by Dana Nielsen​

Hey Reader!

Ever wondered how I use reference tracks or manage my mix bus before mastering? 🤔 This week at Mix Protégé, we’ve been unpacking these questions with practical insights and real-world examples. Catch up on these vibrant discussions, member achievements, and the exciting new releases I’ve mixed for The Avett Brothers and Nir Felder. Let’s gooooo!
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This burning question in our Mixing Forum got me all fired up! 🔥 Check out my video response and dive into this ongoing discussion if you want to know:
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• The importance of reference tracks when it comes to mixing
• How I utilize references and what I listen for
• When to reference: during or after I’ve completed a mix, or both?
• My favorite hardware and plug-in tools for referencing
• How I choose the right reference songs/mixes

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⚡️ Don’t miss these other great highlights:

• Is it ok to leave any processing on your mix bus/master channel when sending files to a mastering engineer, or is that a no-no?
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• ​Near field, mid field, and mains monitoring: Is it necessary to have all three types? And what about subs?
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• Lots of outstanding new Member Spotlight submissions by Paul, Jesse, Christopher, Patrick, and Jeremy awaiting your ears and your feedback! (free member login required)

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🎧 And finally …

New releases by The Avett Brothers (recorded/mixed) and Nir Felder (mixed)

I’m thrilled to share four new releases I worked on: Love of a Girl and Country Kid by The Avett Brothers (recorded and mixed by me) plus Revival and Cold Heaven by Nir Felder (mixed by me)! Both of these artists are near and dear to my heart and an absolute JOY to work with.

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All four songs were mixed at my home studio in Los Angeles, CA (as pictured on the Mix Protégé home page). I recorded The Avett Brothers songs at Shangri La Studios in Malibu, CA and at Blackbird Studios in Nashville, TN.

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All four fantastic songs are currently featured near the top of my Mixing Discography playlist on Spotify. Give ’em a listen and let me know what you think!

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Thanks for reading, and until next time …