Mixing Starts at Production: How to Build a Mix-Ready Track

Mixing problems are usually production problems. In this masterclass from Liveschool’s INPUT event, Alex Braithwaite (SUB-human Engineering) breaks down how to make production decisions that solve your mix before it starts. Rather than relying on endless plugins and fixes, Alex shows how sound selection, arrangement, and gain structure shape a mix-ready track from the ground up — using Ableton Live as the workflow. If your mixes feel crowded, harsh, or flat… this is where to start. 👉 Read the full guide: https://liveschool.net/blog/mixing-st... ⸻ ⏱ CHAPTERS 00:00 The mindset: 2 rules for better mixes 01:40 Sound selection = your first mix decision 02:00 The 3D soundstage (frequency, space & time) 06:06 Mixing starts at the oscillator 07:08 Designing a solid low-end (sine + saturation) 09:27 Compression vs limiting vs clipping (when & why) 10:58 EQ early: shaping tone during production 11:40 “Cook in a hot pan” — gain staging philosophy 11:48 Peak vs RMS: what actually matters 11:50 LUFS (and why chasing loudness can backfire) 12:36 Mixing into a master chain 15:54 Loudness targets for dance music ⸻ 🎓 STUDY MIXING & PRODUCTION AT LIVESCHOOL Mixing & Mastering → https://liveschool.net/courses/mixing... Advanced Production (Method Lab) → https://liveschool.net/courses/method... Upcoming Events → https://liveschool.net/events/ ⸻ 👤 ABOUT ALEX BRAITHWAITE Alex Braithwaite is a mix and mastering engineer and Liveschool mentor, known for work with artists including What So Not, RL Grime, Vera Blue, DMA’s and more — alongside his own productions as SUB-human. SUB-human Engineering → https://www.subhuman.au Trainer Profile → https://liveschool.net/trainers/alex-... ⸻ 🎧 ABOUT LIVESCHOOL Liveschool is an Ableton Certified Training Centre based in Sydney, offering structured training in music production — with a focus on real-world outcomes, mentorship, and community. https://liveschool.net ⸻ #MusicProduction #AbletonLive #Mixing #SoundDesign #ElectronicMusic #ProducerTips