What do you do when your mids don't sound right in the mix?

When the mids of your mix don't sound right, it can be frustrating and make it difficult to create a balanced and cohesive mix. The mids are an important part of the mix, as they contain the majority of the instruments and vocals and play a key role in creating the overall tone and character of the mix.

To address issues with the mids in your mix, the first step is to identify what specifically is causing the problem. Is the mix sounding too harsh or too dull in the mid range? Is there a particular instrument or vocal that is standing out too much or not enough? Once you have a better idea of what the issue is, you can start experimenting with different techniques to address it.

One common technique for addressing issues with the mids is to use an equalizer to boost or cut the frequencies in the mid range. For example, if the mix is sounding too harsh in the mid range, you can use a low-mid EQ to cut some of the harsh frequencies and make the mix sound smoother. On the other hand, if the mix is sounding too dull, you can use a high-mid EQ to boost the frequencies and add more presence and clarity to the mix.

Another technique that can be useful for addressing issues with the mids is to use a compressor. A compressor can help even out the dynamics of the mid range and make the mix sound more cohesive. For example, if there is a particular instrument or vocal that is standing out too much in the mid range, you can use a compressor to reduce the dynamic range and make it sit better in the mix.

In addition to using EQ and compression, there are other techniques you can try to address issues with the mids in your mix. For example, if the mix is sounding muddy in the lower mid range, you can use a high pass filter to roll off the low frequencies and help the mids stand out more. You can also use a de-esser to reduce any excessive sibilance in the upper mid range.

Ultimately, the key is to experiment and use your ears to guide you. Don't be afraid to try different techniques and see what works best for your mix. It can also be helpful to reference other mixes and see how the mids are handled in those mixes. With a bit of experimentation and practice, you should be able to find a solution that helps your mix sound more balanced and cohesive in the mid range.