How to build a static mix: set fader levels before any effects

By Tongkit Leong · November 12, 2026 · 7 min read

A static mix is a rough balance made with only faders and pan: set the level of every track against the others before you touch EQ, compression or reverb. In the Tracks browser studio every track has a fader, pan, mute and solo, so you can build the whole balance for free, with nothing to install.

Why levels come first

Most muddy or harsh mixes are really level problems. If the guitar is twice as loud as it should be, no EQ will make the vocal clear. Getting the balance right first means every effect you add afterwards solves a real problem instead of hiding a loud track.

It also saves time. A track that sits well at the right level often needs no processing at all.

What you need

• A song with its tracks recorded or programmed, even if the arrangement is not final.
• The mixer open in the studio: each strip has a vertical fader beside its meter, a pan control, and M and S buttons for mute and solo.
• A section of the song that has everything playing, usually the chorus, set to loop.

How to build a static mix in Tracks

Step 1: Reset and leave headroom

Start with every fader at the same modest level and the master fader untouched. Play the loudest section and watch the master meter. If it reaches the top, lower the individual faders rather than the master. For more on this, see gain staging and avoiding clipping.

Step 2: Start with the drums and bass

Solo the kick and bass together and set their balance first. They carry the low end and the pulse, so everything else is judged against them. If you are unsure how the two should fit, read how to make a bassline lock with the kick.

Step 3: Add the rest of the drums

Unsolo and bring in the snare, hi-hats and percussion one at a time. The snare is usually the loudest drum after the kick. Hi-hats sit lower than you expect, because high frequencies cut through easily.

Step 4: Bring in the lead

Add the lead vocal or main melody next and set it clearly above the backing. A common starting point is the lead just louder than the drums, so you can hear every word without it sounding detached from the track.

Step 5: Add chords, pads and extras

Raise the supporting parts one at a time until you can just notice them, then stop. They should fill space, not compete with the lead.

Step 6: Use pan to make room

Keep kick, bass, snare and lead vocal near the centre. Spread chords, guitars and percussion to either side. Two parts that clash in the centre often stop clashing once one moves left and the other right. See panning and stereo width for more.

Step 7: Check at low volume

Turn your speakers or headphones down until the music is quiet. Anything you can no longer hear is too low, and anything that still jumps out is too loud. Quiet listening shows balance problems that loud listening hides.

When to stop moving faders

When a track sounds right alone but disappears in the mix, or a level that works in one section fails in another, you have reached the limit of faders. Now it is time for the next tool:

• Two parts fight in the same range: use EQ.
• A part is uneven from note to note: use the compressor.
• A part needs to be louder in the chorus only: use automation.

Common mistakes

• Raising everything. If you keep turning tracks up, you end up clipping. Turn the others down instead.
• Soloing too much. A track only has to work in the mix, so check it with everything playing.
• Mixing the verse only. Balance the busiest section first, then check the sparse ones.
• Judging while loud. Louder always sounds better at first, so compare at the same volume.

Frequently asked questions

What is a static mix?

A rough mix where the balance is set with faders and pan only, with no changes over time and few or no effects.

Should I mix with EQ first or faders first?

Faders first. Most problems are balance problems, and setting levels first shows you which tracks actually need EQ.

Where should the vocal sit?

Usually just above the drums and clearly above the backing parts, so every word is easy to follow. Adjust to taste and to the genre.

Is the mixer free in Tracks?

Yes. Tracks is free and runs in your browser, with a fader, pan, mute and solo on every track.

Does my music get uploaded?

No. Your projects stay on your device.