How-to · Mix feedback
How to analyze a song's mix
Your ears get used to your own mix after a few hours. This checklist helps you hear it like a first-time listener, and AI analysis gives you a second opinion.
Step by step
- Rest your ears, then listen quietly. Take a break and play the mix at low volume. Whatever disappears first is too quiet; whatever pokes out is too loud.
- Check the low end. Kick and bass should take turns, not fight. Listen on headphones and a phone; if the bass vanishes on the phone, add harmonics around 100–200 Hz.
- Check the vocal. Every word should be clear without straining. If you have to turn up to understand lyrics, the vocal needs level or 2–5 kHz presence.
- Compare to a reference. Level-match a released song in your genre and flip between them. Note differences in brightness, width and punch.
- Get an AI second opinion. Upload the bounce to Sonar's free analyzer for scores on mix clarity, hook strength and streaming readiness, plus a prioritized fix list.
Fix the biggest problem first and re-check. One balance change often solves three 'EQ problems'.
Mix analysis vs song analysis
Searching for 'song analysis' usually turns up lyric meanings. Mix analysis is about how the record sounds: balance, clarity, dynamics and loudness. Sonar scores both the production and the songwriting signals that affect whether listeners skip.
Common questions
- How can I get feedback on my mix for free?
- Upload your track to Sonar's AI analyzer. Your first analysis is free with no account, and you get scores plus specific fixes.
- What should I listen for when analyzing a mix?
- Balance between elements, clean low end, an intelligible vocal, appropriate stereo width, and loudness that suits streaming.
- How do I know if my mix is ready to master?
- If it translates on headphones, a phone and a car, holds up against a reference, and peaks around -6 dB with no master-bus limiter, it's ready.