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Hi! This is Shana Bethune on behalf of Expert Village and I am going to talk to you about
making rough mixes. When you have all of your track finished, do a rough mix, set your volumes
that everything sounds even and record the mix and take a break. Once your ears have
cleared and you had a break, make a CD of your mix and play it on your car stereo. Your
car stereo is a very good place to test the mix because you know the sounds that your
car stereo makes very well. If you don't have a car stereo, pick a stereo that you are very
used to hearing. Just remember a rough mix is just that, a rough mix. While you are listening,
take notes and think about what you would like to change. As you make each mix, focus
on the specific things you noted. Repeat the process of mixing down and listening with
a clear mind as many times as you have to. If you can, avoid letting other people hear
the mix until it is finished. Sometimes people will have a hard time remembering that the
mix isn't final. Their input can distract you from the process. The important thing
to remember about rough mixes is they are meant to be corrected and each rough mix takes
you closer to the final mix.