Mission 039
Mixing Basics
Balancing all the parts into a whole.
Mixing is balance, EQ, dynamics, space — done in that order.
+40 XP
// WHAT IT DOES
Mixing combines all your tracks into one stereo file that sounds good on every system. The classic process: 1) balance levels with faders, 2) carve EQ to make space, 3) control dynamics with , 4) place sounds in stereo and depth.
Start with faders only. Get the rough balance right. Then fix EQ clashes (kick + bass, vocal + lead). Then tame dynamics. Then add /delay for depth.
A good mix translates: it sounds balanced on phone, laptop, car, headphones, monitors. Reference commercial tracks at matched loudness throughout.
Think of it like → Mixing is balancing a meal. Every ingredient has its place; none should drown out the rest.
▸ WHY YOU CARE
- • Determines whether your track competes with releases on the same playlists.
- • Translates your creative decisions to the listener accurately.
- • Skill that separates demos from final releases.
// SEE & HEAR IT
Move faders, mute, solo — listen.
DRUMS
80
BASS
70
SYNTH
60
PAD
50
VOX
65
MASTER
0.0 dB
▸ HOW IT WORKS
▸ Signal flow — watch the dot
▸ SIGNAL FLOW
Glowing dot = your signal travelling through Live.
▸ LISTEN FOR
- • Balance translation across systems.
- • EQ clashes between kick + bass and vocal + lead.
- • Reverb providing depth without washing out.
▸ WALKTHROUGH (6 steps)
- 1. DO: Set all faders to -10 dB and balance with faders only.▸ LISTEN: Static balance achieved before any EQ.
- 2. DO: Subtractive EQ to remove mud and clashes.▸ LISTEN: Each track sits in its slot.
- 3. DO: Compress key tracks (vocals, bass, drums).▸ LISTEN: Dynamics evened.
- 4. DO: Add reverb sends for depth.▸ LISTEN: 3D image emerges.
- 5. DO: Reference your mix against a commercial track at matched .▸ LISTEN: Honest comparison of balance, not loudness.
- 6. DO: Mono-sum the master and re-listen.▸ LISTEN: Phase issues collapse — anything that vanishes is a problem.
▸ COMMON MISTAKES
- ✗ Reaching for EQ before balancing with faders.
- ✗ Compressing everything before EQing.
- ✗ Not checking on multiple systems.
// QUIZ (QUICK)
Question 1 / 40 correct
The goal of mixing is