Mixing is both an art and a science 👨🏾🔬.
And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that mastering the fundamentals is the fastest (and easiest) way to elevate your tracks.
Today, let's break down 5 key principles of mixing that beginners often overlook.
1. Leveling is 90% of Your Mix. ALWAYS Start Here.
Before you go crazy with the FX, get your levels right 🙏.
It’s the foundation of your mix.
Andrew Scheps, who’s worked with Adele and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, instructs, “Most of mixing is just turning things up and down until they sit right.”
Start your mix with volume adjustments and trust your ears 👂🏾.
[If you can master this, you'll be a ninja with the more complicated stuff].
2. EQ Isn’t Just About Cutting—It’s About Sculpting.
Think of EQ like carving a statue.
You’re removing the unnecessary to reveal the masterpiece (frequency unmasking).
Think about it like a jigsaw puzzle—each piece (sound) needs its own space to fit together.
Grammy-winning engineer Dave Pensado puts it best:
“EQ is where your mix starts to breathe. Cut what’s in the way and boost what’s beautiful.”
Example;
- Cut low-end rumble from synths to make space for your bass.
- Clean up boxy frequencies in vocals to let them shine (too much power at about 400hz is what causes that 'nasally' sound).
3. Compression Isn’t for Loudness—It’s for Control.
The biggest beginner mistakes involve compression.
And it's usually trying to use compression to make things louder.
Instead, focus on controlling dynamics.
“Compression is there to smooth out performances, not to squash them,” cautions Chris Lord-Alge (Green Day, Foo Fighters).
Use compression with tact; don't lean on it as a crutch to get things louder (a good overall mix will take care of that).
4. Panning Creates Width. Don’t Keep Everything in the Center.
A wide, full, "wall-of-sound" mix gives the listener an immersive experience.
AND...
It makes you sound like a professional.
Spread elements across the stereo field to give your track space to breathe.
Instruments like guitars, synths, and percussion should live closer to the edges, while your bass, kick, and lead vocals stay centered (especially in trap and R&B).
Manny Marroquin (Post Malone, Rihanna) explains, “Think of your mix like a stage; Where do you want the audience’s attention? Panning helps guide them [there].”
5. Reference Your Mix at Low Volumes 💎.
Here’s a game-changer:
Listen to your mix at a low volume.
If it still sounds balanced, you’re on the right track.
Mixing legend Bruce Swedien (Michael Jackson), swore by this technique 👇
“If you can hear everything clearly at a whisper, your mix will translate anywhere.”
Things always sound better when they are louder.
When something is at a lower volume, it forces you to hear it in context (that context is "the rest of existence").
I find it's helpful to do this while watching a show. 
Great mixes don’t happen by accident - they’re the result of consistent practice and good tools.
To make things easier for the DOPE fam, I’ve created Band4Band designed to help producers like you achieve clean, professional mixes in seconds.
You can check out the free demo version here,
And you can grab all 93 Presets, 5 Drum MIDI, 3 Fully Loaded Presets here 😌. 
Whether you’re struggling with muddy low ends or harsh highs, these presets will help you skip the guesswork and get straight to the sound you want.
Remember, mixing isn’t about perfection - it’s about progress.
No matter what, keep cooking!
Blessings
Chu
Ps. When in doubt, make better beats #DOPECONTENTONLY
Need to download 4TEEN again? Go here.
Would you like 1-on-1 assistance?
