Challenging Mixing Stigmas With George Lever

It's no secret that every audio engineer has to navigate a maze of dos and don'ts. We often hear certain "rules" repeated so frequently they start to feel like law:

• Templates are cheating
• Never mix in solo
• Drum samples are bad

But in our latest video (embedded below), George challenges these rules, revealing how these "mistakes" or " mix-misconceptions" (sorry!) can actually help you elevate your mixes rather than hold you back.

In this post, we're going deeper into why these techniques are far from shortcuts or crutches. You'll learn how to organise your workflow with templates, how to effectively pinpoint mix issues by muting first, and why drum samples can enhance live performances.

Skip to the end of this article to get your free mix template.

1. Using Templates: The Secret to Consistency and Creativity

The Mix-Misconception

For years, engineers have argued that using a template is a shortcut for lazy mixers. The argument? "Real" engineers would build each mix with no help. Of course, they conveniently gloss over the fact that they typically have a mix assistant (or two!) frantically routing busses, patching outboard, and ensuring the gain staging is correct before the mixer even arrives.

You may feel like a fraud for relying on templates, but a template is just that—an assistant in your DAW.

Going Deeper: Why Templates Are Vital

• Faster Setup: Time is money, and building every session from scratch isn't exactly a savvy investment. A good template keeps you focused on the music, not the admin.
• Consistent Sound: Mixing metal, pop, or hip-hop? A solid template ensures your bus routing, go-to reverbs, and plugin chains stay consistent, giving your mixes a reliable signature sound.
• Learning Platform: Templates aren't there to box you in—they're there to boost you forward. Think of them as a head start, leaving you more time to experiment, tweak, and refine your sound.

Sonnox Pro-Tip

If you're working across genres, create multiple tailored templates. For example, set up one with complex routing, top-down processing, and multi-stage bus compression for rock or metal and another with simpler, more dynamic chains for acoustic or singer-songwriter projects. Load your favourite Sonnox plugins—like Claro and Oxford Inflator—into these templates so you're ready to hit the ground running.

2. "Never Mix in Solo"? Mute First, Solo Second

The Mix-Misconception

You've probably heard purists scoff: "Never solo a track—mix in context!" It's the kind of advice that sounds sensible but can leave you fumbling around in the dark, trying to figure out what's ruining your mix. Sure, context matters, but if you never shine a light on the contents of the mix, you're essentially mixing with your eyes closed. Spoiler alert: Hope isn't a mixing technique.

A Better Approach: Mute First, Solo Second

Start by muting groups of instruments to identify which element is causing the problem. Once you've narrowed it down, use solo sparingly to focus on the specific track and pinpoint the issue. The goal isn't to fix things in isolation but to make targeted adjustments that improve the overall mix. Done right, this method helps you quickly turn a cluttered mix into a polished one.

Breaking Down the Process

• Identify the Clash: Play your mix and listen for something that sticks out—aggression, muddiness and masking, or just an inexplicable feeling that something's not quite right.
• Mute the Suspects: One by one, mute elements (e.g., cymbals, guitars, or backing vocals) that you think are likely culprits. If muting it clears up the issue, you've found your troublemaker.
• Solo for Detail: Once you've identified the offending track, solo it momentarily to zero in on the exact frequency range or problem area. Soloing attunes your ear to what's happening in that frequency range, helping you understand the trade-offs.
• Reintegrate: Bring everything back and confirm that your changes work within the mix. Remember, the goal isn't to solo endlessly—it's to fix, refine, and move on.

Sonnox Pro-Tip

• ListenHub's "Solo-in-Front" Feature: Traditional soloing can feel like putting on noise-cancelling headphones to focus, but you lose all context. ListenHub's solo-in-front feature ensures focus without sacrificing the mix's cohesion.
• Sonnox Claro: Claro's Mix View and Tweak View make it easy to fix clashes and tame harsh resonances, helping you create a balanced mix.

3. Drum Samples: The Best of Both Worlds

The Mix-Misconception

If you've been in the studio long enough, you've probably heard the purists scoff: "Drum samples are cheating!" They claim samples rob recordings of their authenticity, as if every mix should be a raw, unpolished struggle. But let's be real—if you're spending hours chasing the "perfect hit" in a sea of mic bleed, are you really working smarter?

A Better Perspective

Drum samples aren't about replacing the human touch—they're about enhancing it. Whether it's bringing back sustain lost to gating or adding body to a snare, a well-blended sample can elevate the natural performance without overshadowing it. The key isn't to make the drums sound fake but to make them sound finished.

Going Deeper: Integrating Samples Seamlessly

• Gate Wisely: Before introducing samples, get your raw track as clean as possible. Oxford Drum Gate can isolate the snare without chopping off too much resonance, giving you a solid foundation to work with.
• Match Tones and Layer for Texture: Choose or record samples that complement the character of the original kit. A well-matched sample can act as a natural extension of the live performance, enhancing the sound without feeling artificial or out of place. You can also use samples to add depth, crack, sizzle, or other tonal qualities that bring out the best in the original kit. The key is to blend them subtly, preserving the drummer's dynamics and energy while reinforcing the overall impact of the drums.
• Preserve Human Feel: A small amount of velocity variation or randomisation can go a long way in maintaining authenticity. Many DAWs and drum samplers allow you to randomise sample triggers slightly, avoiding the dreaded "machine-gun" effect.

How These Three "Mix-Misconceptions" Work Together

While templates, soloing, and drum samples seem like standalone techniques, they complement each other to create a streamlined, efficient workflow. Here's why they make sense together:

• They help you focus on the bigger picture: Templates save time on setup, allowing you to start mixing with your creative vision front and center. Pair this with the clarity gained from muting and soloing; you're better equipped to make confident, context-aware decisions.
• They reduce decision fatigue: Mixing can feel overwhelming when you're juggling a hundred tiny adjustments. These techniques simplify the process—templates handle the setup, muting and soloing help isolate issues, and drum samples let you refine your sound without obsessing over imperfections in live recordings.
• They prioritise creativity over rules: Each technique helps you bypass rigid, time-consuming processes, freeing you to focus on the artistry of mixing. Instead of adhering to old-school dogma, you're working smarter to produce polished, professional results.

How Sonnox Tools Fit In

Sonnox plugins don't just make these techniques easier—they make them more effective, ensuring every adjustment feels intentional and professional:

• Claro: Makes pinpointing frequency clashes effortless. Its Mix View shows masking issues between tracks at a glance, while Tweak View helps you tackle harsh resonances with precision.
• ListenHub: Takes soloing to the next level with its Solo-in-Front feature, letting you focus on specific frequency bands while keeping the rest of the mix in context.
• Oxford Drum Gate: Turns cleaning up raw drum tracks into a breeze, isolating key elements like the snare or kick for seamless layering.
• Oxford Inflator: Adds depth, presence, and impact—perfect for enhancing both live and sampled drums without squashing dynamics.