Mixing at a lower level isn’t just about protecting your ears. It’s about making better mix decisions and ensuring your track translates well across different playback systems.
Here’s why:
More Accurate Listening – When you mix loud, your perception of bass and treble is skewed due to the Fletcher-Munson curve. This means your track might sound sick in the studio but weak on other systems. At lower volumes, you get a truer representation of your mix.
Better Balance – If all your track elements are clear at a low volume, they will also be balanced when played loud. This is key for ensuring your groove, bassline, and percussion sit right in the mix.
Less Ear Fatigue – Ever made a mix at full blast for hours, only to realize the next day it sounds off? That’s ear fatigue tricking you into making bad EQ and compression choices. Low-volume mixing keeps your ears fresh and judgment sharp.
Improved Dynamic Control – A well-mixed tech house track has tight low end and dynamic groove. When you mix at low volume, over-compressed sounds become obvious, helping you keep things punchy rather than flat.
The Ideal Reference Levels for Mixing
To get consistent and professional results, aim for these listening levels:
Speakers: 60-70 dB SPL (about the same level as a normal conversation)
Headphones: 65-70 dB SPL (comfortable but not blasting)
How to Set the Right Level
It’s easy to find your sweet spot with the right tools:
For Speakers – Use an SPL meter (or a smartphone app) at your listening position. Play pink noise at -20 dBFS RMS and adjust your volume until you hit 60-70 dB SPL.
For Headphones – Match your headphone loudness to your speaker playback, aiming for around 70 dB SPL.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have an SPL meter, a simple trick is to keep the volume at a level where you can still have a normal conversation without shouting.
When Should You Turn It Up?
While mixing at low volume is key for accuracy, there are times when cranking it up can be useful:
Final Mix Checks – Briefly turn it up to 85 dB SPL to feel the energy and ensure your bass hits right.
Club/DJ Mixes – Since House muc is made for loud environments, a quick high-volume test helps ensure your kick and bass translate well.
Try Low-Volume Mixing Today!
Next time you’re working on a track, challenge yourself to mix at lower volumes. You’ll notice tighter low end, better balance, and mixes that sound great everywhere—from AirPods to festival speakers.
Want to take it a step further? Grab an SPL meter on Amazon to dial in your levels with precision.
Mix smart, stay fresh, and make bangers that translate.
Hope this helps next time you’re tempted to crank those monitors. Let me know how it works for you.
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