What are the most effective ways to keep up with audio mixing and mastering trends?

1 Listen to a variety of sources

One of the best ways to learn about audio trends is to listen to a wide range of audio sources, such as music, podcasts, films, games, and online videos. Pay attention to how the audio is mixed and mastered, and what elements stand out or create a certain mood or atmosphere. You can also compare different versions or remixes of the same audio source, and analyze how the changes affect the overall sound quality and impact. Listening to different sources will help you develop your ear, expand your vocabulary, and inspire you to try new things in your own audio projects.

2 Follow audio experts and influencers

Another way to keep up with audio trends is to follow audio experts and influencers who share their insights, tips, tricks, and opinions on audio mixing and mastering. You can find them on blogs, podcasts, YouTube channels, social media platforms, and online forums. Some examples of audio experts and influencers are Dave Pensado, Graham Cochrane, Andrew Scheps, and Mike Senior. By following them, you can learn from their experience , get feedback, ask questions, and discover new tools and resources for audio production.

3 Experiment with new tools and plugins

Audio mixing and mastering require a lot of tools and plugins to achieve the desired results. However, there are always new tools and plugins being developed and released, offering new features, functions, and possibilities for audio production. To keep up with audio trends, you should experiment with new tools and plugins, and see how they can enhance or transform your audio tracks. You can find new tools and plugins on websites like Plugin Boutique, Splice, and KVR Audio. You can also use online platforms like SoundGym, LANDR, and eMastered to test and compare different audio effects and settings.

4 Join online communities and courses

Online communities and courses are another great way to keep up with audio trends and learn new skills. Online communities are places where you can interact with other audio producers, share your work, get feedback, exchange ideas, and find out about the latest news and trends in audio production. Some examples of online communities are Reddit, Gearslutz, Sound on Sound, and Audio Engineering Society. Online courses are programs where you can enroll and learn from experts and instructors about various aspects of audio mixing and mastering, such as EQ, compression, reverb, loudness, and mastering for different platforms. Some examples of online courses are Lynda, Coursera, Udemy, and Mix With The Masters.

5 Challenge yourself with different projects

Finally, one of the most effective ways to keep up with audio trends and improve your skills is to challenge yourself with different projects. You can do this by working on different genres, styles, formats, and platforms, and applying different audio techniques and strategies to suit each project. You can also participate in audio contests, challenges, and collaborations, where you can showcase your work, compete with others, and learn from feedback. By challenging yourself with different projects, you can broaden your horizons, develop your creativity, and adapt to changing audio demands and expectations.