The first step in creating a pro-sounding mix - before you reach for a compressor, EQ, or any other plugin - is to ensure the volume of each element in the mix is well balanced.

A lot of producers skip this crucial step and jump straight into EQing or other processing.

This is really inefficient because you end up spending more time dialing in a crazy EQ curve when just setting the right level would have got the sound 80 to 90% there!

So, remember, it all starts with Balancing Channels...

The volume of a channel has a huge effect on its overall sound, especially when adjusted in the context of the whole mix.

For example, you can make a channel sound bright and clear just by increasing the volume. Take a listen below and hear how the clarity of the vocal changes as it increases in volume.

You can also make it sound dark and distant by turning it down, let’s hear how that sounds.

When you adjust the balance of any channel, the others can sound brighter or darker relative to it, so it’s quite literally a balancing act, finding that perfect level for each channel.

Get the balance wrong and you’ll struggle to get close to the pro-sounding richness and clarity of chart-topping songs. But, get the balance right and you’ll have laid the foundation needed to create a great sounding mix.

Let’s hear what a bad balance sounds like:

The bass is too loud, making the overall sound muffled The drums and kick are too quiet which makes the song lack energy. The vocals are buried behind the music, making them hard to hear. And the music is overpowering and verging on harsh.

All in all, an awful-sounding mix that nobody would want to listen to, which is a shame because it’s a great song.

Let’s make a few adjustments and get the balance sounding great.

The channels now complement each other, and the mix is clear without being muddy, or thin, or harsh. This shows the dramatic impact that just the balance has on the sound of a mix.

This is an important skill to work on, but it’s not really possible to use your own mixes or even professionally mixed stems in your DAW as focused practice with measurable results and actionable feedback. Balancing Channels on Ultimate Producer is a smart, fast, and fun way to improve this skill.

You’ll balance the mix of twelve songs, covering a range of four genres: Pop, Rock, Hip Hop and House.

The starting balance is randomly set each time you load a challenge - it’s your task to adjust the faders to get a well-balanced mix. Your unique balance will be scored out of 100, based on how I approached the track.

If you don’t pass a level: you’ll be able to preview my mix, as a reference, and try to match it. If you still get stuck, you’ll get more guidance on how you can improve the balance.

With practice, this knowledge will transform your ability to get a pro-sounding balance in your own mixes.

As you progress, it will get more challenging! There are ten levels of difficulty, allowing you to push your limits and track your progress.

Remember, when you train, you can replay each song’s level with a unique mix setup every time. Practice as much as you need, and until those high scores are giving you confidence in your ability to balance those channels like a pro.

Head to the first challenge now and begin your transformation!