Assessing Your Mix
To properly assess your mix after receiving it, create a playlist with your mix and several reference tracks. Make sure to listen at various volumes, and check for clarity, balance, and overall impact across different playback systems. Take detailed notes, paying attention to elements like bass, vocals, and drums, and compare your mix to the references to identify areas for improvement.
Details
Create a Playlist
Include your mix and a few comparable songs in the same genre.
Ensure the reference tracks are well mixed and mastered.
Volume Matching
Volume match your mix with the reference tracks to accurately compare their impact.
Listen at average (70dB) and loud (80dB) levels.
Listening Enviorments
Use a variety of playback systems: studio monitors, headphones (including earbuds), and car speakers.
Note how the mix translates on each system.
Detailed Listening
Clarity and Separation: Listen for clear separation between instruments, especially in mono.
Balance: Check the balance of the bass, vocals, drums, and other instruments.
Overall Tone: Ensure the overall tone of the mix is pleasing and engaging.
Engagement: Can you air drum or sing along with the melody? Is the song engaging like the references?
Technical Issues: Check for bass distortion, vocal tuning issues, clicks, and pops.
Mono Compatibility: Listen in mono to identify potential balance and masking issues.