Mixing MISTAKES we all make... (Part 1)

I've made a LOT of mixing mistakes over the years! Like... alot (so many that we're doing a two-parter on this topic). In this video I want to share my top mixing mistakes so you can learn from them and start making better sounding music TODAY.

The headphones I LOVE:

#mixingmusic #garageband #garagebandmixing

[haleb_korn]

Definitely struggle with taking breaks and giving my ears a rest. I need to keep reminding myself that I will work more efficiently and ultimately have a better end result if I take breaks. Thanks Colin, really looking forward to your live mixing session next week!

[garudasomanna]

Thanks for these pearls you are literally casting at us. Wow, you are truly amazing man. You not only have a very good grip upon this in-exhaustive subject but you are also able to impart your knowledge to babes in audio editing. Your tutorials do not frighten us with the ocean-like vastness of this field but instil in us the confidence of being capable to bring out profession level music! I have been able to teach your mixing methods to another Brother, and his mixes are already better! Being around midnight when you will be doing your live recording, I hope I will be able to stay awake to attend that grand tutorial. Thank you Band guide.

[johnny]

Cool for cats. Excellent advice Colin. I began to implement some of these techniques after spending too much time going around and around the 'mixing tree' without necessarily finishing anything, or taking months to finish anything. Spending the time making the mix merely different rather than finishing a mix was a big part of it. I did find a song does have several versions that it could be, so of course I had to try them all! I still have trouble choosing a definitive one, but I'm getting better (all the time). This video has focused my attention and method of working on mixes in a more productive way. I also like to have a couple of songs that i'm working on so I can swap between the two whenever I feel myself getting stale with one, after a break of course!

[a.o.dplaguedoctorent-label]

This whole week I’ve been using all of your tips and it has made a huge difference the last song I posted Nikes on my feet to me is one of my best mixes it hasn’t been mastered but it sounds amazing to me so thank you your channel has helped

[Bittamin]

I agree with mixing too much being a huge issue, sometimes I try to make things different just to be different! It’s very fun right now to be almost 3 songs deep out of six in a project I’m keeping all in the same key and tempo. I did some EQ to the diamond needle drum part and gave it a super chill vibe taking the higher frequencys away and boosting the mid slightly. Stuff like that changing the entire sound of an instrument to make it match the tone and warmth of your project is super nice to do! It keeps me focused on all the new elements I’m adding to the song, making sure nothing is too abrasive in the mix, and using AuBandfilter to change where certain sounds are focused in the mix has been a giant help to making things sound full but not muddy

[TimmoMcGinn]

Some great observations on mistakes in mixing that hit home for me. I find I get a bit obsessed or over absorbed and spend too long at it without a break...I noticed the other day that my ears were starting to complain about my headphones. I also take on board that this means I start to wander off to find the answer with desperate measures that later on sound like I've buggered things up nicely! For me that one resonates the most as I have seen enough of your material to bear in mind the key elements!! Looking forward to the live show although I'm in NZ so may need to check out the delay option....

[guprovasi]

I always struggle to make the song sound good on speakers. Usually on headphones it’s okay, but when I listen on speakers it’s horrible. Then I lost several hours/days trying to fix this. If you could give any tips on how to get the song sound good everywhere, I really appreciate! 😅

[ClockAgentOfficial]

Knowing when to stop is my biggest issue, ie, trying to get the perfect mix (which doesn't exist) and constantly tinkering.

[Bittamin]

The triangle of devices to listen to your music on: AirPods, phone speaker, car speakers. If you can get you mix to sound good on all 3 of these you’re golden for sure!

[kaysenmorzelewski]

I’m worried I’ll miss this while at work will it be recorded for people who signed up?

You help make things be so much easier. Thanks for helping and teaching the way you do

[tommylarsson]

Hello Boss! I'm working to long and wear out my ears 😩But, thanks to all of your advices i've getting better on that and a lot of other things.
Priceless!

[Claytolhowell]

Hey Colin, just found your channel and really enjoying the content. Midway through the 6 step mixing guide (just taking a break and resting my ears while I type this), using the Garageband project that you provided. Two questions on mixing in general, do you always mix using mono and stereo audio files, and how do you bounce a single track to mono in Garageband? Each time I try I end up with a stereo file.

[redlightclinicdrummer]

Can you start going over recording real drums in your videos for GarageBand possibly?

[MrTimdriver]

Fear mixing. Now I have a name for it.

[Exspazament]

What's the best way to export your mix so it sounds the same as in the daw?

[JohnLynagh]

We all need a bit of delay, delay. delay 🤣🤣🤣