In this members-only video, I take you inside my Pro Tools session and break down exactly how I mixed a track in preparation for mastering. This is a follow-up to last week’s video, Music Mixing and Answering Client Questions, where I discussed the backstory of the project and common client concerns. If you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to check it out here: Music Mixing and Answering Client Questions.
This week, we’re diving into the technical side — walking through the entire mix step by step. I’ll show you how I processed each stem, the thought process behind my decisions, and how the mix evolved before it was sent off for mastering.
In this session, I’m taking you inside a real-world mixing project and showing you every move I made to shape the final mix. We’ll be looking at a track from Splitfinger, and I’ll explain how I approached each element to get it ready for mastering.
If you’ve ever wondered what goes into professional mixing, this is your chance to see the full process — from raw stems to polished mix.
Dive into My Pro Tools Session
We start by opening up the Pro Tools session and looking at the raw stems. I go over how I structured the mix, from setting levels to organizing the session for efficiency.
Some key topics covered in this section:
- Session Organization: How I color-code tracks and set up busses.
- Gain Staging: Ensuring proper levels before applying processing.
- Reference Tracks: How I use references to keep the mix in check.
These foundational steps set up the mix for success before applying any EQ, compression, or effects.
Before and After Comparison
Before we dive deeper, I play a before-and-after comparison of the mix. This is where you can hear the transformation—the raw stems vs. the final polished version.
I highlight key differences, including:
- Balance Adjustments: How I adjusted the volume of the tracks in the mix to balance things out.
- EQ & Compression: The subtle changes that make a big difference.
- Effects & Space: In this mix I avoided this as the client did these things, my role was to get the track ready for mastering.
Hearing the direct comparison helps illustrate how small tweaks add up to a professional-sounding mix.
Getting into the Mix
Now, we break down the processing on each element, going track by track.
Drums & Percussion:
– Cleaning up low-end muddiness.
– Adding punch with parallel compression.
– Using reverb and delay for space.
Bass:
– Tightening the low end with EQ and compression.
– Enhancing harmonics for better mix translation.
Vocals:
– De-essing and dynamic EQ for clarity.
– Compression techniques to make vocals sit right.
– Effects like reverb and delay add depth.
Guitars:
– EQ moves to fit them in the mix.
– Stereo widening tricks.
– Automation for movement and dynamics.
This session gives you a behind-the-scenes look at my mixing workflow and the techniques I use to prepare a track for mastering. Whether you’re new to mixing or looking to refine your approach, seeing these real-world techniques in action can help improve your own mixes.
Thanks for watching, and if you have any questions, drop them in the comments!
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