How many times do you come across a mixing tip that has the word ‘always‘ or ‘never‘ in front of it? It feels like it’s the case for 90% of mixing tips we see.
“Always make EQ cuts and never EQ boosts…”
“Never put reverbs directly on a track…”
“Always use a high shelf on vocals…”
This kind of advice can be useful in some scenarios, but it’s unwise to think in black and white when it comes to mixing.
Mixing is an art form, and getting caught up in what’s ‘correct’ will restrict creativity. There is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to art.
I recently put together a list of 20 mixing tips. They’re all helpful in getting you better mixes – some are focused on speeding up the mixing process, there are some new techniques in there for you to try – but very few of them I would call mandatory.
And I’m not going to tell you that “THESE ARE THE ONLY 20 MIXING TIPS THAT YOU’LL EVER NEED and that if you watch this one video or read this one guide you’ll be a mixing master!!!” (eye-roll…)
Why? Because it’s click-bait!
Have a watch of this video where I explain why you should be careful when taking this kind of advice –
Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Do you think that there is a rulebook to mixing? Or do you prefer to take it as it comes, mix to mix?