2. Mix Clarity

Mix clarity is achieved by making separate audio dissimilar

In the main, the most significant aspect to clarity is the degree of overlap of frequencies between disparate audio / instruments. The less overlap, the greater the clarity.

Instruments sitting in different frequency zones (exaggerated illustration)


In Practical Terms

Sit instruments in their own frequency zones and/or duck levels (sidechaining) for overlapping frequencies to increase separation.

55hz bass and 55hz kick drum overlapping will sound unclear when playing simultaneously


55hz bass and 75hz kick drum has less overlap, will sound clearer


55hz bass ducking during 55hz kick drum (exaggerated illustration)


Reducing overlap increases separation / clarity / "punch". Particularly important towards the bass end of the mix. Less required towards the higher end of the mix.

Aspects of audio that can be altered to create dissimilarity, and thus increase clarity: