Behind the scenes of a real dub mix, there’s a whole universe of technical mastery that goes completely unnoticed by the untrained eye. A lot of people are influenced by the genre, but true dub mixing is an intricate art form that requires deep control over your console.
​Here is a quick tip I recently shared with my friend Danny Moon on what it actually takes to manipulate space and dynamics in a mix:
​1. Mastering the 100mm Fader
​It’s not just about pushing a volume slider; it’s about understanding the entire geometry of a 100mm fader throw. You have to master how an instrument behaves across that entire track—from the infinity mark (-\infty) all the way up to +10\text{ dB}. Every millimeter matters when you are shaping the life and microscopic dynamics of a sound.
​2. Retarding vs. Advancing
​True dub mixing is about moving elements through a three-dimensional plane. You need to know exactly how to retard an instrument—pushing it back into the shadows of the background—and how to advance it forward into the crisp foreground.
​3. Let It Bleed
​When you want an instrument to bleed naturally into the mix without taking over, you have to learn how to ride that fine line right at the edge of the infinity mark. It’s a delicate touch that keeps the vibe alive in the background.
​The Reality of the Craft
​This level of mixing requires serious nuance. It’s not just about slamming mutes on and off, which completely kills your ability to manipulate natural dynamics. And it’s definitely not about taping a bunch of faders together with duct tape.
​Dub is an instrument in itself, and the console is how you play it. Keep practicing those precise movements—that’s where the magic actually happens