"This Mix Needs..." - The Dangerous Mindset Trap That's Holding You Back
"This mix NEEDS more…"
We've all said it. We've all thought it. "This mix needs more compression." "This vocal needs more delay." "These drums need more punch."
But here's the truth that took me years of coaching mix engineers to fully understand: the moment you start thinking in terms of what a mix "needs," you've already fallen into a subtle but dangerous trap.
Let me explain why.
When you declare that a mix "needs" something, you're unconsciously positioning your subjective artistic choice as an objective requirement. You're transforming your creative instinct into what feels like a technical mandate. And that's where things start to go wrong.
Think about it: Does a mix really "need" more bottom end, or is that just your artistic preference based on your taste, experience, and the vision you have for the song? Does a vocal really "need" more delay, or is that just one of countless valid creative choices you could make?
This mindset trap manifests in several ways:
It creates artificial constraints on your creativity. When you convince yourself something is "needed," you stop exploring other possibilities that might lead to even better results.
It makes revision requests feel more personal and frustrating. If you believe your mix objectively "needed" something, and the client asks for the opposite, it feels like they're wrong rather than just having a different preference.
It can damage client relationships. When you present your creative choices as technical requirements, it can come across as inflexible or even arrogant.
It limits your growth as a mix engineer. Believing certain things are "needed" can prevent you from experimenting with different approaches that might expand your capabilities.
So what's the alternative?
Start replacing "needs" with language that acknowledges the subjective nature of mixing decisions:
Instead of "This mix needs more bottom end," try "I think adding more bottom end could enhance the impact."
Rather than "The vocal needs more delay," consider "I'm hearing an opportunity to experiment with delay here."
Instead of "These drums need more punch," try "I'm feeling like more punch in the drums could serve the song well."
This shift in language might seem subtle, but it's transformative. It keeps you in a creative mindset rather than a prescriptive one. It maintains flexibility in your approach. Most importantly, it acknowledges that mixing is an art form where there are no absolute "needs" – only choices that serve the song in different ways.
Remember: Every mix decision you make is a creative choice, not a technical requirement. The moment you start thinking in terms of what a mix "needs," pause and ask yourself: Is this really a requirement, or is it just one of many possible paths forward?
Your mixing decisions should come from a place of artistic vision and intention, not from a misplaced sense of technical necessity. Keep your mind open to possibilities rather than closed by perceived "needs."
The next time you catch yourself thinking "this mix needs..." stop and reframe. Your mix decisions aren't about fulfilling needs – they're about making intentional creative choices that serve your vision for the song.
That's the kind of mindset that leads to growth, both in your craft and in your business relationships.
