In the art of mixing music, there are two basic approaches: bottom-up and top-down. Bottom-up mixes begin with a listen to all tracks and faders and a good understanding of what goes where. The first step in creating a mix is to know what is on each track, including their names and other relevant information. Mix music with an eye towards post-mix mastering. A good mix is one that has an overall balance between early reflections and late reflections.
The next step in audio mixing is to consider the frequency spectrum of each instrument. A track’s dynamics can fluctuate by up to 20dB between the loudest and quietest parts. This can make it difficult to achieve a balance with other elements. The solution is to use audio compression, which will help you manage this effect. A good mix will be both a pleasing one to listen to and will give you an edge over your competitors. However, be careful not to use too much distortion in a track, as it can ruin the sound.
While creating a mix, make sure you have your tracks mastered. While mastering your mix is a very important step, don’t rush through this step! You’re probably too engrossed in the creative process to step back and listen to the finished product. To get a clearer picture of the final mix, ask a friend to listen to the track for you. You’ll probably be surprised how different the mix sounds after being mastered.
