Listening critically - Posted on 2012-02-09 by Chris Bell

The purpose of this is to illustrate how important it is to critically listen to your mixes. This will help you know when to make adjustments and also you'll be more aware of any eq, effects, automation and levels that need tweaking. Listening critically will provide you with more consistent mixes, using the greatest tool you have...Your ears. It will also help you discern when not to make adjustments and be more subtle with effects (especially time based) much like writing and performing a song requires musicians to know when not to play to serve the song best. That's ultimately what your'e doing anyways. So have fun, trust your ears, learn your gear and pay attention. Following these guidelines will improve the quality and consistency of your mixes.