What is the most common mistake new mixers / re-mixers with home studios make?
Well, a widespread mistake is putting you under too much pressure. I heard artists say “I want to sound like this producer” many, many times, but this is just plain wrong. In order to become established in the music business you have to develop a precise idea of your personal sound. Yet I tell newcomers to listen closely to existing tracks by other producers so they can analyze and learn rather than copy. A very practical recommendation is to stick to a few good tools and master them. Browsing through sample libraries for hours is not an efficient way to learn. How do you keep a track from sounding stiff or too automated? I have a simple recipe for that: I take my time for every mix! Adding subtle sound effects and breaking up a beat by using breaks and fill-ins are key elements to me. That is the reason why you shouldn’t try finishing a song in a single day, you just can’t achieve a playful character that way. What would you have liked to teach in the book that is just impossible to c
