How to create depth in a mix

Creating depth is all about contrast. These techniques are useful only when they are used to highlight contrasts.

A useful tool may be drawing out the soundstage on a piece of paper first.¹

• Using EQ to create depth
• Shaping transients to create depth
• Using saturation to add presence
• Treating problematic stereo sounds in a mix
• Using reverbs to create depth
• Using delay to create depth
• Pitch-shifting to create depth
• Use a holographic sound on the mixbus

All these can be automated to help things move around the soundstage.

Elements that are less important don’t need to be fiddled with much. Having them remain dull-sounding can be useful for contrast.²