Common MixingErrors in 2025: Navigating Potential Pitfalls - A Practical Guide for Steering Clear
Messing up again and again when trying to produce decent music? Don't sweat it - we've all been there! But worry no more, as we're going to expose ten trivial blunders producers often fall into, providing you with the tools to breeze through your next project.
Whether you're a budding pro or just starting your musical journey, we strongheartedly suggest checking out our courses in London, LA, and online.
Errors to Evade
1. Clumsily Panning Everything Centrally
Modern synth plugin width and depth can blind you to the pan dial altogether. Keep everything at the center and you'll end up with a battle-royale of sounds in your mix. Mixing with headphones makes things worse, as you can't feel the natural bleed like when working with speakers.
Tip: Primarily pan less significant elements and try auto-panners to create space.
2. Exclusively Using EQ to Boost
Looking for more volume? Adjust its level, not EQ. EQ is meant to cut frequencies as well as boost them. If you only boost, expect clashes with other sounds in the mix.
Tip: Prioritize level adjustments before EQ changes. If you need to boost, compensate by cutting in other tracks.
3. Lack of Mix Headroom
Plugins love playing it loud - so loud it overwhelms your mix! Kick off your project by pulling all faders down to -6 to -8dB to provide necessary headroom.
4. Careless use of Reverbs in the Bass Frequencies
Reverb can help your mix, but be wary, particularly with low frequencies like kicks, basslines, and pads. Instead of boosting punch and power, they'll turn your work into a mushy mess.
Tip: Use an EQ after reverb and cut frequencies below 200Hz from the reverb signal to minimize swamping.
5. Mix Sprints
Treat a mix session like a marathon, not a sprint. Over time, your ears tire, affecting judgment and Volume Management.
Tip: Take regular breaks to regain focus and keep judgement sharp.
6. Mix Presets Love
All the 'one size fits all' presets from plug-ins can seldom make the cut. Dial them up if you fancy losing the personal touch in your music.
Tip: Every track is unique; tailor your settings as per your composition for a more memorable sound.
7. Single 'Drum' Track
Multiple reasons lead to having multiple microphones for acoustic drum recording sessions, giving the engineer control over individual sounds. Digital producers should mimic this approach. Create separate audio files for each element of your kit and manage each source individually.
Tip: No single EQ, compression, or reverb treatment will suit every component in your drum arrangement, so split them up for optimal mixing.
8. Clean Arrangement, Clear Mind
Mute elements when refining your arrangement but leave them unmuted during the mix phase. This clears your arrangement, promotes mental focus, and conserves processing power.
Tip: Regain control; color-code your regions for improved organization.
9. Mixing Mastering
Output channel processors are excellent but don't get too excited and introduce them prematurely. So-called 'mastering' processors can twist your mix balance, affecting the way your final mix stems sound when printed or professionally mastered.
Tip: Mix your track properly without prematurely applying mastering.
10. Overlooking Vocals at Mixdown
Vocals are the focal point, so maintaining their level throughout is crucial. Compressors can help, but volume automation is essential. Lots of it, in fact!
Tip: Carefully adjust track volumes from start to finish to give the impression that the vocal rests effortlessly atop the mix.
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