In short
A mix usually sounds muddy because of too much energy between 200 and 500 Hz and tracks that all carry low end without needing it. It sounds dull when presence and highs are missing. Low cuts, targeted EQ cuts and a reference track sort out both.
Too much 200–500 Hz
Almost every instrument and the vocal overlap in this range. Cut it by a few dB on the beat, guitars and pads, and the vocal gets room. Best with a wide EQ band that you slowly sweep through the range until it clears up.
Every track has low end
Hi-hats, vocals, guitars and synths don’t need sub bass. A low cut cleans up the basement so kick and 808 have space. On vocals start around 80–100 Hz and listen for when the voice gets thin.
Kick and 808 fight each other
- Decide who gets the sub: usually the 808, the kick provides the punch above it.
- Sidechain: the 808 ducks briefly when the kick hits.
- 808 in key: an out-of-tune 808 gets muddy. You can find the key in the Key-Scout.
Too much reverb
Reverb and delay with full low end wash out any mix. Put a low cut on the reverb, around 300–500 Hz, and a high cut against hiss. Better a short, bright room than a long tail.
Presence and air are missing
Dull often means something is missing around 2–5 kHz and above 10 kHz. A gentle boost on the vocal usually helps more than on the whole mix. Don’t overdo it, or it gets harsh.
Your room or headphones are fooling you
- Reference track: compare with a song from your genre at the same loudness. You can do that for free in the Mix-Scout.
- Several devices: phone, car, headphones, laptop.
- Mono check: whatever disappears in mono was too wide.
When to get help
If you’re stuck after a few attempts, listen again the next day or get a second opinion. With a mix review you get concrete to-dos for your song for €24.99.