From the course: Audio Mastering Techniques

Unlock the full course today

Join today to access over 22,400 courses taught by industry experts or purchase this course individually.

Mixing with mastering in mind

Mixing with mastering in mind

From the course: Audio Mastering Techniques

Start my 1-month free trial

Mixing with mastering in mind

Whether you are going to master your music yourself or decide to hire a mastering engineer, here are some mixing tips to help you get the most out of your mastering session. Don't over-EQ when mixing. A mix is over-EQ'd when it has big spikes in the frequency response as a result of trying to make one or more instruments fit better together. This might make the mix tear your head off, because it's too bright or has a huge and unnatural sounding bottom. Listen to an example of a mix where the cymbals are way too bright, so it makes the entire mix sound bright as a result. (music playing) In general, mastering engineers can do a better job for you if your mix is on the dull side rather than too bright. Listen to this example of a dull mix. (music playing) Now listen to the same mix after it's been brightened. (music playing) Likewise, it's better to be light on the bottom end than to have too much. Don't over-compress when mixing. Over-compression means that you have added so much…

Contents