How To Mix (part1): GAIN STAGING

In this mixing tutorial, I'm going to show you how to set up and use gain staging properly. Gain staging is the first step when mixing a song. This video shows gain staging in fl studio, but the same gain staging technique can be used in any daw, such as Ableton, Cubase, Studio one, and so on. Gain staging is a very important part of the mixing process, yet many producers forget about this crucial step. In this video, you will learn what gain staging is and why you should use it, as well as how to set it up in FL Studio. I recommend using gain staging when mixing because it will help avoid clipping, and ensure that your mix sounds crisp and clear. The last thing you want is a mix that is distorting and clipping. When gain staging the mix, It can also be easier to get the levels right, and more balanced, because you're starting off from the same starting point every time with every single element in your mix.
If you want to learn all about mixing and mastering music, then I recommend starting out with gain staging and then moving on to EQ, Sidechaining and so on.

This video is part of my "how to mix" series, where I will be making videos that cover the most important aspects of mixing. By watching these videos, you should be able to properly mix your track.

Note: You can gain stage your samples too if you want, but it's not required as samples are pre-recorded and there's no chance of clipping at the source unless they were recorded that way. That's why I prefer to just leave them at 80% volume in the channel rack. There's no need to spend time turning it up to 100% because you would then just have to pull it down even more in the mixer later.

You should be good if you gain stage your synths, and then pull down the volume of your samples in the mixer to match. :) Your final mix should read around -6 to -3 on the master.

Note: In this video, I'm using patterns with high-velocity notes. When gain staging, you should press a key on your keyboard hard, to make sure you have the highest velocity possible or make a pattern with the velocity at maximum. Gain staging at soft velocities will make it possible to clip when the velocity eventually goes up.

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