Gregory Scott emphasizes the importance of creating focal points in a mix by using levels to "unbalance" it, rather than striving for a perfectly balanced mix where all elements are equally loud.
He explains that a balanced mix can be boring and fatiguing because it lacks a clear focal point, making it difficult for listeners to know what to focus on. Instead, Scott advises making strong level decisions to highlight key elements, allowing them to stand out while other elements provide support.
It's crucial to understand that "unbalancing" does not mean introducing frequency or dynamic issues, such as too much low-end. It specifically refers to using levels to make important elements stand out, while signal processing is used to ensure the mix gels cohesively.
Scott suggests an exercise to practice this technique: choose three mid-range instruments, balance them equally, then pull one back and push another forward to create a dynamic and engaging mix. This approach helps create a more interesting and emotionally engaging mix by ensuring that the most important elements are always at the forefront.