When you start mixing music, there are some important basics you should know. These tips can help you sound great right from the start. Here are the key points I wish I had learned earlier:

1. Volume Levels

• Always begin by balancing the volume of each track. Make sure one track isn’t too loud compared to the others. You want everything to mix well together. A good tip is to keep the levels between -6dB and -3dB for some extra space.

2. Panning

• Panning helps to spread sounds across the stereo field. But don’t just push everything hard to the left or right. Instead, aim for a balanced sound where instruments work together without clashing.

3. Equalization (EQ)

• EQ is like your helper for controlling the frequencies you hear. It lets you cut out the sounds you don’t want and boost the ones you love. A common method is called “subtractive EQ,” where you first remove the bad frequencies before enhancing the good ones.

4. Compression

• Compression helps keep the sound levels under control. It can make your music punchier, but be careful not to go overboard! Start by learning the basic settings: threshold, ratio, attack, and release to shape your sound.

5. Reverb and Delay

• Reverb and delay add depth to your music. Use them carefully; too much can make your mix sound messy. Try different amounts until you find what works best.

Mixing is a fun journey. Trust your ears and feel free to try new things!