Mix notes
Use broad tonal balance to guide better comparisons
How it works
Mixchecker measures frequency energy across the whole audio file. It analyzes both stereo channels, so material that could cancel in a mono sum still contributes to the result. The display groups energy into lows from 20 to 250 Hz, mids from 250 Hz to 4 kHz and highs from 4 to 20 kHz. The upper boundary is capped at the file’s Nyquist frequency, with unavailable bands shown rather than invented.
Compare like with like
Broad energy proportions describe the recording, not an ideal mix recipe. Bass-heavy genres naturally allocate more unweighted energy to lows, and arrangement differences can change percentages even when both tracks translate well. Use a reference with a comparable musical role and listen at a matched level in your DAW. You can replace the loaded file to measure that reference, noting that replacement starts a new analysis. Look for differences worth investigating rather than chasing identical percentages.
Move from a number to an audible cause
If the low band dominates and the mix sounds cloudy, examine bass sustain, kick overlap and low-mid contributions from other instruments. If it sounds dull, first check whether the vocal or transient detail is masked before boosting the whole high band. A narrow resonance or harsh note can be unpleasant without dominating a broad percentage. Make a focused session change, listen again and measure the new export to see whether the change supports your intention.
Respect the resolution of this view
This is a whole-file low, mid and high balance estimate, not a live detailed spectrum, spectrogram or automatic masking detector. It does not locate a precise problem frequency or establish translation on a particular speaker. Energy outside the reported range does not contribute to these shares, and lower sample rates restrict the high band. Tonal proportions never deduct general readiness points. Combine this view with full-track listening, genre-appropriate references and separate peak and stereo checks before release.
Frequently asked questions
What are the ideal band percentages?
There is no universal ideal. Genre, arrangement and instruments change broad energy balance; compare appropriate references and listen.
Is this a live spectrum display?
No. It estimates whole-file low, mid and high energy. It does not display a detailed live spectrum or identify exact EQ frequencies.
Why can the high band be unavailable?
A file’s Nyquist frequency is half its sample rate. If that ceiling is at or below the high band’s start, there is no available high band to measure.
Does tonal balance affect release readiness?
No. Broad proportions are descriptive and are not a genre-independent quality rule or scored deduction.