Did you know that the global music industry was worth $26 billion in 2021? This includes all aspects of the space, such as tour shows, digital downloads, etc. As you might guess, the value would be nowhere near this number if producers and engineers weren’t available for professional mixing.
Although audio mixing can seem complicated at first, is a straightforward process under most circumstances. Let’s explore everything you need to know regarding how to mix a song.
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Try and Use the Best Possible Recording or Sample
For each track you want to use, it’s in your best interest to ensure that each sound you work with is as crisp as possible. This will make your job a lot easier and the results better. Otherwise, you’ll spend more time than necessary trying to “fix” a track that’s subpar.
Compressors Are Your Friend
A compressor is an essential tool for any mixer, as it can help you even out the levels of a track and make it sound fuller. In general, you want to compress tracks that have a lot of dynamics (i.e., they go from quiet to loud often).
This is especially important for drums, as they tend to be one of the most dynamic instruments in a song.
EQ Each Track Individually
You’ll want to adjust the EQ of each track so that it fits well with the rest of the song. For example, if you have a kick drum that’s too boomy, you can use a low-cut filter to reduce the bass frequencies. As you EQ each track, think about how it fits into the overall sound of the song.
Pay Attention to the Details
When mixing a song, it’s essential to focus on the details and make sure everything sounds good.
This includes things like the attack and release of each sound, the level of reverb, etc. It’s also important to listen for any unwanted noise in the track and remove it if necessary.
Cut the Low End From Vocals
When it comes to vocals, you generally want to cut the low end so that the words are more clear. This is especially important if there’s a lot of low-end noise on the track. You can use a high-pass filter to remove the unwanted frequencies.
Aim to Create a Balance
The goal of mixing is to create a balance between all of the tracks in a song.
This means each track should be audible, but no single track should dominate the others. A good mix will have a healthy balance of low-end, mid-range, and high frequencies.
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Knowing How to Mix a Song Is Easier Than You Think
The above information has everything you need to know about how to mix a song like a professional. Be sure that you keep this guide in mind so you can get the results you need.
Looking to learn other useful information about the music industry? Our blog has plenty of quality articles you can choose from.
