DIY Production Tips

Gain staging is one of the most critical steps in any production. It ensures your audio signals are neither too quiet (causing noise issues) nor too loud (causing distortion).

• Set Input Levels Properly: Aim for peaks around -18 to -12 dBFS for most tracks. This leaves headroom for processing and prevents clipping.
• Check Throughout the Signal Chain: Monitor levels at every stage—input, plugins, buses, and outputs—to maintain consistency.

David Gibson's The Art of Mixing offers a powerful visual metaphor for crafting a mix: think of your sound as a 3D space. Consider three key dimensions:

A. Panning for Width

• Use panning to place elements across the stereo field. For example, keep kick drums and bass centered while panning guitars, synths, or percussion slightly left or right to create separation.
• Avoid over-panning—too much can make your mix sound unnatural or disconnected.

B. Frequency for Height

• Lower frequencies (e.g., bass) anchor the bottom, while higher frequencies (e.g., cymbals) sit at the top.
• Use EQ to carve space for each element, ensuring they complement rather than compete with each other.

C. Amplitude for Depth

• Volume and effects like reverb and delay create depth.
• Push lead vocals or key instruments forward by keeping them louder and drier, while sending supporting elements further back with reverb.

Select professionally mixed songs in a similar genre to your project and use them as benchmarks. Reference tracks help you:

• Understand how elements like bass, vocals, and drums should sit in the mix.
• Match tonal balance and loudness for competitive results.

A clean recording is the foundation of a great mix. Spend time:

• Reducing room noise with proper mic placement and acoustic treatment.
• Editing out unwanted clicks, pops, or silence.

Before boosting frequencies, cut out unwanted ones.

• Use a high-pass filter to remove low-end rumble on non-bass instruments.
• Identify harsh frequencies with a narrow EQ boost, then reduce them for a smoother sound.

Mixing is both technical and artistic, and ear fatigue can impact your judgment. Step away regularly to return with fresh ears and a clearer perspective.