Are you struggling to get your mixes to sound polished and professional? You’re not alone. Many beginner and intermediate producers fall into the same common mixing traps that can make their tracks sound amateurish.
Here are the top 5 mixing mistakes to avoid if you want your productions to stand out:
- Not using reference tracks
One of the biggest mistakes is trying to mix in a vacuum without comparing your work to professional releases in a similar style. Bring reference tracks into your DAW and A/B between them and your mix to gauge how you’re doing. - Over-compressing
It’s easy to get heavy-handed with compression and suck the life out of your mix. Use compression subtly to control dynamics, not as an effect. And don’t compress every single track – only where it’s really needed. - Ignoring the mid-range
Many novice mixers focus too much on the lows and highs while neglecting the crucial midrange frequencies. The mids are where the meat of most instruments sits, so make sure elements like vocals, guitars, and snares cut through properly in this range. - Failing to create space with panning
If you keep all your tracks panned dead center, you’ll end up with a flat, two-dimensional mix. Utilize the full stereo spectrum by panning elements out to the sides. This creates separation between parts. - Making mixing decisions at high volumes
Our ears perceive frequencies differently at various volumes. If you mix too loudly, you’ll tend to underestimate low end and overestimate highs. Mix at conversation volume, around 75dB, for the most balanced perspective.
By sidestepping these common mixing pitfalls, you’ll be well on your way to mixes that sound radio-ready. Stay tuned for more mixing insights and actionable tips to help you sound like a pro.
Learn also about 5 Essential Tips for Better Mixes in the following blog post.
