Mixing Without a Mix Engineer: 3 DIY Moves That Actually Work
So you’ve finished recording your track, bounced the stems, and now you’re staring at a DAW session wondering… do I really need a mix engineer?
Short answer: not always. Long answer: mixing is an art, and while I can elevate your sound, there are a few moves you can absolutely nail on your own — especially if you’re just trying to get your track sounding clean, balanced, and emotionally punchy.
Here are three DIY mix moves that actually work — no expensive gear, no black magic, just clarity and intention.
1. Gain Staging: The Unsung Hero of Clean Mixes
Before you touch a single plugin, check your levels. If everything’s peaking or buried, your mix will fight itself.
Set each track so it hovers around -18 to -12 dBFS on average.
Use your DAW’s meters or a free plugin like SPAN by Voxengo (link below) to visualise levels.
Don’t chase loudness yet — that’s for mastering.
Try this tip: Solo your vocal and bring the fader down until it sits comfortably in the mix. Then do the same for your drums. You’ll be amazed how much clarity you gain just by balancing.
2. Reference Tracks: Your Sonic Compass
Pick a professionally mixed song in a similar genre and A/B it with your track.
Match loudness using a gain plugin so you’re comparing apples with apples.
Listen for EQ balance, stereo width, and vocal placement.
Don’t copy - just calibrate your ears.
Try this tip: Drop your reference into your session and toggle between it and your mix every few minutes. Ask yourself questions such as: “Is my low end muddy? Are my vocals too buried?”
3. Subtractive EQ: Less Is More
Instead of boosting frequencies to “fix” things, try cutting the ones that clash.
Use a parametric EQ to sweep and identify problem areas.
Cut gently: -2 or -3dB is often enough.
Prioritize clarity over sparkle.
Try this tip: On your vocal track, cut a bit around 300 - 500 Hz to reduce ‘boxiness’. Then listen in context — did it open up the mix a bit?
Free Plugin of the Week:
This free spectrum analyser helps you see your mix - perfect for gain staging, EQ decisions, and reference comparisons. It’s lightweight, intuitive, and works in most DAWs. There’s also lots of tuitional videos to help you get started!
Final Thought
Mixing isn’t about perfection - it’s about intention. These three moves won’t replace what I can do to help you, but they’ll get you closer to a mix that feels finished, confident, and emotionally aligned with your track.
And when you’re ready to take it further, you’ll know exactly what you want — and what to ask for.
Ready to work together? Let’s go!