Back by popular demand, we’re running our free “Fix The Mix” challenge again! Starting Monday, you can join the totally free virtual event that reveals why your mixes don’t sound like your favorite records, and how to fix them. This event is hosted in partnership with Woodstock Audio, our brand new plugin company. Join our pro mentors as they guide you through the tried-and-tested workflow over just 3 days. Learn how to properly prep your session on day 1, by getting a handle on gain staging and balancing. On day 2, we’ll cover EQ, compression and reverb techniques, then move on to vocal mixing and mastering on day 3. As a final step, we’ll compare before and after mixes to show your progress. Video replays will be shared so you can revisit topics and practice at your own pace. Fix The Mix is hosted virtually on Zoom, starting Monday 29th September at 9am Pacific / 12pm Eastern / 5pm UK / 6pm European time. RSVP here: https://courses.mastering.com/event_full/1758134284863x191501642900701200?utm_source=FTMSkool See you there!

Here’s the best mixing tip I can give you: Progress = Work + Reflection There's no way to get better at mixing if you just watch videos and learn mixing tips. You need to actually do the work and finish hundreds of tracks if you want to become a true pro. But there's another part to the equation, and that's reflection—because work alone isn't enough. Yes, you need to do a lot of work. But if you just work away in a vacuum and you don't reflect on the work that you did a year ago, two years ago, three years ago... then you're never actually going to learn. I remember one time I set myself a challenge to finish a hundred mixes over the span of several months. When I listen back now, a lot of those mixes sound really similar because I was just churning them out. I didn't take enough time to actually listen to them, reflect, and decide how I needed to improve. In comparison, I've had single mixes that I've learned a TON from because I shared them with a bunch of people and got feedback. And I've had mixes where another mix engineer has mixed the same track and I was able to carefully compare the differences. I learned so much from those single mixes because I was able to reflect more accurately. I was able to more easily identify where my weaknesses were and where I needed to improve. So don't forget—you need to put in the work, but you also need to take time to reflect and analyze your past work. Only then can you identify how to actually improve. — I originally posted this idea as a video on our Instagram account. if you're not already following us, you can check it out here. We're starting to post a lot more frequently and have some exciting videos coming up. Have a great week, Rob