How to Mix a Trance Track?

How to Mix a Trance Track?

Stem Mixing Tutorial: Improving a Client's Track

Introduction to the Project

  • The speaker introduces a tutorial focused on stem mixing for a client's track, emphasizing the intention to show improvements rather than complete mastering.
  • The client’s track is presented as an example, with the goal of demonstrating potential enhancements in the mixing process.

Initial Observations and Adjustments

  • The speaker notes that the track is not mixed yet and highlights how someone with more experience might perceive it differently.
  • A clipping issue is identified; adjustments are made by lowering all tracks by 3 decibels to prevent distortion while retaining quality.

Key Elements of Mixing

  • The sub-bass was replaced due to poor audio quality from transposing audio, which can lead to key issues.
  • The kick drum is assessed as weak and too long, leading to unwanted frequency bleed into the bass; shortening it improves clarity.

Enhancing Low-End Frequencies

  • Reference is made to techniques learned from renowned engineer Dave Parkerson, suggesting that while certain methods aren't necessary, they can be beneficial.
  • Emphasis on ensuring that when muting the sub-bass, the kick should still sound powerful; if not, adjustments are needed.

Finalizing Mix Elements

  • Other elements like pads and leads are found too loud; side chaining is suggested for better balance in dynamics.
  • A summary of changes includes boosting mids and adjusting various instruments for improved overall sound quality.

Conclusion on Improvements Made

  • Significant differences between original and modified tracks are noted, particularly in kick and bass power.
  • While acknowledging further improvements could be made (like MIDI leads), most elements have been enhanced effectively through careful mixing strategies.

How to Enhance Your Music Production Skills

Importance of Sub Elements in Music Production

  • The speaker discusses the significance of sub-bass elements in music tracks, noting that removing them can diminish the overall power and impact of the track.
  • They suggest that while a track can still sound professional without certain elements, it may lose its essential qualities when key components are altered or removed.

Learning Opportunities in Music Production

  • The speaker offers one-off sessions and a development course aimed at teaching individuals how to produce music at a professional level.
  • They encourage interested learners to reach out via email for assistance or inquiries, emphasizing their commitment to helping others succeed in music production.
  • The speaker expresses gratitude for past support they received and highlights their pride in giving back by assisting those who may not be able to afford lessons.
Video description

Watch a real stem mix transformation in real-time. Learn the exact mixing decisions that take a client track from powerless and muddy to club-ready and professional, focusing on the critical kick/bass relationship that makes or breaks trance productions. 🎚️ How to Mix a Trance Track | Real Client Stem Mix Walkthrough This is a real stem mix session with one of my development course clients. The track has solid ideas and decent elements, but it's missing power and clarity—a problem I see constantly when producers send me their work. In this tutorial, I'll show you the exact mixing process I use to transform tracks: from identifying the core issues (weak kick/bass relationship, poor sub choice, volume imbalance) to making strategic decisions that bring professional power and separation to the mix. Perfect for producers who: ✓ Have finished tracks that sound weak or lack punch compared to reference tracks ✓ Struggle with kick and bass competing instead of working together ✓ Don't understand why turning everything up makes the mix worse, not better ✓ Want to see real mixing decisions in context, not just theory or isolated examples 🎯 What You'll Learn: Kick & Bass Fundamentals: - Why using transposed audio for your sub bass destroys your mix clarity - The kick length technique: cutting at 120ms to prevent low-end bleed - How to balance sub level by listening for kick low-end exposure - The LFO Tool sidechain approach for cleaner kick/bass separation Mixing Strategy & Workflow: - Why mixing around kick and bass first gives you a powerful foundation - Volume balancing: when "too loud" means elements are fighting, not helping - The counter melody decision: when to mute elements that add mess, not value - Before/after comparison: hearing the dramatic transformation ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:26 - The Track Export: Identifying Initial Issues 02:11 - The Sub Problem: Why Transposed Audio Destroys Your Bass 02:46 - Kick Length Analysis: Cutting Low-End Bleed at 120ms 03:51 - LFO Tool Sidechain Setup 04:15 - Sub Level Balancing: The Mute Test Technique 06:18 - Sidechaining Pads and Leads for Clarity 06:49 - The Counter Melody Decision: When to Mute Elements 09:14 - Before/After Comparison: The Transformation 10:23 - Why It Works: Kick/Bass Mix Creates Power 11:29 - Final Thoughts: Professional vs Amateur Mix 🔥 KEY TAKEAWAY: The difference between a weak mix and a powerful, club-ready mix isn't about expensive plugins or complicated techniques. It's about strategic decisions: getting your kick and bass relationship right first, mixing everything else around that foundation, and knowing when to turn things down instead of pushing everything louder. 🎧 Want to Take Your Music to the Next Level? I've helped producers sign to Armada, Subculture, Kearnage, Pure Trance, Outburst, and Black Hole, with multiple #1 Beatport releases. This stem mix approach is part of my complete development course method. If you're serious about leveling up your production, here's how I can help: - One-2-One Artist Development Course – Complete mixing, arrangement, and career mentoring - Private Lessons & Mentorship – Book 1, 3, 5, or 8-hour sessions focused on YOUR tracks - Mastering & Feedback Services – Professional polish for your releases - Exclusive Sample Packs & Templates – Learn from proven #1 Beatport projects - Collaboration Opportunities – Work directly with me 💰 100% Money-Back Guarantee – Zero risk, maximum results. 👉 Start here: adamellisdj.com 📩 Email: tutorials@adamellisdj.com No agenda—if you can't afford lessons or just want feedback, drop me a line anyway. I take pride in helping producers. #TranceMixing #MixingTutorial #TranceProduction #StemMix #KickAndBass #TranceProducer #MusicProductionTutorial #LearnTrance #AdamEllis #ProducerTips #TranseTutorial #MixingTechniques