If, while overdubbing, you keep raising and raising the volume of each new part, so that you can actually hear it over the mix, then the sound is wrong or the part is bad.Įach new piece should lock into the puzzle as you add it. Listen in context, and make your choices in context. Each additional element should support these driving forces rather than detract or distract from them. When mixing, get those central elements in early and let them be central. In some styles or songs, you could do worse than to start with synths, strings, or guitars if those are the elements or relationships that define the mood and purpose of the piece. You should only start with drums, or anything else because you think they are one of the most, if not the most, important elements in this particular mix.Ī lot of great mixers in the vocal-heavy pop domain start their mix, not surprisingly, with the vocal. Some of us start a mix, recording, or arrangement with drums because… well, that’s just what we do.

Yes, some are basic tips, but I know that sometimes it’s easy to forget those simple “rules” (remember: there are no rules since you make your own rules on your workflow and proper mindset)! #1 START WITH THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENTS Today I’m not going to approach this subject but talk about some of the most important dos and don’ts when you mix your own songs or someone else’s! There are some basic elementary rules crucial to having the right mindset when you start a mix, and others when developing that mix up to the end. I often say, there are no rules on mixing, but time told me that there are, and some are very important to have a proper commercial song to sound “commercial”.

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