Mix Balance

Let’s organize your mixing balance levels so everything sits well before mastering. I’ll give you a starting reference mix balance (in dB relative to your master fader at 0). From there, you can fine-tune depending on your style (pop, rock, acoustic, etc).

Suggested Mix Balance (Pre-Master)

• Main Vocal: -6 dB (Keep upfront and clear, everything else should support it)

• Background Vocals: -10 to -12 dB (Pan slightly L/R, blend behind the lead. Add reverb/delay for space)

• Kick Drum: -8 dB (Center, tight, should lock with bass)

• Snare: -8 dB (Slightly above kick, crisp, add body with EQ)

• Hi-Hats / Cymbals / Overheads: -14 to -16 dB (Add shimmer, don’t let them dominate)

• Toms: -12 dB  (raise only when fills hit)

• Bass Guitar: -8 dB  Sits with kick, carve EQ space (sidechain if needed).

• Acoustic Guitars (2 tracks): -12 dB each (Pan L/R (50–70%), leave space for vocal)

• Piano: -10 to -12 dB (Mid presence, don’t compete with vocal)

• Strings: -14 dB (Pad support, spread wide)

• Electric Piano (Rhodes/EP): -13 dB (Keep warm, supportive texture)

Mixing Tips

1. Headroom for Mastering: Keep peaks at -6 dBFS on the master. Don’t push fader to 0.

2. EQ & Space:

   • Cut lows (HPF) on guitars, piano, strings so bass/kick breathe.

   • Scoop a little 2–4 kHz on instruments to let vocals shine.

3. Panning:

   • Drums: Kick/Snare center, hats + cymbals spread.

   • Acoustics hard-panned for width.

   • Strings wider than piano.

4. Compression:

   • Gentle bus compression (2:1, -2 to -3 dB GR) on vocals and drums.

5. Reverb/Delay:

   • Vocals: Plate + short slap delay.

   • Instruments: Room/ambience to glue.

This gives you a balanced rough mix. You’ll still need EQ, compression, reverb, and automation for polish, but with this setup, your mastering engineer (or you) will have clean headroom to work with.