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Getting the faders in the right places isn't easy...

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Learning to mix properly isn't easy. In fact, it's a skill that can take years to master, and you'll probably find that the best way to improve is simply to keep doing it.

If you've spent an age tweaking a track only to find that it still doesn't sound quite 'right', though, we've got 14 things you can try.

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1. Change the level

One of the simplest ways to gain better perspective is to monitor at different levels. You'll find this works best if you stay at one level for a spell (say 20 minutes), then shift. As ever, extremes (loud and quiet) can be fun, but will likely yield less useful results.

2. Compare and contrast

To really crack the sound of a specific genre, you need to compare your track to similar commercially available music. Often the simplest way to do this is to actually load a few examples into your session - but remember, you need to match the levels for reliable comparison.

3. Try headphones

To mix solely on headphones isn't recommended. As an alternative they can certainly help identify detail, however, and to stay in line with the iPod generation, at least one listen-through is worthwhile. If headphones are your only option, plug-ins such as Redline Monitor from 112dB can be enormously helpful.

4. Listen on computer speakers

Although a good set of monitors is vital for producing reliable mixes, cheaper speakers give you an additional perspective. In the interests of simplicity and cost, try an affordable set of self-powered computer speakers. These will give you a perfect idea of how your mix is going to sound to internet music buyers.

5. Move around

When you're working up close to your monitors, it's easy to get so focused that you lose track of the whole. For a different perspective, stand in a different part of the room or even just outside the door. Try mentally combining the impression you get up close and from further away to help with mixing decisions.

6. Carry out spot checks

If you're working on a long track, it can be hard to achieve consistency from beginning to end. One useful trick is to spot-check short sections of the track. Work your way through listening to five-second segments, concentrating on the levels of the lead instruments. This will give you an overview of mix consistency.

7. Go mono

Although we mix in stereo, music often gets reproduced in mono, so it's important that your track works in this form. Throughout the mix process it's worth periodically switching over to mono. Listen out for any big differences in individual levels. If these exist, consider reducing the stereo spread of problem sounds.

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