Master Mixing Fundamentals for Your Tracks

MusicIntermediateHome

90 minutes

5 steps

·Intermediate

After 90 min: You can balance volume, pan, and effects across 6+ tracks to create a professional-sounding mix.

What you need

DAW (Audacity or GarageBand)Headphones or monitor speakersSample project

The 90-Minute Plan

Learn the mixing hierarchy0–15 min

Priority 1: Volume balance (make everything audible). Priority 2: Panning (place instruments in stereo space). Priority 3: Effects (add depth/space). Priority 4: Automation (dynamic changes). Do them in order.

Balance track volumes15–38 min

Import a multi-track project. Set all volumes to -6 dB to start. Listen to drums. Increase until they're clear but not overpowering. Do this for each instrument. Goal: all elements audible at once.

Pan and create stereo width38–62 min

Leave kick, bass, and lead vocal centered (pan 50/50). Pan guitars left/right. Pan background vocals slightly off-center. This spreads the sound across the stereo field. Listen on headphones.

Add reverb and delay subtly62–78 min

Add small reverb to vocals (make them feel in a space). Add small delay to guitars (make them wider). These effects should be barely noticeable when present, very noticeable when removed.

Check your mix on different speakers78–90 min

Mix on headphones, then check on phone speakers, car speakers, and good monitors. Your mix should sound good on all. Adjust if one instrument dominates on certain systems.

Pro Tip

Mix at moderate volumes—loud mixing fatigues your ears and makes you over-EQ. Step back every 15 minutes to let your ears reset.