7 Steps for a Successful Mix with Logic Pro’s Stock Plugins

So, you’re ready to dive into the world of mixing but want to keep things simple, clean, and free (no pricey plugins, please).

Good news: Logic Pro’s stock plugins pack plenty of punch! You’ll find everything you need to craft a killer mix—whether it’s balancing levels, sculpting EQ, or dialing in just the right amount of “oomph.” Here’s your step-by-step guide to mixing like a pro with Logic’s built-in tools.

1. Start with a Solid Foundation (Volume and Panning)

Every good mix begins by laying down the basics: volume and panning. This is the “get everyone in their seats before the show starts” phase.

  • Volume: Adjust your faders to spotlight the stars of your track (usually the vocals or lead instruments)

  • Panning: Spread things out. Bass and kick go dead-center, but give other elements, like guitars or backing vocals, some elbow room on the left and right.

Tech Tip: For gain staging, aim to keep each track at around -18 to -12 dBFS. It’s like setting up camp: you want space to breathe so no one’s crowding anyone else. Logic’s Gain and Pan controls make it easy!

2. Use EQ to Keep Things Clean and Clear

Now it’s time to sharpen those sounds with EQ. Think of EQ as your mix’s Marie Kondo—it’ll clear out what’s unnecessary and make everything shine in its own way.

  • Cut the Clutter: Use high-pass filters on everything but the bass-heavy sounds to clean up that low-end rumble.

  • Boost the Good Stuff: A small boost around 3-5 kHz on vocals can bring clarity, while 80-120 Hz on bass can add warmth. But go easy—no one likes an overly bright or boomy mix.

  • Give Each Element Some Breathing Room: If two sounds are crowding each other’s space, a subtle EQ cut on one will let the other shine.

Tech Tip: Aim to keep the master bus at or below -6 dBFS at this stage. It’s like tidying up—leave space for the final polish later on.

 

3. Create Depth with Reverb and Delay

Time to add some “space magic” to the mix with reverb and delay. This is what separates a flat mix from one that feels alive and full of dimension.

  • Reverb (Space Designer): Start with a dash of reverb to add space around your vocals, guitars, or snares. Space Designer’s impulse responses offer everything from small rooms to cavernous halls.

  • Delay (Tape Delay): Use delay sparingly for thickening up vocals or adding bounce to a guitar line. Delay has the charm of reverb without the risk of drowning the whole track.

Tech Tip: Use reverb and delay sends instead of drowning individual tracks. This keeps your mix nice and clear while letting you control the overall vibe from a single channel.

4. Add Consistency and Punch with Compression

Compression is the “personal trainer” of mixing: it keeps everyone’s energy in check so no one’s hogging the spotlight or getting lost in the crowd.

  • Vocals: A ratio around 3:1 or 4:1 keeps vocals steady and upfront, taming those pesky peaks.

  • Drums: Use fast attack and release on drums for added punch—especially handy for kicks and snares.

  • Glue Compression: Light compression on the mix bus gives the whole track that “all-in-this-together” vibe, making it sound cohesive.

Tech Tip: Keep your mix bus below -6 dBFS here to preserve headroom. This leaves space for final touches without squashing dynamics.

 

5. Warm Up with Saturation and Distortion

 Nothing says “I’m legit” like a little analog warmth. Add a smidge of saturation or distortion for that extra flavor that digital mixes sometimes lack.

  • Vocals and Bass: Lightly saturate vocals for added richness, and give your bass a gritty edge. Logic’s Overdrive adds warmth without crossing into fuzz territory.

  • Drums: A touch of saturation on the snares and kicks can add just enough “oomph” to make them pop without overpowering the mix. 

Tech Tip: Keep it subtle—just enough to add texture, usually around -12 to -18 dBFS. Think of it like salt: just a pinch will do!

6. Keep It Dynamic with Automation

Automation lets you add movement and drama, making your mix feel alive. It’s like a musical rollercoaster—who wants a flat ride?

  • Volume Automation: Adjust vocal levels between sections to keep them consistent. If the chorus gets louder, bring those vocals up a notch to keep them in the spotlight.

  • Panning and FX Automation: Create surprise moments by automating panning or FX levels. Try increasing delay on a vocal phrase right before a chorus drop for that “wow” factor. 

Tech Tip: Logic’s Automation Lanes make it super easy to control every parameter. A little volume lift here, a dash of reverb there—it’s the spice your mix needs.

7. Polish with Limiting and Final EQ 

Time to give your mix that pro-level finish with a bit of EQ and limiting on the mix bus.

  • Mix Bus EQ: A slight high-end boost around 8-10 kHz can add clarity, while a low-end boost around 50-80 Hz adds warmth.

  • Limiting (Adaptive Limiter): Bring the mix up to a competitive level without clipping. Start gentle and increase gain until the mix sounds powerful but retains its clarity.

Tech Tip: Aim for around -14 LUFS if you’re mixing for streaming. This keeps your mix dynamic and doesn’t crush the life out of it.

By following these steps, you’ll have a polished, well-balanced mix—all with Logic Pro’s built-in tools. So go on, let your mix sparkle without spending a fortune on plugins. You’ve got the tools; now go make some magic!

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