Mixing & Mastering
Turn rough takes into release-ready tracks. Practical mixing and mastering guides covering EQ, compression, levels, loudness and the workflow that gets your songs sounding finished.Start here: The Best Free VST Plugins · The Best EQ Plugins · The Best Compressor Plugins · The Best Reverb Plugins.
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How to Use a Spectrum Analyzer
Learn how to use a spectrum analyzer to read frequency balance, spot problem resonances, and mix smarter — with your…
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How to Use Automation in a DAW
Learn how to automate in a DAW — record and draw volume, pan, send, and plugin automation to add movement,…
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What Is a Bus in Mixing?
What is a bus in mixing? A bus routes several tracks to one channel so you can process them together.…
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What Is Dynamic Range in Music?
What is dynamic range in music? The difference between the quietest and loudest parts of a track, why it matters,…
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What Is True Peak?
What is true peak? It’s the real peak level of audio between samples, which can exceed your sample peaks. Learn…
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What Is Dithering in Audio?
What is dithering in audio? It’s low-level noise added when reducing bit depth to mask quantisation distortion. Learn when and…
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What Is Headroom in Audio?
What is headroom in audio? It’s the space between your loudest peak and the maximum level before clipping. Learn why…
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How to Mix Kick and Bass Together
Learn how to mix kick and bass together so your low end is tight and powerful, using EQ carving, sidechain…
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VST vs AU Plugins: What’s the Difference?
VST vs AU plugins explained: the difference between the two formats, which DAWs use each, and which one you should…
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How to Install VST Plugins
Learn how to install VST plugins on Windows and Mac, where the plugin folders live, and how to make your…