1. Don’t use plugins on your master channel

Using plugins such as compressors, EQs, or limiters on your master channel will affect your whole mix, its frequency balance, and its dynamics. This will distort the perception that you have of your track, tricking you into pushing some instruments that actually are already sounding ok.

Leave your master channel free from processing to have a better understanding of what you are actually doing.

2. Cut what you don’t need

Every sound that you use has its own frequency spectrum.

Some of them are defined by the high-frequency content, while others are by the bass frequencies.

In order to give them the proper space in the mix, try to cut out frequencies that are not present in the instruments.

High hats, snare, rides, and cymbals do not need to have low-frequency content. You can put a high pass filter at around 250 Hz to cut them out in order to leave those frequencies free for other instruments (bass, kick drum, lead synth).

3. Mono vs stereo

It is very important to have both mono and stereo tracks in your production.

Some instruments do not have to be mixed in stereo.

Kick drum, bass, high hat, cymbal, ride, and toms, have to be set as mono tracks, not stereo.

This practice will help breathe your mix, allowing you to have a better perspective of the stereo image and assigning each instrument its place in the stereo field.