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

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 KelmesListen to the Sound Discussion PodcastListen to Microphones and Recording Audio with Mike SeniorListen to Music, the Industry and Everything Else with Warren HuartSend me a message Support the showWays to connect with Marc:If you'd like a second set of ears on your mix or workflow, you can book a no-pressure chat hereRadio-ready mixes start here - get the FREE weekly tipsFollow Marc's Socials:Instagram | YouTube Thanks for listening!!Try Riverside for FREE