The Biggest Mixing Mistakes Artists Make (And How to Fix Them)

Mixing is an art and a science, but for many artists, producers, and engineers—especially those just starting out—it can feel like an uphill battle. A great mix can elevate a song to professional levels, while common mistakes can leave it sounding amateurish. Here are some of the biggest mixing mistakes and, more importantly, how to fix them.

1. Not Using Reference Tracks

The Mistake: Many beginners mix in isolation, trusting only their ears without comparing their work to professionally mixed tracks.

Why It’s a Problem: Without a reference point, it’s easy to lose perspective on balance, tone, and overall sonic quality.

How to Fix It:

• Choose a few high-quality songs in a similar genre to your track.

• Level-match your mix with the reference to avoid loudness bias.

• Regularly A/B your mix against the reference to check for tonal balance, clarity, and dynamics.

• Use tools like Metric AB or set up reference tracks in your DAW to make switching seamless.

2. Overloading the Mix

The Mistake: Adding too many layers, effects, or instruments, thinking it will make the mix sound fuller.

Why It’s a Problem: Instead of adding clarity and energy, an overcrowded mix often results in mud, phase issues, and loss of impact.

How to Fix It:

• Start with a solid arrangement; if the song doesn’t work in its raw form, no amount of mixing will fix it.

• Use subtractive EQ to carve out space for each element.

• Be selective about layering—sometimes, less is more.

• Use automation instead of excessive layering to create movement and dynamics.

3. Overusing EQ

The Mistake: Boosting too many frequencies or applying aggressive EQ settings without a clear goal.

Why It’s a Problem: Over-EQing can lead to a thin, unnatural, or harsh mix. It can also introduce phase issues and reduce cohesion.

How to Fix It:

• Use EQ with intent—always ask why you’re making an adjustment.

• Prioritize subtractive EQ (cutting problem frequencies) before boosting.

• Avoid extreme boosts unless necessary; small, targeted adjustments usually work best.

• Use a spectrum analyzer to see problem areas, but trust your ears first.

4. Misusing Reverb and Delay

The Mistake: Using reverb and delay to mask mistakes rather than enhance the mix.

Why It’s a Problem: Overuse can make a mix sound washed out, distant, or muddy. Underuse can make it sound dry and lifeless.

How to Fix It:

• Think of reverb and delay as tools to fill space, not to cover up mistakes.

• Use different reverbs and delays for depth but avoid overloading the mix with too many.

• EQ your reverb (high-pass at 200-300Hz and low-pass at 8-10kHz) to keep it clean.

• Use pre-delay to separate the reverb tail from the dry signal for more clarity.

5. Ignoring the Low-End Balance

The Mistake: Either too much or too little bass, leading to a mix that feels muddy or weak.

Why It’s a Problem: The low-end is the foundation of many genres, and an unbalanced low-end can ruin an otherwise great mix.

How to Fix It:

• Use high-pass filters on non-essential low-end elements to reduce clutter.

• Make sure your kick and bass aren’t fighting for the same space—use sidechain compression or complementary EQ cuts.

• Reference your mix on multiple systems (studio monitors, headphones, car speakers) to check low-end translation.

• Consider using a subwoofer or checking your mix with a frequency analyzer to ensure balance.

Final Thoughts

Mixing takes time and practice, and even the best engineers constantly refine their skills. By avoiding these common mistakes and applying these fixes, you’ll be well on your way to creating cleaner, more professional mixes. The key is to stay patient, trust your ears, and always seek improvement.

Happy mixing!