How should I prepare a session before I start mixing?
Prepare a session by naming tracks, cleaning noise, grouping parts, checking phase, setting rough levels, routing buses and creating a reference path before creative processing starts. The point is simple: when mixing begins, every move should answer a musical question instead of rescuing avoidable chaos.
"I just want to start mixing"
That urge is expensive. If you discover bad edits while compressing the vocal, or search for the real lead after the chorus, your judgment is already tired. Preparation is not a delay. It is how you protect the first honest listen.
What to check first
Import, name and color the tracks. Remove obvious clicks and dead space. Group drums, bass, music and vocals. Check phase on multi-mic sources. Make a rough balance with no fancy processing. Then write down the three biggest problems before you open the plugin folder.
Where this fits with YOUR MIX SUCKS
The method treats preparation as part of the mix. A clean session does not make decisions for you. It stops the session from stealing them.
FAQ
Should I use a template?
Use a template if it reduces setup friction. Do not let it force every song into the same answer.
What should I do before plugins?
Name, group, route, gain-check and rough-balance the session before detailed processing.
Does this matter for AI stems?
Yes. AI stems need an artifact, phase and tail check before you treat them like clean multitracks.
CTA
The complete method is in YOUR MIX SUCKS by Marc Mozart. Get the book: YOUR MIX SUCKS