How to Run an Efficient Mix Session

Your time is valuable, and so it is important that you run efficient mixing sessions. Today I want to share with you some ways that you can run a more efficient mixing session in your home studio. These tips will not only help you get faster at mixing, but your mixes will be better because you'll be forced to focus on what is important.

Plan Of Action

You need to have a plan of action. I can't stress this enough. When you start a mixing session, if you aren't intentional about what are you trying to do, then really you are just playing around and not getting anything done. These are the sessions that drag into five and six hours and you don't really even accomplish anything. We don't want this to happen and the way we can void that is to have a plan of action. 

What does it mean to have a plan of action? 

It means that you need to have a written/typed out plan in front of you when you start mixing so you know exactly what it is you are trying to achieve. Write out step by step what you are going to do and what each plan is going to look like. Here's an example of what mine would look like: 

Plan of Action Example:

1. Get a static mix
2. Adjust panning and widening of the mix
3. Start with bus EQ and Compression on Drums and Bass
4. EQ and Compress other tracks as needed
5. High pass instruments that don't need much EQ
6. EQ and Compress Vocals last
7. Automate the vocal to sit it right in the mix
8. Do a final listen and take notes
9. Make any last minute adjustments

In general, that's what a typical mix session for me looks like. Sure it changes from time to time but most of the time I stick to this formula. I will literally have these steps written down, in front of me, so that I know exactly what I need to do when I sit down to mix. Have a plan of action. 

Time Limits

A plan of action might not do you any good if you don't have a time limit or some sort of deadline what it is you are trying to achieve. If you spend two hours on getting static mix, then you haven't really accomplished anything. Or if you spend an hour EQ'ing a kick drum, you are spending your time unwisely. This is where having a time limit comes in. 

What you need to do is set a time limit for your plan of action. Give yourself maybe 20 minutes to get a static mix. Then give yourself 20 minutes to adjust panning and widening. Then maybe 30 minutes for the next step. The exact amount of time is going to change depending on your personal plan of action and what it is you are trying to achieve. The point here is to put a little bit of pressure on yourself so that you focus on what is important and get stuff done in a timely manner. Set time limits! They will completely change the way you mix. 

So there you have it. Two ways you can start running a more efficient mix session. These can also be applied to mastering or recording sessions as well. Be intentional and put pressure on yourself. You will be surprised what you can accomplish. 

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