How to accidentally fit all the instruments together in a mix

Published: Thu, 10/18/18

Let me tell you about my silly mistake that taught me how to create better separation between all the instruments in a mix.

It fundamentally changed the way I mix back then, and here's the story behind how it happened.

I was starting work on this mix and did all the usual stuff:

Grouped similar instruments together.
Did some levels.
Added some compression and EQ.
Added 3 different reverbs to the drums, instruments and vocals respectively.

The intended exercise was to mix quickly and simply. Also, I tried to mix at a very low level just for fun.

And all without touching the solo button.

It was pretty hard actually.

I did touch the solo button a few times. Couldn't help it.

But during all of this I always felt that the mix was a little flat. Nothing was necessarily competing for space or frequencies, it just sounded narrow.

Then it hit me.

I had forgotten to turn my interface from mono to stereo from the day before!

The mix had sounded pretty decent up until this point. Especially considering the fact that I had used the bare minimum of processing and effects.

But once I flipped it to stereo everything fell into place. It was beautiful.

The vocal that had been laying on top of the mix fell into place in the center of the stereo spectrum. The drums, backing vocals and guitars that were filling up the "center" were now panned around the vocal, making it fit perfectly in place around the supporting instruments.

Up until that point, I would usually "check" my mix in mono. Before that I had never mixed a whole mix in mono before flipping it back into stereo.

The first time I did it, it was just a stupid mistake.

Now, I'd like to think about that as a happy accident that completely changed the way I mix.

A happy mistake that paid off really well, and something I think you should try next time you're starting a mix.

Now I always start my mixes in mono, and do all of my EQ, compression, and effects that way before I flip it into stereo.

It's a glorious feeling to hit that stereo button and hear your mix widen up and jump from the phantom center to all across the stereo spectrum.

I've also found that EQ'ing in mono is much more effective for separating your instruments. Because they're all sitting together in the center, you really need to get surgical and precise so that you can hear all the instruments clearly even when they're all stacked on top of each other.

If EQ'ing is something you're struggling with and you want to create better mixes by using EQ more effectively, there's no better guide to help you out than EQ Strategies - Your Ultimate Guide to EQ.

Check it out here: