#197: Why I Don’t Touch Plugins Before Doing This - The Art of Static Mixing (feat. Nate Kelmes)

Music Production and Mixing Tips for Beginner Producers and Artists | Inside The Mix

Why do some mixes, even with top plugins and techniques, still sound off? The answer might lie in a step you’re overlooking: the static mix.

In this episode of Inside The Mix, Marc Matthews talks with mix engineer Nate Kelmes to explore: What is a static mix in audio mixing? And why is a static mix important before adding effects? Nate explains how balancing levels and panning, before any processing, can account for 70–80% of a great mix. “If the plugins disappear, the song should still work,” he says.

You’ll learn how long to spend on a static mix (hint: 2–3 hours is a sweet spot), what the benefits of starting with a static mix are, and how a static mix improves overall mix quality by building emotion and clarity from the start. Nate also shares how a strong static mix can reduce the need for heavy processing later, making your workflow faster and more intentional.

From native DAW tools to vocal automation and top-down mixing, this episode is packed with actionable insights for producers at any level. If you want more cohesive, impactful mixes, this is where it starts.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Follow Nate Kelmes

Listen to the Sound Discussion Podcast

Listen to Microphones and Recording Audio with Mike Senior

Listen to Music, the Industry and Everything Else with Warren Huart

Send me a message

Support the show

Ways to connect with Marc:

Listener Feedback Survey - tell me what YOU want in 2026

Radio-ready mixes start here - get the FREE weekly tips

Book your FREE Music Breakthrough Strategy Call

Follow Marc's Socials:

Instagram | YouTube | Synth Music Mastering

Thanks for listening!!

Try Riverside for FREE

فصل ها

1. #197: Why I Don’t Touch Plugins Before Doing This - The Art of Static Mixing (feat. Nate Kelmes) (00:00:00)

2. What is a Static Mix in Audio Mixing? (00:00:46)

3. Why a Static Mix Is Important Before Adding Effects (00:08:40)

4. How to Transition from Static Mix to Full Mix (00:19:58)

5. Top-Down Mixing Approach: How It Improves Workflow (00:29:28)

6. Analog Gear vs Plugins: What Mix Engineers Prefer (00:38:28)

7. Sound Discussion Podcast: Insights from Industry Pros (00:43:58)