Mixing

Every song tells a story. For those three minutes and thirty seconds, the listener is transported into a shared intimate space with the singer, and my job is to make sure it’s heard exactly as it was meant to be felt. I approach each mix with balance, depth and emotion in mind, enhancing clarity without ever losing character. Below are a few before and after examples that show how a well-crafted mix can transform a track into something that truly connects.

 

Mixing is the balancing and blending of the various elements, instruments or ‘stems’ to achieve a tonal shape that best suits the song and its production. It’s about ensuring everything has its space within the mix while giving the spotlight to what sits centre stage. In popular music, this is most often the lead vocal or key musical motifs. In other genres, it might be the 808s, hi-hats or textural elements that drive the record.

 

A great mix fully utilises the available space in the sonic spectrum, preserving the song’s true essence while enhancing it to create a captivating listening experience. It should sound balanced and pleasing at any volume, whether it’s played in a car, nightclub, on the radio or through headphones, with moments of contrast and dynamics that keep the listener engaged from start to finish. I take a tailored approach to loudness optimisation, carefully using the available peak range to maintain openness and dynamic headroom, giving the song a solid presence while allowing it to breathe.

 

The process begins with subtle frequency carving to create separation between elements and space for what you want the listener to feel most. This is achieved through a combination of tools and techniques including EQ, compression, panning and saturation, followed by filters, effects, delays and reverbs to introduce movement, atmosphere and energy where the song calls for it.

 

I mix in Pro Tools, using an extensive collection of third-party plug-ins including Waves, Plugin Alliance, iZotope and UAD. I also incorporate outboard gear such as EL8 Distressors, a summing mixer and an SSL Bus Compressor to achieve a rich, open and dynamic sound.

 

Whether you’re an artist, producer or label, my goal is to bring your record to its fullest potential with precision, emotion and intention. If you’d like to hear what your track could sound like mixed and mastered to a professional standard, upload your stems or book a session below. I’m committed to helping you create music that moves people both emotionally and physically.