Exposing Acoustical Myths: Your Room Doesn't Need to be "Flat" to Make Great Mixes

One of the most common misconceptions in the world of audio production and mixing is that a room needs to be "flat" in order to achieve great results.

This myth has led many people to believe that they need to completely eliminate all reflections and echoes in their mixing room in order to create professional-sounding mixes. However, the truth is that a completely "dead" room is not necessary, and in fact, can negatively impact the sound quality of your mixes. In this blog post, we'll be exposing this myth and explaining why a room doesn't need to be "flat" to make great mixes.

Myth: A "flat" room is necessary for great mixes

The idea behind this myth is that a "flat" room, one with minimal reflections and echoes, will allow you to hear your mix clearly and accurately. However, in reality, a completely dead room can actually make it harder to make accurate mixing decisions. This is because a room with no reflections or echoes will lack any sense of depth or dimension, making it difficult to judge the balance and separation of the different elements in your mix.

The Truth: A balanced room is necessary for great mixes

A balanced room is one that has just the right amount of reflections and echoes to create a sense of depth and dimension. This allows you to hear your mix clearly and accurately, while still providing the necessary cues for making accurate mixing decisions. A room with a balanced acoustics will provide a sense of space and realism, which will translate to a more natural sound on your final mix.

How to achieve a balanced room acoustics

Achieving a balanced room acoustics can be achieved by using a combination of sound-absorbing and sound-diffusing materials. Sound-absorbing materials such as acoustic panels and bass traps will reduce unwanted reflections and standing waves, while sound-diffusing materials such as diffusers and acoustic clouds will add a sense of depth and dimension to the room. Additionally, you can use furniture and decor to control reflections and create a more balanced sound environment.

In conclusion, a completely "dead" room is not necessary for great mixes. The key is to create a balanced room with just the right amount of reflections and echoes to create a sense of depth and dimension. By using a combination of sound-absorbing and sound-diffusing materials, you can achieve a balanced room acoustics that will result in professional-sounding mixes.

-Ted Kim