What to Listen For, What to Check, How Do You Use These Things Anyway?
This is a reminder to myself about how to do a mix translation test using VSX headphones through the VST plugin, after doing the bulk of mixing in Linear Mode.
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1. Linear (Flat / Microscope View)
Play 20–30 sec of chorus.
- Vocal loudness relative to snare/kick.
- EQ balance — no harsh spikes, no dull blanket.
- Bass vs kick separation.
- Sibilance / hi-hats harshness.
- Mono check (quick flip: does vocal stay centred? Does low end collapse?).
2. Mix Room – Nearfield (Producer’s Laptop Monitors)
Play the same section.
- Vocal placement — sits in the mix, not on top or buried.
- Snare/guitar/keys clarity in the mids.
- Kick vs bass relationship in 80–120 Hz.
- Reverb/delay tails — natural or sticking out?
- Small level tweaks (1–2 dB) often shine here.
3. Mix Room – Midfield (Full Mix Perspective)
Play verse -> chorus.
- Low-end body — kick + bass feel solid, not flabby.
- Stereo field — panning/reverb balance, no phasey wideners.
- Automation / arrangement flow — do transitions lift the energy?
- Overall size — not too thin, not boxy.
4. SUV (Car Test)
Play full chorus/bridge at a higher level.
- Vocals still audible? (cars bury them if too low).
- Kick + bass groove — too much boom or just right?
- Sub-bass control — does anything rattle or overwhelm?
- Harshness at loud playback — does the mix stay smooth?
- Does the song feel exciting/hyped?
5. SA-Pods (Earbud Reality Check)
Play chorus at low–moderate volume.
- Vocals cut clearly (lyrics understandable).
- Snare/guitar mids provide drive even if bass vanishes.
- Quiet-volume test — does the mix still feel compelling whisper-quiet?
- If it works here, it works anywhere.
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