The moment you realize you're no longer at the very beginning often feels less spectacular than you think. You've understood the basics, produced a few good mixes maybe even managed your first clients or released your own music but you still have this feeling: Something's missing. You've got the knowledge (somewhat) you're familiar with the common tools but the implementation is somehow stuck? We know how it is: When decisions take too long and the mixes sound, well, just "okay."

How to level up?

Now it's no longer about what you do but how and why. Welcome to the so-called Advanced Level. We'll question common routines, work together to find structures instead of stock presets and try to help you find the right solutions for your current challenges. This guide is aimed at anyone who feels like they should be further along but isn't sure what to do to reach the next level.

• Discover recommended gear on Thomann

Efficiency is key

First things first: the workflow. One of the things that often slows advanced users down in their development isn't a lack of knowledge but rather an inefficient workflow and a lack of routines. Session templates with plugin presets, personalized shortcuts and structured session organization ensure you can focus on listening. What sounds trivial saves you hours in the long run and makes your sessions more enjoyable.

The Right Balance

Correct gain staging means giving each stage in the signal flow the correct level. It sounds simple but it's more complex and important than you might think because managing the level accurately throughout the entire signal chain isn't easy.

Important units in this context are:

• True Peak: Highest actual level after D/A conversion
• LUFS: Loudness measurement based on human hearing perception – important for streaming

When everything is leveled correctly the mix simply sounds better. And the final mastering becomes significantly easier.

Systematic Mixing

A truly good mix thrives on a clear direction. Instead of stacking plugins it's about developing an idea of how the project should ultimately sound. Select two or three reference tracks, analyze their structure and pay careful attention to stereo width and depth.

It quickly becomes clear that mixing and especially professional song mastering is a comprehensive decision-making process not plugin bingo. Every tool should serve a specific function and make an audible difference. If you can't feel an element then throw it away. Only those who can justify their decisions aurally are mixing at an advanced level.

Write, Touch & Latch

In our opinion automation is one of the most underrated tools in the mixing process. What many beginners often don't realize is that you can automate specific control movements making mixes even more vibrant and dynamic without additional plugins. Whether you want to subtly increase the volume of a hook, apply a delay at specific points or set up a filter sweep – the right automation mode will help you achieve exactly what you have in mind.

Automation Modes Write/Touch/Latch/Read simply explained:

• Write: Records all movements in real time
• Touch: Records movements only as long as you change parameters
• Latch: Holds the last value until you stop
• Read: Plays the recorded automations

Parallel Compression & Multiband-Compression

Parallel compression—also called "New York Compression"—is an advanced compression technique in which a heavily compressed signal is mixed with the original as a send signal. When used correctly you can gain additional punch, saturation and loudness. It's a game-changer especially on the drum bus or vocals and our insider tip.

Multiband compression goes a step further: Here the frequency spectrum is divided into individual bands that can be compressed separately. This allows for targeted control during mixing and mastering for example of a booming bass range or harsh midrange without affecting the entire signal and the remaining frequency bands.

What's often underestimated is that both techniques require a solid understanding of levels, dynamics and frequency distribution. If you tinker with these techniques without preparation you can quickly ruin your mix instead of improving it. Therefore first understand them and only then apply them effectively.

The same goes for subtle harmonic saturation with targeted saturation plugins. They can thicken the mix and help anchor elements in the mix but you should only use them if you understand how they work.

Design the space

Width isn't created by panning alone; it's a combination of stereo base, creative delay offsets and small micro-shifts. Using reverb pre-delays or automation you can gradually add depth and spaciousness to your mix.

Mono compatibility remains an important component in professional audio mixing and song mastering. Listening to your mix in mono allows you to better understand your mix and identify phase issues more quickly.

Prepare your mix

A good mix is half the battle. To prevent mastering from becoming a repair process:

• No limiter or maximizer on the master bus
• Leave 3–6 dB headroom
• Clearly name: Artist, Title, BPM, Key
• Check your own stem export or mixdown

By the way: Mastering is a true craft. If you'd like we can take care of it for you – transparently and with professional ears.

Real World Translation

A mix sounds fully turned up in the recording studio often fantastic. But how does it actually sound on small speakers? On Bluetooth headphones? In the car? If you haven't already try listening to your mix on a different monitor. Testing your mixes on different monitors can reveal specific weaknesses that other speakers might be masking.

In addition to a trained ear analysis tools such as Voxengo SPAN, iZotope Tonal Balance Control or Youlean Loudness Meter can also help you objectively assess frequency distributions, levels and loudness.

How to do A/B comparisons

ADPTR Audio’s Metric AB is one of the most effective reference analysis tools we know. It's not only incredibly easy to use but also incredibly practical. You can load up to 16 reference tracks into the plugin and then instantly switch between your own mix and one of your reference tracks at the touch of a button allowing you to compare. Precise level matching ensures that you're not fooled by the level difference and that "louder" isn't mistaken for "better."

You can also Metric AB compare frequency bands of his mixes, measure the stereo width and even use a correlation meter to detect phase problems.

In mastering we almost always use Metric AB to check whether our song master meets industry standards and the client's reference. We pay particular attention to frequency distribution and above all loudness. It's always about whether a track will be overshadowed by other hits.

The tool is not a substitute for years of experience but it is an extremely reliable tool when it comes to honestly comparing your mix with references.

Typical mistakes

... and how to avoid them. The good news first: Fortunately advanced users no longer make beginner mistakes. The bad news? They develop "occupational diseases." Overengineering is unfortunately one of them and it's quite annoying—we speak from experience. If you're constantly thinking more about plugins than the actual project while mixing you've probably lost a bit of balance. Sometimes a step back is better than adding more plugins and effects just to somehow improve the mix.

A quick self-check can help: Can you audibly justify the decision in the mix? If not press CTRL+Z.

What’s next?

If you've read this far you probably know that you're not missing much. Often it's small nuances, a good reference or simply a second pair of ears that can make the final difference between an average and a very good mix.

For these reasons we at audio.tips offer 1:1 coaching in collaboration with the platinum-award-winning studio Duo Mastering. Instead of receiving overly qualified feedback on your mix or mastering you'll receive 1:1 coaching with two experienced music producers and clear direction for your next step as a professional audio engineer. You can find out more on our coaching page.

Free Audio Tools & Useful Links

• audio.tips AI Companion for Mixing & Mastering
• Blog post: “Free Audio Plugins” on audio.tips

Next read our other guides on:

• Professional Guide
• Audio Processing
• Music Production In-Depth

Or visit our Learn Online section where we show you tutorials on plugins, equipment and music production – step by step, interactive and at your own pace.