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6 tools to fix your basic sounding beats

audio engineering beginners mixing Nov 18, 2024

Every pro producer is a master at the basics.

It’s not about new plugins or packs - it’s about nailing the fundamentals.

So here are 6 tools you NEED to master to make your beats sound like they belong on the radio 😌🙏

1. EQ. 

This is where everything starts.

EQ helps you clean up your mix and make sounds sit together without fighting (this is called frequency masking/unmasking). 

2. Compressor. 

Compression gives your beats control.

It tames wild peaks and glues everything together.

Shortcut ❤️💯: Band4Band includes pre-set stock and Neutron 4 compressors tuned for different sounds.

3. Sampler. 

A good sampler is a must & this is where the magic happens.

Chop, flip, and twist sounds into something totally unique.

Slice a melody you made from scratch & rearrange it into a new idea!

Here are 2 Fruity Slicer guides 👇

  1. Full Fruity Slicer Guide: How to make fire trap beats with samples
  2. Full Sampling Guide: How to flip samples into trap bangers

4. Reverb. 

Without reverb, your beats (especially the melodies) will sound lifeless.

It adds depth and space so everything feels alive.

I actually have a guide specifically for mixing melodies if you want to check that out here

5. Delay. 

Delay creates movement and rhythm - it’s like adding a whole new layer to your beat (because it literally creates a copy of the sound you're delaying).

Try a subtle ping-pong delay on melodies for width, or slap it on hi-hats for rhythm.

Btw - did you know that almost every FX (including reverb) is just delay with extra steps - here's a short explanation 😅.  

 6. Distortion. 

Distortion is the sauce that adds grit and color to your sounds.

Warm up an 808 or add some crunch to hi-hats for energy.

Shortcut ❤️💯: Band4Band has my GOATED 🐐 Neutron 4 Stereo distortion Send to make my 808s sound fat af.

What’s Holding You Back? 🤔

I know getting your beats to sound pro can feel like a struggle.

So lmk - what’s the ONE THING keeping your beats from sounding how you want?

Hit reply and let me know 📲.

I read every email, and your feedback helps me create tools and content that make your life easier.

Blessings,

Chu

Ps. When in doubt, make better beats #DOPECONTENTONLY

Would you like 1-on-1 assistance?

Learn about my music production mentorship program 🧠

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