Mannix Squared releases Mix Space, a FREE plugin that brings instant clarity to your mixes.
Mix Space is a free plugin for macOS and Windows that ensures a cleaner mix by reducing frequency clashes between different tracks.
Before getting into it, I’ve had trouble installing Mix Space on macOS Sonoma 14.4.1, but I’ll discuss the plugin’s functionality while I try to resolve installation issues.
Frequency clashes are common and something we all have to consider when mixing. We might foresee potential clashes even earlier in the composition or recording stage by considering instrumentation and how each instrument will occupy space in a mix.
Frequency clashes occur when more than one instrument wants to occupy the same space, and things can get muddy.
Sounds that seem crystal clear in solo can become muffled in an ensemble due to frequency masking.
Frequency masking is when two sounds occupying the same space/frequency range obscure each other, leading to one or both sounding dull and lifeless. It can also lead to some sounds becoming overbearing while others are all but lost.
Common culprits are:
- Kick and bass
- Bass and guitar
- Multiple synths
- Keys and electric guitar
- Vocals and almost anything
We can deal with problematic clashes using EQ and sidechain compression or even ease the issue with panning in some instances.
However, Mix Space aims to reduce the problem while providing a much less tedious workflow, which is always welcome.
Mix Space reduces the impact of frequency clashes by automating EQ on the main channel (track where the plugin is applied), allowing the competing (sidechain) track to cut through more.
Once the plugin is working, you can start making adjustments to fine-tune the results.
The Threshold, Ratio, Attack, and Release controls allow you to adjust the amount, strength, and speed of the reduction applied to the incoming signal. Finally, there’s a Smoothing control that subtly smooths changes in the EQ.
The plugin also provides handy real-time visual feedback, which makes life easier. Frequency clashing is a problem we have to deal with, and anything that makes it less time-consuming is worth a look, especially when it’s free!
Talking of free things, if you haven’t yet, check out Cinematic Sounds from 99Sounds; it’s great.
Interesting fact: the short tutorial video for Mix Space uses an AI-generated voice and talking head. Coincidentally, if any footage emerges of me being forcefully removed from a venue after attempting to start a mosh pit at a Celine Dion concert, it’s all AI; I’d never do that!
Download: Mix Space (FREE – email required)
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