Ever feel like your mix is crowded, but you don’t want to throw anything out? Here’s a trick I use all the time: pan based on frequency, not just left or right.
đź”§ How to Do It:
- High-frequency elements (vocals, hi-hats, cymbals, lead synths) → pan slightly left or right.
- Low-frequency elements (kick, bass, sub synths) → keep them centered or pan subtly opposite your highs.
- Mids → play with placement depending on importance, but keep them mostly near centre for focus.
🎚 Why This Works:
- Your mix breathes naturally — highs float, lows stay tight.
- Clarity is king — low-end isn’t fighting for space with highs or mids.
- Stereo field feels alive — small movements make your mix feel wider without losing focus.
đź§Ş Quick Experiment:
- Pick a track with multiple layers.
- Subtly pan highs left, lows right (or vice versa).
- Toggle mono/stereo — notice how the centre stays solid while the sides create space.
- Share a before-and-after snippet in the comments — let’s hear how it opens up your track!
- Spike