Level: advanced
In this video, Jonathan outlines ten things to check in your mix before sending it out for mastering.
How-to
- Check your mix again against the references. Turn down the volume of the reference tracks to match the volume of your mix.
- Check the loudness of your leads in different parts of the track. Your lead should be as loud in the intro as it is in the last chorus.
- The volume of the lead track should not be too close to or too far away from the rhythm and harmony tracks.
- Play your mix at a relatively high volume, no sounds or instruments should be unpleasant.
- Check the difference between peak and RMS. It should be in the 5-10dB range, unless it is intentional.
- Check the midrange for divergent tracks
- Your mix should have a little less high-end than your reference tracks, because mastering will add a little more.
- Check the LUFS vs RMS. If they are too far apart you may need to check the low-end.
- Check the crest-factor in the low-end.
- Give the mix one more listen for any technical issues.
This technique is used:
Genres: all
Instruments: all