China 2018, there’s no denying that the Chinese hip hop star is a global ...
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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.