Corrective EQ
As you guessed, EQ is the most important step in mixing. This step is unique because we only focus on using the EQ for frequency reduction, not boosting any frequencies (which will come later).
The overall goal of this step could be described as removing all frequencies that we don’t use.
Always remember to consider the context in which your sound will be used. Never use “solo mode” for EQ. Even though your audio might sound strange when played solo, it may still be good when used in context.
Is your sound going to need low-end frequencies, or does it already have a bass? This is how you should think. Don’t be too strict, as it will sound strange in context.
Free Plugin: TDRnova EQ
Compression
Because many music producers don’t understand the purpose of compression or use it in every mix, compression is one of the most hated topics.
But is this necessary? No!
Compression decreases the dynamic range of a signal. How does it work?
Let’s take mixing guitar sound as an example. Imagine that you are recording a friend playing the guitar. He is playing a song he has written himself. He hits the strings with different velocities, creating a recording that has louder parts and some quieter parts. Dynamic range is the difference between the loudest and quietest parts of a sound/recording.
Recordings with higher dynamic ranges will require compression to make them “smoother”. Your audio material will greatly affect the compressor’s settings, so be sure to know the functions of the knobs before you start using them.
Free Plugin Option: TDR Kotelnikov
Additive EQ
Step two, additive EQing, focuses on only adding missing frequencies. That’s up to each of you. Rely on your ears and your musical tastes to determine what sounds natural.
Mixing engineers give professional mix engineers a boost of about 3khz because this is the frequency our ears are most sensitive to. If you want to add warmth to your sound, you can boost it between 300-500 Hz. You can also add an increase of 7khz for some extra “air”.
You can test each of these methods, but you must decide if they make your sound recording sound better.
Saturation
This step is optional. Some sounds may not need saturation.
Why?
Because saturation can add frequencies, you might have added, and some producers claim that saturation can “enjoyably colour a track”. My tip? Try it out. It will be obvious if your audio material has saturation. But don’t overdo it. If you do this wrong, it can cause a complete loss of sound.
Free Plugin Option Softtube Saturation Knob
Stereo Image
You might have heard that it is crucial to position the sound in the stereo image.
You can give them more room to breathe and create a clearer stereo image for your listener. This will make it easier for your listener to locate individual sounds within your track.
This can be done by panning your audio left or right or placing them mono or stereo.
Optional Plugin: Alex Hilton Stereo Control plugin