10 steps to check your mix before you send it to mastering. Free PDF download + AI-powered mix analysis.
Is your low end controlled? Are low-mids (200-400Hz) muddy? Are highs harsh (3-5kHz)? Run a spectral analysis to see your frequency distribution.
Spotify targets -14 LUFS. Apple Music -16. If you're way off, the platform will adjust your volume. Check with a LUFS meter or our free LUFS checker.
Keep true peak below -1 dBTP (Spotify) or -0.5 dBTP (most platforms). Intersample peaks can cause distortion even if your sample peaks look fine.
Crest factor should be 6-12 dB for most genres. If it's under 4 dB, your mix is over-compressed. If it's over 15 dB, it may sound inconsistent.
Sum your mix to mono. If elements disappear or the bass gets thinner, you have phase issues. Check stereo correlation.
Studio monitors, headphones, earbuds, car, phone speaker. Your mix should translate across all of them. Issues that show up on phone speakers = midrange problems.
A/B your mix against a professionally mixed track in the same genre. Match the general balance, not the exact EQ curve.
Are your kick and bass fighting? Are vocals masked by guitars? Identify frequency overlaps where instruments compete for the same space.
Low frequencies (below 120Hz) should be mono. Highs can be wide. Check that your stereo field makes sense — don't widen everything.
Ears fatigue after 2+ hours. Step away for 15 minutes, then come back and listen fresh. You'll catch things you missed.
Download the checklist as a printable PDF. We'll also send you mix tips occasionally. No spam.
MixDiagnose runs all 10 checks in 30 seconds. Free, no signup.
Analyze Your Mix Free →