10 ways to take your mix from amateur to professional
You can instantly recognize a professional-sounding mix, yet getting your own tracks to that level feels incredibly challenging. What exactly makes a mix...
Every session, every time: 7 audio engineers reveal their go-to techniques
Mixing and mastering can sometimes feel like navigating uncharted waters, where every project presents its own unique set of challenges. But in talking to...
10 ways to fix a bad mix
Every engineer knows the frustration of a mix that just isn’t working. It's a special kind of frustration when you've tweaked every knob and...
Understanding overdubbing: techniques and applications
You could argue that all modern media production – from music to film – revolves around the practice of overdubbing. It’s essential to the modern-day...
What is a drum bus? How to set one up in your session
You've spent hours EQing your kick drum for that perfect thump, compressing your snare for snap, and balancing your cymbals just right. Yet, when you listen...
What is de-essing? The dos and don’ts of using a de-esser
Vocals are a tricky business, especially when the singer is sibilant. Sibilance can be piercing, harsh, shrill, and generally unpleasant. Yet we often need...
Essential tips for using reverb on vocals
Modern mainstream music centers around the vocal. The best mixes of our times highlight the vocals in standout ways. Don’t believe me? Go to any...
Algorithmic reverb: how to create space and depth in audio productions
Reverb is one of the most essential tools in audio production, capable of transforming flat and lifeless recordings into a more immersive experience. In the...
How to mix bass: 7 tips for a solid foundation
When it comes to mixing, getting your low end right is crucial to a well-balanced product. Too much bass can swallow up the mix, and too little can leave...
6 ways to use a high-pass filter when mixing
A high-pass filter is an EQ curve used to remove low-frequency sounds from an audio signal. We call it a high-pass filter because it allows...
How to mix a song from start to finish
You’re at square one, staring at a session of unmixed tracks. There’s much to do, from gain staging and unmasking the kick and bass, all the way to...
Vocal mixing cheat sheet: Your guide to a release-ready sound
As engineers, we all want a polished vocal sound. But more than any other instrument, vocals cannot be reduced or described by a cheatsheet. Specific EQ...
