Set the kick as the loudest reference and build every level relative to it, leaving master headroom, before reaching for EQ/compression

The gain-staging workflow: set the kick as the loudest reference and mix everything else relative to it; leave headroom on the master so nothing clips; and balance before reaching for EQ or compression. This makes the kick the dynamic anchor around which every other element is levelled. ‘Balance first’ means not using compression or EQ to fix a problem that a level adjustment would solve. Leaving master headroom prevents clipping and preserves dynamic range for later mastering. Gain-staging is described as the mix’s foundation.

Examples

Sequence: solo the kick and set it to ~-6 dBFS; add bass sitting under the kick; add drums matched to the kick; add chords/leads a few dB below; confirm the master stays below 0 dBFS with room to spare.

Assessment

Describe the gain-staging workflow. What is the loudness reference, and what mistake does ‘balance before EQ/compression’ prevent?