The STAX-Style Mixing Manual

Welcome to the STAX-Style Mixing Manual — a practical, musical guide for building cohesive, soul-forward mixes inspired by the classic recordings of the 1960s and 1970s. I put this together not only for myself to make quicker and easier decisions, but to share it with any artists/producers looking to get this sound, and for any level, from beginner onward.

This manual reflects the workflow I use to honor the sound and spirit of STAX and Atlantic-era soul — where feel, balance, and emotional movement came first.

Inside, you’ll find clear charts and signal-flow guidance for every major mix bus, along with a top-down, stack-based approach that helps you shape the entire mix before diving into details.

This guide is designed to help you: Build depth and glue through intentional stacking Make confident mix decisions more quickly Work musically inside a modern DAW without losing analog feel These charts are not rules — they are starting points meant to support your ears and your instincts.

If it sounds good, it is good.