What do you think is the biggest barrier to you getting better mixes and recordings? Do you think it's your gear? Maybe if you had better monitors or better preamps your recordings would sound better. Or do you think maybe it's your DAW? Maybe if you had a better recording software you could do better work.
I've got some good news for you. It's none of those things. It's something much more difficult to change. It requires work, patience, and discipline. So what is it already?!
The biggest barrier to better mixes and recordings is YOU!
Ouch. I know. It stings a little at first. But don't worry it's a good thing. This should be a liberating feeling. It means that it's in your control. I know it isn't as easy as going out and buying a new interface or new mics, but it's vastly better than that. You see, anyone can go out and buy new equipment, but not anyone has the discipline and work ethic to become a better engineer. This means if you are willing to put in the time and energy, you can stand out tremendously with your skill and experience. Now, let's talk about some practical ways you can start putting this into action.
Give yourself a mixing challenge.
One easy thing you can do is set goals. Give yourself a challenge. Maybe your challenge is to mix and recording fifteen songs this month? Maybe thirty? You know yourself better than I do, so the number is somewhat arbitrary. The point is to push yourself and do a good bit more work than you are at the moment. Just imagine being able to look back at the end of a month and realize you are fifteen songs better than you were before? Do that for a year an imagine how much better you'll have become.
Learn to limit yourself.
I talk about limiting yourself all the time. It will help to bring out your strengths and weaknesses as an engineer. This may mean setting a shorter time limit on your mixes. Maybe limit your mixing to an hour per mix. This will identify what it is important and help you hone in on the skills you are good at it, while also exposing ones you are not so good at it. Learn to become a better engineer with limitations.
The point of all this is to not rely on gear or externals to become a better engineer. The ability to become a better mixing and recording engineer is within you. You are the barrier and you are also the only one who can change it. So quit reading blog posts and start mixing!
I want to help you take your recordings to the next level through mixing and mastering Visit http://willsterling.net for more info.
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