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

Music Production and Mixing Tips for Beginner Producers and Artists | Inside The Mix

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.

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1. #197: Why I Don’t Touch Plugins Before Doing This - The Art of Static Mixing (feat. Nate Kelmes) (00:00:00)

2. What is a Static Mix in Audio Mixing? (00:00:46)

3. Why a Static Mix Is Important Before Adding Effects (00:08:40)

4. How to Transition from Static Mix to Full Mix (00:19:58)

5. Top-Down Mixing Approach: How It Improves Workflow (00:29:28)

6. Analog Gear vs Plugins: What Mix Engineers Prefer (00:38:28)

7. Sound Discussion Podcast: Insights from Industry Pros (00:43:58)