Here we are with the second part of the ten mistakes to avoid when mixing.

If you haven't read the first part, you can check it by clicking here.

10 MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN MIXING (PT2)

6 Do not evaluate

Before start manipulating any sound, listen to and evaluate the recordings. Does the guitar need to be re-amped? Does the drum need any sound replacement? Is any extra editing (timing, tuning, cleaning) required? How about the tonal balance?

7 Not using automation

A big difference between an amatorial and a professional mix sits in automation. Volume and pan are probably the more common parameters to automate, but you can also automate saturations, reverbs, eqs, etc.

When does the guitar need to go louder or quieter? How about the snare? And the BVs? Do I want that saturator to saturate the guitar all the time? Or maybe in some section of the song the guitar can come back and be cleaner?..think about it and your mix will become much more alive.

8 Do not set a deadline

If you mix for yourself (not for a client) give yourself a deadline. The mix can be an endless process. You should schedule your deadlines and manage your time wisely.

9 Do not prioritize elements

Before start mixing, you must decide which are the most important elements in your mix. Not all the songs are the same. Most of the time, we have four main elements: kick, snare, bass, and voice. And then? What does lead the song from the instrumental point of view? Is it the piano? or maybe the rhythm guitars? Going ahead, what instrument fills the gaps? Brasses? Organ? Little guitar solos? Try to understand the arrangement of the song and find the role of each instrument, and prioritize the most important elements.

10 Do not look after the gain staging

Gain staging is crucial. Make sure not to distort your plugins or channels at any stage of the mix. Also if you're working with a plugin that emulates a hardware unit and it has a VU meter try to work around 0VU. This is its sweet spot. A wise gain staging management will also allow you to mix safely without distortion on the master bus, providing good headroom. ( READ THE ARTICLE - GAIN STAGING: 4 TOP TIPS )