If you've been following Audio Issues for a while you might know that I tend to stick to the basics most of the time.

I try to keep it simple and practical because that's how you get 80% of the way there. Even if you're a seasoned veteran in the industry it's always good to have a beginner's mind and keep a good grasp on the basics.

The Beginner's Mind, or "Shoshin" is an interesting concept, especially when we're thinking about all the technical aspects of mixing.

Instead of getting wrapped up in the technicalities, just use any tool at your disposal to take your mix to where you want it.

• Think of your plug-ins as paintbrushes that add dynamics and contrast to your mixes.
• Think of the mix as “getting more exciting” not “more technically perfect.”

Use plug-in bundles such as the Maserati or CLA packages as artistic devices that can take your parts to a newer level. Don’t stray away from using them just because you don’t see the nitty-gritty technical details they’re hiding behind the interface.

Think of your rough recording as a block of marble and your plug-ins are your chisels. It doesn’t matter what kind of plug-ins you are using, as long as the sculpture takes the shape you want it take. If you end up with a great mix after a rewarding creative effort on your part you’ve accomplished your goal, no matter how many “rules” you’ve broken.

The Beginner's Mind is a great place to draw inspiration from, but I also understand that you have a need to improve and get more advanced in your mixing.

That's why I wanted to draw your attention to Advanced Mixing from The Pro Audio Files:

Introducing Advanced Mixing

Matthew Weiss is behind the Advanced Mixing course and he's pulled out all the stops to give you some truly in-depth and advanced techniques.

Like Dan Comerchero, editor of the Pro Audio Files told me:

"The course fuses a ton of nitty-gritty mixing techniques with his signature philosophical approach to mixing. This is his magnum opus of training courses.

He reveals actionable tips, tricks and techniques for getting a great mix out of any situation, as well as tons of of obscure creative ideas for using EQ, compression, MIDI and more on bass, guitars, dobro, drums, claps, stomps, vocals and the mix buss."

If you're looking to beef up your mixing skills with some new advanced techniques, head on over and check it out here:

www.audio-issues.com/advancedmixing