Why Mixing Matters (Especially If You’re Independent)

Mixing is how you balance and polish your track. It’s what makes the beat knock, the vocals cut through, and the whole song feel cohesive.

For independent artists, good mixing = better chances of getting playlisted, shared, and taken seriously.

And no — you don’t need to be an engineer or own a $5,000 setup to get started.

1. Start With a Clean Recording (Fix It at the Source)

Before mixing, make sure your vocals are recorded properly. No plugin can fix a bad take.

Tips for cleaner recordings:

• Record in a quiet room with soft materials (curtains, blankets)
• Use a pop filter and decent mic placement (6–8 inches away)
• Avoid clipping (don’t record too loud)

Bonus: Even an affordable mic like the Audio-Technica AT2020 or Rode NT1 can give you professional results when used right.

2. Use EQ to Create Space

EQ (equalization) is your best friend. It lets you shape the tone of your vocals and beat.

What to do:

• Cut the low end (below 80–100 Hz) on vocals to remove rumble
• Reduce harshness (2k–5k Hz) if vocals sound piercing
• Cut some mids in the beat to give your vocals room to sit

Plugin Tip: Use free EQs like TDR Nova or ReaEQ from Reaper for clean results.

3. Use Compression to Control Dynamics

Compression smooths out the volume of your vocals so they stay consistent and clear.

Beginner settings to try:

• Ratio: 3:1 or 4:1
• Attack: 10–30 ms
• Release: 50–100 ms
• Aim for 3–6 dB of gain reduction

Think of compression as the glue that keeps your vocal steady in the mix.

Try RoughRider 3 (free) or Klanghelm MJUC jr — both are dope for vocal compression.

4. Add Reverb (But Don’t Overdo It)

Reverb creates depth and space. But too much can make vocals sound distant or muddy.

Try this trick:

• Use a send/aux track for your reverb
• Start with a short decay time (1–1.8 sec)
• Roll off the low end in the reverb using EQ

Bonus: Try the free Valhalla Supermassive plugin — perfect for creative vocal effects.

5. Use Reference Tracks & A/B Comparison

The best way to improve your mix is to compare it to songs you love.

How to use reference tracks:

• Pick a professionally mixed track with a similar vibe
• Level-match it to your mix (don’t get fooled by loudness)
• A/B frequently to see if your low end, vocals, and clarity are close

Don’t chase perfection. Chase clarity, balance, and vibe.

Mixing Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid

• Mixing with the master fader too loud
• Adding too many plugins too early
• Ignoring gain staging (set levels first!)
• Mixing in solo (always mix with all tracks playing)

Free Mixing Tools You Can Use Right Now

• TDR Nova (EQ & dynamics)
• ReaPlugs (EQ, compressor, gate — lightweight)
• Valhalla Supermassive (reverb/delay)
• RoughRider 3 (compressor)
• Youlean Loudness Meter (check loudness before releasing)

Final Thoughts: Practice Is the Best Plugin

Mixing is a skill — not a shortcut.

These 5 steps will help your vocals sit better, your beats hit harder, and your songs sound more professional, even if you’re mixing in your bedroom.

Just like writing bars or building flow, mixing takes time. But every session gets you closer.

Need help getting your mix to industry level?
Check out my mixing & mastering services — I work 1-on-1 with independent artists who want clean, loud, and stream-ready tracks.

Let’s make your music sound as good as it feels.