‘Total Mixing Workflow’ Cheat Sheet
Use this step by step process as a guideline to through the entire mixing process.
Step 1: Mix Prep and Set up
Build a new session
○ Match sample rate
○ Set project tempo
○ Increase/set buffer size
○ Import multitracks & references
Organize the tracks
○ Sort (according to your preference - vocals, drums, bass, etc…)
○ Rename
○ Color Code (according to preference)
○ Group (send similar tracks to the same group/bus)
Identify Phase and Polarity Issues
○ Check all multi-miked sources: drums, amps etc.
○ Align phase as needed
○ Invert Polarity as needed
Noise Gate Unwanted Bleed
○ Reduce or eliminate any unwanted bleed if possible: drums, vocals, etc.
Gain Stage Everything
○ Set a healthy input gain on all channels: -10 to -20 dbfs average
○ Peaks no higher than -6 dbfs
Step 2: Initial Volume Balance & Panning
Start With a Clean Slate
○ Begin mixing with all faders down and panning set to center.
Establish a Rough Balance
○ Bring up faders, starting with the most critical elements (based on genre
and preference)
Use Panning for Space
○ Spread elements across the stereo field to create width and space.
○ As you pan, think about creating a balanced stereo image. Avoid making
the mix too left- or right-heavy.
Step 3: Frequencies (EQ)
Identify & Correct Frequency Issues
○ Identify frequency conflicts between instruments. Use a spectrum analyzer
to visualize where overlaps occur.
○ Apply subtractive EQ to reduce or eliminate these conflicts, cleaning up the
mix and creating space for each element.
○ Apply high-pass filters (HPF) judiciously to remove unnecessary low-end
from tracks that don't contribute to the mix's bottom end, such as vocals or
guitars. This step helps prevent muddiness.
Enhance Musical Elements
○ Use additive EQ sparingly to enhance key elements or bring out desired
characteristics in your tracks.
Reference Tracks
○ Use reference tracks as a benchmark for your EQ decisions, helping to
achieve a balanced frequency spectrum in line with professional mixes.
Iterative Process
○ EQ is an iterative process.
○ Revisit EQ decisions as the mix evolves, ensuring that changes remain
musical and contribute positively to the overall mix.
Step 4: Dynamics (compression, clipping, limiting)
Assess Dynamics
○ Identify and differentiate between intentional and unintentional dynamics.
Consider Clip-Gain Automation
○ Consider clip gain automation to smooth out unintentional dynamic peaks.
Peak Control
○ Utilize limiting/clipping to manage sharp transients and prevent peaks.
○ You can place any clipping/limiting before and/or after EQ.
Fine-tune with Automation
○ Employ volume automation for nuanced dynamics control.
Enhance to dynamic intent
○ Use compression if wanted for any desired character and/or glue
Step 5: Spatial Processing
Add Reverb and Delay
○ Add reverb and delay to create space and depth, positioning elements
within the mix.
Reverb Types and Uses
○ Room: Adds natural ambiance, suitable for small to medium spaces.
○ Hall: Creates expansive, majestic environments for grandeur.
○ Plate: Offers a bright, shimmering texture ideal for vocals and drums.
○ Spring: Provides a distinctive twang, great for adding character.
○ Chamber: Delivers lush, organic reverberations for depth and warmth.
Delay Types & Applications
○ Analog/Tape: Warm decays, suitable for adding depth without muddiness.
○ Digital: Clean and precise echoes for rhythmic patterns.
○ Ping Pong: Bounces echoes between left and right channels for spatial
width.
○ Slapback: Single, short echo for adding depth and presence.
Step 6: Final Touches & Export
Double Check!
○ Ensure fades at edit points; monitor/disable undesired noise from analog
plugins.
○ Give it a final listen and compare to your reference! Make note of
differences and address them in the mix.
○ Disable any EQ compensation on Stereo Out.
○ Bounce & Compress: Export as 24-bit WAV; compress files to a folder if
necessary for transfer.
○ Listen on multiple systems. Make sure you’re happy with it! Go back to the
mix and fix any issues you hear.
Check out these additional free resources to take
another step to industry-quality mixes & masters.
Watch our in-depth mixing and
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