Essential Audio Mixing Tips Cheatsheet: Practical Advice for Better Mixes

Pre-Mixing Preparation Tips

Session Organization

• Color-code similar instruments (drums = red, bass = blue, etc.)
• Create instrument groups (drums, guitars, vocals, etc.)
• Label tracks clearly with descriptive names
• Create a dedicated session template for faster future setup

Technical Preparation

• Check for phase issues between multi-miked instruments
• Edit timing inconsistencies before mixing begins
• Clean up background noise, clicks, and pops
• Delete unused regions to reduce visual clutter and file size
• Create a rough balance before detailed processing

Essential EQ Tips

General EQ Approach

• Use high-pass filters on most tracks except kick and bass (typically 80-150Hz)
• Cut rather than boost whenever possible
• Make narrow cuts for problem frequencies, wide boosts for tone
• Consider frequency relationships between instruments
• Check EQ changes in context of full mix, not solo

Instrument-Specific EQ Tips

• Kick Drum: Boost around 60-80Hz for thump, 4-5kHz for beater click
• Snare: Boost 200-250Hz for body, 3-5kHz for crack
• Bass: Cut around 300-400Hz to reduce muddiness, boost 700Hz-1kHz for clarity
• Guitars: Cut 250-500Hz to reduce mud, boost 1.5-3kHz for presence
• Vocals: High-pass around 100Hz, cut narrow bands around 200-400Hz, boost air around 10-12kHz

Compression Tips

Basic Approach

• Use multiple gentle compressors instead of one heavy one
• Start with slower attack to preserve transients (10-30ms)
• Adjust release to match song tempo (faster for upbeat songs)
• Aim for 3-6dB of gain reduction for subtle control

Instrument-Specific Compression

• Kick/Snare: Fast attack (1-10ms), medium release (80-150ms), higher ratio (4:1 or higher)
• Bass: Medium attack (20-40ms), medium-long release (80-200ms), moderate ratio (3:1 to 4:1)
• Guitars: Medium attack (20-30ms), medium release (100ms), lower ratio (2:1 to 3:1)
• Vocals: Medium-fast attack (10-20ms), auto release or 150-300ms, moderate ratio (2:1 to 4:1)

Advanced Compression Techniques

• Parallel Compression: Blend heavily compressed signal with dry signal
• Sidechain Compression: Use kick to duck bass slightly (2-3dB) for clarity
• Multiband Compression: Control specific frequency ranges independently
• Bus Compression: Apply gentle compression (1-2dB reduction) on groups for cohesion

Spatial Processing Tips

Panning Strategy

• Keep kick, bass, lead vocals, and snare centered
• Pan similar instruments to opposite sides (guitar L, guitar R)
• Use gradual pan positions (hard L/R panning can sound unnatural)
• Create balanced stereo image with similar energy on both sides
• Check mono compatibility regularly

Reverb Techniques

• Use pre-delay (20-80ms) to maintain clarity
• Create 2-3 main reverb sends (short room, medium space, long hall)
• High-pass reverb returns around 200-300Hz to prevent mud
• Low-pass reverb returns around 8-10kHz to reduce harshness
• Automate reverb sends to increase space in quieter sections

Delay Tips

• Use delay times that match song tempo (quarter notes, eighth notes)
• Try ping-pong delays for width without cluttering the center
• High-pass and low-pass delay returns for cleaner mix
• Use subtle delays (15-30% wet) instead of reverb for cleaner mixes
• Automate delay throws on specific words or phrases

Level Management Tips

Gain Staging

• Aim for average levels around -18dBFS to -12dBFS per track
• Keep peaks below -6dBFS before master bus
• Use gain plugin as first insert when needed to adjust levels
• Check levels after each processing stage
• Turn down faders rather than adding more plugins when possible

Volume Automation

• Automate before compression for performance control
• Automate after compression for mix balance
• Ride vocal levels word-by-word for consistent presence
• Automate instrument levels between sections (verse/chorus)
• Use relative (trim) automation for fine adjustments

Mix Bus Processing Tips

Bus Processing Order

1. Gentle EQ (subtle high-pass below 30Hz, shape overall tone)
2. Light compression (1-2dB reduction, 2:1 ratio)
3. Subtle saturation for warmth
4. Final EQ for polish
5. Limiter for catching peaks (2-3dB max reduction)

Mix Bus Techniques

• Apply mix bus processing early to mix into it
• Use subtle moves (±1-2dB maximum for EQ)
• Check with and without bus processing regularly
• Consider leaving final limiting for mastering
• A/B against reference tracks at matched levels

Problem-Solving Tips

Dealing with Muddiness

• Focus on cutting between 200-400Hz
• Check for phase issues between similar instruments
• Use side-chain compression so bass ducks slightly when kick hits
• Apply high-pass filters to all non-bass elements
• Use dynamic EQ to control problem frequencies only when they get excessive

Fixing Harshness

• Target cuts in 2.5-5kHz range
• Use a de-esser on vocals and overhead cymbals
• Apply gentle saturation to add warmth
• Use analog-modeled plugins to soften digital harshness
• Check monitoring volume (harshness increases at higher volumes)

Enhancing Clarity

• Focus energy in 1-4kHz range for presence
• Use transient designers to enhance attacks
• Apply multiband compression to control problematic frequency ranges
• Ensure proper gain staging throughout
• Create frequency space for each instrument

Translating to Different Systems

• Check mix on at least 3 different systems
• Reference on both speakers and headphones
• Listen at various volume levels
• Use spectrum analyzers to confirm balance
• Check mono compatibility for phase issues

Creative Mixing Tips

Adding Character

• Use subtle saturation on individual tracks
• Try tape emulation on drums and acoustic instruments
• Experiment with parallel processing for unique textures
• Add analog imperfections (noise, wow/flutter)
• Use automation to create dynamic interest

Creating Depth

• Position elements on a front-to-back stage:
  • Front: Lead vocals, solos, important elements
  • Middle: Rhythm guitars, keys, backing vocals
  • Back: Pads, ambient effects, room mics
• Use less reverb on elements you want up front
• Apply longer reverbs with pre-delay for background elements
• Use delays instead of reverb for cleaner depth
• Use EQ to place elements (brighter = closer)

Enhancing Excitement

• Automate filter sweeps during transitions
• Create buildups with increasing reverb
• Use volume automation to emphasize important moments
• Apply subtle chorusing for width on background elements
• Create tension with delay throws and rising effects

Workflow Tips

Efficiency Techniques

• Start a mix with only faders to find balance
• Work in stages (technical fixes → creative decisions)
• Create processing templates for common scenarios
• Use keyboard shortcuts for faster navigation
• Save incremental versions to allow backtracking

Maintaining Perspective

• Take regular breaks (15 minutes every hour)
• Reference commercial tracks periodically
• Switch between monitors and headphones
• Listen at conversation level most of the time
• Step away and return with fresh ears for final checks

Final Checks

• Listen from another room
• Check on small speakers and earbuds
• Verify with a spectrum analyzer for overall balance
• Listen at low volume to check balance
• Test on a car stereo if possible

Quick Reference: Frequency Landmarks

Remember: These tips are guidelines, not rules. Trust your ears above all else, and don’t be afraid to break conventions when it serves the song!