Mixing Levels - Some Invaluable Points

Mixing Levels
Two of the biggest problems with mixes today are; the levels of instruments, the muddy mush of frequencies in the mix.

When mixing with software, the ceiling of your mix is 0db (no exceptions)! Anything louder than this will clip the audio signal and cause bad distortion (clips) to your sound.

The following are guidelines to what levels some of your tracks might be placed at and these can be altered as your mix evolves...

1. The kick drum should be set to 0db this is the loudest sound in music today.
2. The bass should be set to -10db or a little bit louder.
3. Your percussion should sit at -20db and keep your cymbal at this level too

Now at these levels you should notice how loud and punchy your song sounds when comparing your song back to back with a professionally mixed CD. You should also notice that your percussion, although sounding quiet, gives more drive to the song and a less quantisized feel.

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