One Simple Mixing Habit That Beats Expensive Plugins

One of the biggest mistakes I see in home studio mixes is relying too heavily on plugins before getting the basics right.

It’s completely understandable — plugins promise big changes and enhancements to the way a track sounds.

But in reality, great mixes almost always start with great balance.

Before touching EQ, compression, or reverb, it’s essential to get the balance right. Start by setting the levels of your tracks so the song already sounds as good as it can with no plugins at all.

Focus on questions like:

• Can I clearly hear the vocal?
• Do the instruments feel balanced?
• Does anything jump out too loudly?
• Does anything feel buried?

Of course, it won’t sound like a finished mix by doing this alone, but you’ll be surprised how far you can get just with proper level balance.

Setting the balance is always the very first step in every mix I do.

Once the balance is as good as I can get it, then — and only then — do I start adding EQ, compression, and effects.

That’s because a strong balance gives every other mixing decision a solid foundation.

If you’re working on a mix this week, try starting with levels first and see how it gives you a head start for the rest of your mix.