Updated:
There are many elements within your mixing software that you can use to customize your sound, but it is always important to keep focused on the best and clearest mix possible to ensure that you do not swamp your sound in meaningless noise and dilute the overall effect for listeners. I could go on and say the base rules of how to make the best mix, but in the end, it is up to you to find your forte in what mix fits your own style best. So I am going to say this loud and clear: there are no hard and fast rules of how to mix perfectly, it is up to you as a musician to break free from the bonds of rules and be creative, experiment endlessly and you will find many different types of mixes that will suit different songs. Who knows; you may even make it big with it.
One of the factors that musicians stray away from is the amount of time that mixing consumes. It is unwise to initially assume that the mixing process will take just 3 hours per song, when in reality it may take more than 6 hours. You will only create more stress about the process of perfecting your sound and become more negligent with your music. It is important that you do not let expectations take over when you are mixing, just go “with the flow” so to speak and let events unfold. The results will be much better when you take pride in your music than thinking that it is a chore.
Mixing software also helps you dissect your creation and take another perspective of it, where you can spot places for loops and other aspects that follow the same theme. Efficiency and quality is bound to be increased as you mix more songs, and new ideas are generated which may benefit the overall feel of each song when implemented. Remember: “originality is the key; entertainment value is the lock; one must put the two together with a twist in order to open the door”
