How to Mix and Master

Beginner-friendly guide to mixing and mastering with free DAWs and plugins. Follow a 9-step workflow, hit -9 LUFS / -1 dBTP export targets, and avoid common...

How to Mix and Master: Step-by-Step for Beginners (No Gear Needed)

~7 min read • Guide
Beginner guide to mixing and mastering: free tools, 9-step workflow, export targets

Free DAW, free plugs, 9-step workflow, export settings. When ready, upload for pro.

Table of Contents

1. Download the Free Toolchain (Win / Mac)

  • DAW: Cakewalk by BandLab (Win) or GarageBand (Mac)
  • Meter: YouLean Loudness Meter 2 (free)
  • Plugs: TDR Nova (EQ), TDR Kotelnikov (comp), OrilRiver (reverb)
  • Samples: Cymatics “Essential” pack (royalty-free)

Total cost: $0

2. Setting Up Your First Project (Sample Rate, BPM, Folders)

  • Sample rate: 48 kHz (streaming default)
  • Bit depth: 24-bit (gives headroom)
  • BPM: 90 (easy to loop)
  • Create folders: Drums, Vox, Music, Bounces (stay organised)

3. Step-by-Step Mix Workflow (9 Steps, No Shortcuts)

StepToolSettingGoal
1. Gain-stageFaderPeak -12 dBFSHeadroom for plugs
2. High-passTDR Nova80 Hz HPF on voxRemove rumble
3. Cut mudTDR Nova-3 dB @ 220 HzClear low-mid
4. Add airTDR Nova+2 dB @ 10 kHz shelfBrightness
5. CompressKotelnikov3:1, 10 ms att, 100 ms rel, 3 dB GRControl dynamics
6. De-essNova band-4 dB @ 7.2 kHz, 3:1Tame sibilance
7. SpaceOrilRiverPlate, 1.2 s, 15 % wet, HPF 200 HzDepth without mud
8. Bus glueKotelnikov2:1, 30 ms att, 200 ms rel, 1 dB GRGlue
9. LoudnessYouLean-9 LUFS int, -1 dBTP peakStreaming target

Hear the free-template result here.

4. Export Settings for Streaming (-9 LUFS, -1 dBTP, 48 kHz)

  • Format: 24-bit WAV, 48 kHz
  • Integrated LUFS: -9 (YouLean meter)
  • True-Peak max: -1 dBTP (YouLean True-Peak button)
  • No dither (24-bit → 24-bit)
  • Name file: Artist_Title_Master.wav

5. Free Plug-In Chain Cheat-Sheet (EQ → Comp → Reverb)

SlotPlug-InPreset Starting Point
EQ 1TDR NovaHPF 80 Hz, -3 dB @ 220 Hz, +2 dB @ 10 kHz shelf
Comp 1TDR KotelnikovPeak, 3:1, 10 ms att, 100 ms rel, 3 dB GR
De-essNova band4 kHz–9 kHz, -4 dB, 3:1, split-band
ReverbOrilRiverPlate, 1.2 s, 15 % wet, HPF 200 Hz
Bus compKotelnikovRMS, 2:1, 30 ms att, 200 ms rel, 1 dB GR

6. Common Beginner Mistakes (and 30-Second Fixes)

MistakeQuick Fix
Export at 44.1 kHzSet project to 48 kHz first
Compressor auto-gain onTurn off, use make-up manually
Reverb 100 % wetDial to 15 %, HPF send @ 200 Hz
No peak meterAdd YouLean on master bus
Forgot instrumental bounceMute vox, export again

7. When Your Demo Outgrows the Bedroom – Upgrade Path

  • DR < 8 dB → send to human mixer (we keep 8–10 dB)
  • Phase issues (mono collapse) → pro phase alignment
  • Need Dolby Atmos or > 8 stem mix → upload for hybrid analog chain
  • Playlist skip-rate > 25 % → manual Melodyne + analog glue

Upload your dry stems here and we’ll return radio-ready files.

8. FAQ: Latency, CPU, Headphones, Upgrades

Q1. Latency crackling?
Raise buffer to 256 samples, freeze tracks, close Chrome.

Q2. CPU dying?
Bounce reverb to audio, disable plug-ins while tracking.

Q3. Which headphones?
Closed-back (Audio-Technica M50x) < $150; flat enough for first mixes.

Q4. When to buy monitors?
After you can mix closed-back headphones to -9 LUFS; then upgrade.

Q5. Can I open your session?
Yes—send Cakewalk .cwp or GarageBand .band; we deliver Logic/Pro Tools back.

9. Ready for Radio? Upload Stems for Pro Mix & Master

  1. Bounce dry stems, no plugs on stereo bus, -12 dBFS peaks
  2. Label “Lead Vox”, “Drums Bus”, “808”, etc.
  3. Upload here → Mixing + Mastering
  4. Approve 30-second pro mix in 24 h
  5. Download radio-ready WAV → -9 LUFS, Apple Digital Masters
Upload & Finish Like the Pros

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