How To Mix (part1): GAIN STAGING

In this mixing tutorial, I'm going to show you how to set up and use gain staging properly. Gain staging is the first step when mixing a song. This video shows gain staging in fl studio, but the same gain staging technique can be used in any daw, such as Ableton, Cubase, Studio one, and so on. Gain staging is a very important part of the mixing process, yet many producers forget about this crucial step. In this video, you will learn what gain staging is and why you should use it, as well as how to set it up in FL Studio. I recommend using gain staging when mixing because it will help avoid clipping, and ensure that your mix sounds crisp and clear. The last thing you want is a mix that is distorting and clipping. When gain staging the mix, It can also be easier to get the levels right, and more balanced, because you're starting off from the same starting point every time with every single element in your mix.
If you want to learn all about mixing and mastering music, then I recommend starting out with gain staging and then moving on to EQ, Sidechaining and so on.

This video is part of my "how to mix" series, where I will be making videos that cover the most important aspects of mixing. By watching these videos, you should be able to properly mix your track.

Note: You can gain stage your samples too if you want, but it's not required as samples are pre-recorded and there's no chance of clipping at the source unless they were recorded that way. That's why I prefer to just leave them at 80% volume in the channel rack. There's no need to spend time turning it up to 100% because you would then just have to pull it down even more in the mixer later.

You should be good if you gain stage your synths, and then pull down the volume of your samples in the mixer to match. :) Your final mix should read around -6 to -3 on the master.

Note: In this video, I'm using patterns with high-velocity notes. When gain staging, you should press a key on your keyboard hard, to make sure you have the highest velocity possible or make a pattern with the velocity at maximum. Gain staging at soft velocities will make it possible to clip when the velocity eventually goes up.

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📧 Other inquiries?

[bibekpawn]

i watched this tutorial a year ago and didnt understand anything but still i downloaded it cuz i know mixing is important . and today i watched this again and finally i understood now. you are struggling right now and cant get good at producing, dont give up . as long as you are moving forward, you will reach there

[TrailBot]

Your voice sounds like the narrator from How It's Made. You just have one of those smooth, narrator-ish voices

[graneestudio]

This tip really change my whole mix, i'm new in the world of Mixing only sound of plugins. Amazing. Thanks a lot!

[lucabeats]

This is why I don’t take music in school cause I have free school on YouTube. Stud Firewalk.

[joshuachisanga]

You are an angel sent for me from heaven. God bless you richly. I watched this video two years ago and could not get it, but this time i got this.

[stumpylogs]

One of the best gain staging videos out there. Every other video treats gain staging like its rocket science. It is still something I struggle with, but this video is really helpful!

[AdrianRyoku]

This video is made 3 years ago, and here I am, subscribing! Great, comprehensive, simple tutorial! Actual guidance! Rather than just, do this and do that! I really like the explanations and it gives me something to think about when mixing!

[Tazer_BLACC]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS in 2024’🙏🙌🤝
I’ve been making music on and off for a year and now I’m taking things serious after releasing tracks I’m starting to hear imperfections more and desiring more quality sound so I’m going through this course to mix master and release older tracks.

This is mega helpful and I and I’m sure thousands of others appreciate this! 🔊🔊

[zephyllmusic]

I have been watching so many videos on gain staging and don't understand a single thing but when I watched your video I understood everything about gain staging. Awesome explanation man it was short, straight to the point and clear. Keep it Up !!

[bryantzarzuela]

I want to make Lo-Fi soft and today i started to soft soft tutorials. I see that you are teacNice tutorialng us very carefully and simple, i like that

[niclasschroer]

These are so awesome. Thank you so much! Maybe I will be ready to produce my metal tracks sometime!

[BastarB]

Wow, I subscribed right away, your way of talking and describing just make me much more optimistic about my abilities

[chetnmusic]

Best tutorial i have watched u made it so clear for me i was so frustrated about clipping

[bencollyer]

Best tutorials i've found in over a year of tutorial watching

[Fordeyyyyy]

Awesome tutorial! I love how you just casually make a trance hit :P

[Pontisto]

These tutorials are so great! And extra props for trance <3 Dude you're the best!

[gustavyas]

Just found your channel today and have been binge watching your videos all day. This is what tutorials are all about, and love how you almost keep it overly proffessional. Certainly one of the best channels in Music production, one day you will be a very well known teacher. thx from sweden!

[donellismusic]

I'm so glad I found your channel. As I'm getting ready to make a fresh start on music production, I wanted to become the best I could be, and this has helped improve my sound immensely. Thank you.

[itcouldbegood]

a coherent fl studio tutorial... i've been searching for something like this

[NgaeGameStudio]

This is really producer! i've taken alot of time to look for a youtube channel that really tells me to mixing from beginning, and it's you, keep it up😃. U know this is what people looks for