Provided By:
Rules of Engagement
1. Complete each step in the checklist in order.
2. Once you have completed a step, DO NOT GO BACK.
a. This creates an endless time loop where you will lose all
sense of self and you'll end up as an empty husk of a
human that even expensive therapy can't fix.
b. This also helps you stay focused on the step you're on,
rather than trying to multitask and do everything halfway.
3. Once you have finished the checklist, take a break before
listening to the results.
4. After you have taken your break, you are then allowed to
revisit steps with a finishing mindset.
If you complete each step of this checklist, you'll find that the
mixing process goes faster, smoother, and you'll get better
results than just winging it. Have fun and happy mixing!!
Phase 1:
Preparation And
Organization
PHASE 1: PREP Notes :
Update Project Sample Rate To Match
Multitracks
Update Project Tempo To Multitracks
Identify and Import References
Sort & Rename Tracks
Group & Color Code Tracks
Group & Color Code Tracks
Check Phase & Polarity On Multi-mic'd
Audio Sources
Gain Stage & Automate (Guideline: All
tracks should have average RMS
between -10 and -20, with no more than
10 DB of dynamic range)
THROUGHOUT PHASE 1:
Make Notes On Issues That Will Need
To Be Addressed Later In The Mix
Note Any Editing Issues Like Tuning Or
Timing And Address As Needed
Phase 2:
Volume Balance
PHASE 2: VOLUME BALANCE Notes :
Turn All Tracks Down To Negative
Infinity (No Sound)
Bring Either Lead Vocal Or Drums To 0
DB On The Fader
Bring All Other Elements Up 1 At A Time
Check References And Balance Volume
Accordingly
Panning
Ensure You Have Enough Headroom
Before Continuing To Phase 3 (I
recommend ensuring your peak volume
on the stereo out is no more than -6db)
THROUGHOUT PHASE 2:
Make Notes On Issues That Will Need
To Be Addressed Later In The Mix
Do NOT Add Any Plugins Throughout
This Phase
Phase 3:
Equalization
PHASE 3: EQUALIZATION Notes :
Track-By-Track, Bring All The Elements
Of Your Mix Back To Their "Sonic
Baseline"
Create Proper Sonic Relationships
Between Elements Using Pocket And Fit
EQ That Have A Common Octave For
Their Core Frequencies
Create Additional Separation Between
Elements Using Pocket and Fit EQ As
Needed
Check References And Make EQ
Changes Based On 30,000 Foot View,
Rather than Track-Specific.
THROUGHOUT PHASE 3:
Note Any Dynamic Issues That Exist
And Make A Mental Note, Or Jot It
Down Quickly In The "Notes" Section
Phase 4:
Compression
PHASE 4: COMPRESSION Notes :
Identify Dynamic Problems And
Address (Elements that are too loud,
then too quiet and other related
dynamic issues)_
Enhance Tracks Using Stylistic
Compression For Elements That Need
Additional Life Or Impact
Phase 5:
Reverb & Effects
PHASE 5: REVERB AND EFFECTS Notes :
Create Depth Using Reverb. Focus On
The 3 Stages Of Reverb, Where You
Create 3 "Spaces" Within Your Mix To
Send Itmes That Should Be In The Front,
Midde, And Back.
Use Additional Effects To Create More
Width And Depth. (Think stereo delay
with reverb and NOT stereo widening)
Add Any Other Effects, Throws Or Fun
Creative Elements You Want In The Mix
At This Time - You're Almost Done!
Phase 6:
Finishing
PHASE 6: FINISHING Notes :
Take A Break
Listen To Your References One More
Time And Ensure Your Volume Balance
Is Perfect.
Add EQ To The Mix Bus To Help Nudge
The Mix In The Direction Of Your
References
Add Stylistic Compression To The Mix
Bus To Help Glue The Mix Together
Ensure You Still Have -6db Of Headroom
On The Stereo Out Before Exporting Or
Bouncing Your Mix
And You're Done! Your Mix Is Now
Finished, But You Still Need To Get This
Mastered Before It's Release-Ready.
If You Want A Free Test Master For Your
Song, Feel Free To Visit My Website And
Request A Free Test Master!
www.DinosaurDogMastering.com
