How You Can Be More Productive In The Studio

In the digital age of mixing we are plagued with thousands of options to enhance and alter our songs. We have hundreds of plugins to choose from and limitless tracks we can record. With all these choices, how do we stay focused and productive when mixing? Today I want to share with you three ways that you can be more productive when recording or mixing. These tips will not only help you to become a better engineer, but will also help you become more efficient which will lead to more clients and more money in your pocket.

Number One:

Be Intentional

Probably the most important thing you can do to be more productive in the studio is to be intentional. What does it mean to be intentional? It means to simply plan ahead and know what it is you want to achieve. This means when you sit down to record or mix, you have a good idea of what kind of sound you are going for and how you are going to achieve it. This doesn't mean ruling out creativity, but rather using creativity to reach your goals for your project. Being intentional in the studio will help guide everything you do toward an end goal. This will increase your focus and reduce the amount of time it takes you to work on a mix. 

Number Two:

Limit Yourself

I talk about limiting yourself all the time. I think it's something most people easily miss and it hurts the quality of our music. When you are working on a song, it's important to limit your options. Too many options will have you spending more time on a mix and constantly second guessing your decisions. It's very difficult to move forward in this kind of scenario and have a productive time in the studio. This means if we are recording, we limit the number of mics we are going to use. If we are mixing, we limit the number of plugins or tracks we are going to use. However you want to do it, implement limitations into your work and watch your productivity increase. 

Number Three:

Set a Deadline

I have a love-hate relationship with deadlines. They force me to work harder but also help me be more efficient and productive. When you start setting deadlines, you begin to really focus on what matters and actually get work done. Deadlines can be long-term and short-term. This means you can set a deadline to finish your album or EP and lay out a week by week plan on what you are going to work on to finish it. Or it can mean setting a time limit on your mixing or recording session. Maybe you want to limit yourself to a two hour mix? You'll be surprised how quickly you realize what's important and how focused you become. Remember that it's not enough just to come up with a deadline in your head, as you can easily change it or not stick to it. Rather, come up with a deadline and tell someone else. Maybe you need to announce it on social media or tell a friend. This adds accountability and will keep you responsible and focused. 

There you have it. Three ways you can start becoming more productive in the studio today. I promise if you start implementing these methods into your workflow, you will see not only your productivity increase, but the quality of your work as well. 

Want me to mix or master one of your songs? Check out my work and see if I'm the right for you. - http://willsterling.net