Making it Easy for your Mix Engineer

Are you committed?

As a very detail oriented mix engineer, I spend a lot of time clip gaining, debreathing, automating, processing effects, etc. That is why it can be frustrating for me when stems are changed or swapped out during the mix process. This means I have to essentially start from the mix prep stage. Be committed to the the production. Be committed to the vocal takes. Try your best not to waste people’s time.

Provide a Reference

We can’t imagine what you hear in your head or how you want your song to sound. Providing references of already released music isn’t doing your own song justice. Provide the rough bounce or demo that was printed at the end of your recording session so that we can go off of that, expand, and polish. This is especially important for matching timing of effects, drops, and background vocals that would be hard to determine placement otherwise.

Carefully listen before you respond

Sometimes I get mix notes three minutes after sending files out. I highly recommend sitting with a mix for some period of time so that you can confidently make mix changes. Really think about what is sitting with you and not sitting with you so that you can clearly communicate this to your engineer.