We’ve all heard the saying “We’ll fix it in the mix” — the idea being that if a performance is a winner, but with a few fixable flaws, it’s best to keep that performance and address the few weak spots later in the production. But some things simply can’t be fixed in the mix. Here’s a list of just a few of those things:
A passionless performance. “Fixing it in the mix” can be a great option if your energized, passionate performance meant that when you were in the moment, you missed a note or two. But if your entire performance lacks passion or conviction, time to re-perform. You can’t edit in passion, emotion, or vibe.
The wrong choice of instrument. Did you use a 12-string acoustic guitar and suddenly realize the part would be better on a six-string electric guitar or a mandolin? Did you record an alto saxophone and decide that no, it’s a part for a soprano sax? You’ll need to re-record.
Recorded multiple performers with one microphone. Sometimes it’s smart to capture multiple performers with the one mic, such as when recording a barber shop quartet or a choir. But that also means that if some of your performers flub something, it’s going to be difficult (if not impossible) to fix without altering the entire recording.
Ultimately, what you put into recording your song determines what you get out of it. Polishing and fixing imperfections after recording is a tried-and-true way to get a track sounding the way you want it to, but sometimes the only way to get what you want is to re-record.
