Mix Smarter Not Harder!

Mixing is an art form and a crucial step in the music production process. It’s where raw tracks come to life, blending together to form a polished, professional sound. However, even experienced producers can fall into common mixing pitfalls. In this blog post, we’ll explore 7 crucial mixing mistakes. You MUST avoid these mistakes to take your mixes to the next level. Whether you’re a beginner, these tips will guide you in fine-tuning your approach. As a seasoned pro, the tips will help you achieve clearer mixes.
Check out Metal Mastermind’s YouTube video below:
Avoid These 7 Mixing Frustrations – Pro Tips from Audio Engineer Nic Z
Mistake #1: Not Mixing in Solo
Why It’s a Mistake:
When you’re mixing multiple tracks at once, it’s easy to overlook small details. If you don’t solo individual tracks, you might miss subtle nuances in each element of your mix. For example, a vocal might be too quiet or an instrument might compete for space.
Solution:
Solo each track and focus on adjusting its levels, EQ, and effects. This helps you get each element sounding the best it can before combining it with the rest of the mix.
Tip:
Once you’ve adjusted a track in solo, always check how it fits in the full mix. This ensures that each element complements the others rather than standing out awkwardly.
Mistake #2: Not Taking Breaks
Why It’s a Mistake:
Mixing for long stretches without breaks leads to ear fatigue, making it harder to make accurate decisions. Your brain starts to adapt to the sound, and you might miss critical issues in your mix.
Solution:
Take a break every hour. Step away from your project to refresh your ears and mind.
Tip:
After a break, listen to your mix on different speakers or headphones. This resets your perspective and gives you a clearer sense of how your mix translates across different systems.
Mistake #3: Getting Hyper-Focused on Small Details
Why It’s a Mistake:
It’s important to perfect the fine details of your mix. However, focusing too much on small elements can cause you to lose sight of the bigger picture. Focusing too much on one part can throw off the balance of the entire mix.
Solution:
Start by focusing on the overall structure and balance of the mix. Once you’re satisfied with how everything sits together, dive into the details.
Tip:
Regularly step back and listen to the full mix to ensure all elements are working harmoniously. It’s easy to get lost in the details, but remembering the bigger picture keeps everything cohesive.
Mistake #4: Mixing with Your Eyes
Why It’s a Mistake:
Visual aids like faders and EQ graphs are helpful. However, relying too much on them can mislead your judgment. Often, what looks good on a screen doesn’t sound good in the mix.
Solution:
Trust your ears above all else. Use visuals as a tool, but always make decisions based on how the mix sounds, not how it looks.
Tip:
Close your eyes while making adjustments. This helps you focus on the sound rather than the visual feedback from your DAW.
Mistake #5: Not Mixing to a Reference Track
Why It’s a Mistake:
Without a reference track, it’s easy to lose track of what a well-balanced mix sounds like. Your track might lack depth, clarity, or even energy without a point of comparison.
Solution:
Choose a professionally mixed track in a similar genre and use it as a reference. Compare levels, EQ, and dynamics to see how your mix stacks up.
Tip:
Don’t copy the reference exactly. Instead, use it as a guide to inform your decisions, adjusting the elements to fit your unique sound.
Mistake #6: Using Too Many Plugins
Why It’s a Mistake:
The temptation to add tons of plugins can be strong. However, overloading your mix with unnecessary effects can cause muddiness. It can also lead to phase issues and unnecessary complexity.
Solution:
Stick to the essentials. Choose plugins that enhance your mix and contribute to a clear, focused sound.
Tip:
Sometimes less is more. Avoid the plugin overload and focus on getting the most out of the tools you already have. Often, simpler solutions are more effective.
Mistake #7: Ignoring Your Listening Environment
Why It’s a Mistake:
A poor acoustic environment can drastically affect your perception of sound. Mixing in a room with bad acoustics can lead to an inaccurate mix. Using low-quality headphones also contributes to this issue.
Solution:
Ensure you’re mixing in a treated room or use high-quality headphones designed for accurate sound reproduction. An optimal listening environment will help you make more precise decisions.
Tip:
Invest in acoustic treatment for your room, or use calibrated headphones. Even small changes can significantly improve your mixing accuracy.
Final Thoughts: Avoid These Mixing Mistakes for Better Results
To recap, here are the 7 mixing mixing to avoid:
- Not mixing in solo
- Not taking breaks
- Getting hyper-focused on small details
- Mixing with your eyes
- Not mixing to a reference track
- Using too many plugins
- Ignoring your listening environment
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to achieving cleaner, more professional mixes. Remember, mixing is a skill that improves with practice. Focus on the big picture while refining the details. This approach will set you up for success.
Check out Metal Mastermind’s YouTube video below:
Avoid These 7 Mixing Frustrations – Pro Tips from Audio Engineer Nic Z

Want to take your mixing skills to the next level?
Join The Inner Circle of Metal Mastermind!
Grab your FREE Quick Guide to the Ultimate Home-Recording Studio
Join The Inner Circle of Metal Mastermind. You will have exclusive access to ALL courses. This includes Metal Mastermind instructor and pro audio engineer Nic Z’s course: Metal Producer Overlord. Gain in-depth knowledge through ebooks. Enjoy exclusive discounts on 1:1 coaching with expert instructors. Unlock special offers on top-tier music equipment and software from leading brands. Plus, enjoy a wealth of additional benefits to take your metal music skills to the next level! Join The Inner Circle of Metal Mastermind!
Proudly powered by WordPress
Discover more from Metal Mastermind®
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.