The problem with our ears is that they adapt; they get used to whatever they are hearing. One solution to “wake” them up is to periodically flip back and forth between two very different mix volumes. You want a standard volume (which ideally is relatively low) and then a super low volume. If you have a dim switch on your interface, you’re set. If not, watch this video.
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My name is Graham Cochrane and I'm the founder of The Recording Revolution, one of the world's most loved audio recording and mixing blogs with over 200,000 readers each month. 
Great tips! I got a question, is there any reason why you have a master bus, submix and a mix buss? I don’t understand why they are there, in fact I understand the mix buss but the two others, I don’t understand. Kick Room and Snare Room from a trigger, Andy Wallace kind of thing?
This video explains the mix buss thing: http://therecordingrevolution.com/2011/04/06/master-faders-in-pro-tools-video/
I’ll probably do a video on the Kick Room tracks at some point.
Thanks Graham you rock! Can’t wait to hear your new EP! :o)
Hi Graham, what do you suggest if when I turn down volumen, I don’t get a clear kick and snare?
I’m mixing a song now and, following your advice, when I turn down the volume the HiHat it’s clearer than the snare. But when I reproduce the song at a normal volume it sounds good.
What should I do remix my drums channels or re-tweak my EQs?
Greetings from Argentina!!
Thanks man!
Yep. Maybe spend some time at the low volume retweaking the EQ and compression of the kick and snare. You want them to pop even at low volumes.
Great! I’ll try it!!
Thanks!
Thank you man, I love the fact that your tips are useful (besides being sound and objective) even for a total newbie like me. Again, thank you so much!
Glad to help!
Hey Graham… How would I do this in Logic Pro X?
Just grab a plugin that has an INPUT or OUTPUT knob, maybe an EQ and turn it down like I did in the video.
Graham, you’re like a broken record sometimes(pun intended)! I mean this in a good way, of course. I’m fairly new to the forum, but it doesn’t take long to figure out what some of your basic principles are. And this is one of them..listening at lower volumes. FYI, I also appreciate the placement of “artificial limits” on yourself principle..I recently blew through some deadlines but I felt the pressure from within (and hear your voice telling me) to reset the deadlines and push harder to finish! Thanks again.
Anytime 🙂