19 Pro Producer Secrets in 4 Mins 🤯 (I wish I knew when I started)

Balanced mixes are safe and often work, but unbalanced mixes can translate unbalanced feelings better, which is sometimes more effective.

• Translating what you have in your mind to your DAW is your biggest asset • Nailing this down will give you a field day in music production

Avoid relying too much on modulation. Use automation instead as it's the fastest and easiest method, especially in emergencies.

• Use loops, samples, presets, or AI tools without hesitation • Listeners don't care about your tools; focus on making your best song • All producers use some form of these resources

The more you control your effects, the more you can control the emotions in your track.

• Your monitoring system is the first place to start, not random gear • Spend at least half the amount of money on room treatment as you spend on speakers

Like a painter, no matter how expensive your color palette is, if you can't see properly, fix your eyesight first—meaning fix your room before upgrading gear.

• Don't be scared to get feedback from Discord channels or Facebook groups • You'll make new producer friends and end up making collaborations with them

If someone bothers you with unwelcome feedback, don't defend yourself—just tell them it was intentional and watch them shut up.

• Fill your favorite folders minimally with FX chains, plugins by type, unused melodies, and unused projects • Reorganize everything to save tons of time

• Back up everything by 2028 to prevent losing half your work like the creator did when their computer crashed • Use one or two Cloud options to spread the risk

• Making sound louder is much easier with saturation than using random vintage compressors • Saturation adds harmonics without messing up the dynamics of your sound too much

• When EQing a sound, you get tricked by the enormous difference if you're boosting too much • Always try to compensate or look for auto gain

• Start with good sounds and keep ones that work well together • You don't need to be a sound designer, but understanding what works with what will really help you

• Avoid the belly kiss white (resonant peaks) that everybody uses—it will make you hear ghosts • Use tight tips instead to avoid exciting your room modes

• Record your ideas the moment you get them—sing, hum, or describe them • Use reference tracks when you can't figure out arrangement, mixing, mastering, or sound design

It's okay to use reference tracks and learn from others, but don't copy their music—the music industry is dominated by hard workers, not just talented people.

• Talent gives you a head start, but hard work and dedication are the most common traits of successful producers • Hard work is what ensures success, not just natural ability

• Get into the habit of doing A/B testing whenever you make a change • Try the A and B at the same loudness whether you're testing samples, presets, or mixes

• You are the center of your music and the most valuable resource you will ever have • Take care of yourself—feed your body and mind