Top 5 Myths About Mixing and Mastering That Are Holding Your Music Back

Mixing and mastering: two words that can either make or break your track. Sure, you can have killer melodies and a bassline to rattle bones, but if your mix is a mess, it’s like putting icing on a cardboard cake. There’s a lot of misinformation floating around, even amongst seasoned producers.

If you're holding onto outdated beliefs, your music is likely suffering for it. It’s time to re-evaluate, adjust, and bring your sound to the next level.

Myth 1: “Mixing Will Fix Everything”

Here’s a harsh truth: if you’re working with bad recordings, no amount of mixing wizardry will save you. You can't polish a turd, as they say. Good mixing starts with a solid foundation. If your kick sounds like someone smacking a wet towel against the wall, no amount of EQ, compression, or fancy reverb will make it hit harder.

The secret sauce is in quality recordings, proper mic placement, and a well-thought-out arrangement. Simply put, bad input equals bad output. Get your recording right, then mix to enhance, not to repair.

Myth 2: “Louder Is Always Better”

Ah, the Loudness War—a battle many producers feel the need to fight but often lose. You might think pumping up your track’s volume makes it more impressive, but in reality, squashing every ounce of dynamic range can kill its emotional depth.

Listeners aren’t impressed by wall-to-wall sound; they crave moments that breathe, that build and break. When you over-compress for the sake of loudness, you're robbing your track of nuance. Dynamic range is where the magic happens. A punchy track isn’t just loud—it’s full of life.

Myth 3: “EQ Everything or It Won’t Sound Good”

Let’s set the record straight: not every single sound in your mix needs a heavy dose of EQ. Some instruments sound perfectly fine as they are. Constantly fiddling with frequencies can actually strip away the natural beauty of your sound, leaving you with something that feels lifeless and over-processed.

Think of EQ as a tool to shape, not dominate. A little boost or cut can go a long way. Over-EQing often leads to a brittle mix that’s more robotic than human. Sometimes, the best move is to trust your ears and let things breathe.

Myth 4: “You Can Fix a Bad Mix in Mastering”

If you think mastering is some kind of magic spell that can transform a dumpster fire into a masterpiece, think again.

Mastering is about polish, not rescue. It’s the final stage that balances and enhances a well-mixed track, but it’s not going to fix clashing frequencies, muddy bass, or a dull snare. Mixing and mastering are two different beasts, each with their own specific roles.

A bad mix will always be a bad mix, no matter how much mastering fairy dust you sprinkle on it. Master your mix—don’t mix your master.

Myth 5: “Professional Gear Equals Professional Sound”

If only you had that one expensive preamp, your music would sound like a million bucks, right? Wrong. Buying the best gear doesn’t guarantee the best sound. While high-end equipment can enhance what you’re doing, it’s your skill, creativity, and experience that makes the difference.

Many legendary albums were mixed on far from fancy setups. It’s not about what you use but how you use it. Stop worshipping the gear gods and start honing your craft. A $10,000 compressor can’t fix a bad mixing technique.

Overcoming These Myths to Improve Your Music

So, what have we learned today? These myths are holding your music back, and it’s time to break free. Mixing and mastering aren’t about flashy gear or crushing loudness; they’re about making intentional, artistic choices that serve the song.

Don’t let old-school thinking sabotage your creative potential. Focus on refining your process, understanding your tools, and knowing when less is more.

Need Help with Your Mix?

Ready to take your tracks to the next level?

I offer professional mixing and mastering services designed to bring out the best in your music—balanced, dynamic, and impactful.

Let’s make your sound unskippable. Reach out here!