Andy Wallace shares his approach to getting an initial mix up quickly before diving into detailed adjustments.
This initial phase usually takes around 3-4 hours, during which he aims to achieve a mix that sounds good to most listeners. He starts by familiarizing himself with the tracks and making notes on the song structure, which helps him understand the song's essence and focal point.
Only after the mix is essentially in a good place does Wallace move into a more detailed fine-tuning process. This stage involves making subtle adjustments that may not be immediately noticeable but significantly enhance the overall mix. This meticulous attention to detail is where the final polish and nuanced elements of the mix come together.