How Loud Should My Speakers Be When I'm Mixing?

mixing

The ideal speaker volume for mixing music is 80–85 dB SPL (Sound Pressure Level). This range aligns with the human ear’s flattest frequency response according to the Fletcher-Munson curve. For best results, mix mostly at moderate levels, check in mono and stereo, listen quietly for detail, and only use high volumes briefly to avoid ear fatigue.

🔊 What Is dB SPL?

Sound Pressure Level (SPL) is a measurement of how loud sound is in a physical space, measured in decibels (dB). Unlike digital level meters in your DAW, dB SPL measures actual air pressure — how loud the sound feels to your ears.

Measured in decibels (dB) using an SPL meter or app
Not the same as track fader levels
Helps avoid ear fatigue and poor mix decisions

📱 You can download an SPL meter app on your phone or get a dedicated meter on Amazon for about $30.

What Is a Decibel? dBFS, dBV, dBu and dBSPL Explained in Simple Terms

🧠 Why 80–85 dB Is the Sweet Spot

This range is based on the Fletcher-Munson curve, which shows how our ears perceive frequencies at different volumes.

Below 80 dB: bass and highs sound too soft
Above 85 dB: fatiguing and potentially damaging over time
80–85 dB = most balanced perception of frequencies
Keeps your EQ and level decisions more accurate

🎧 At lower volumes, you might overboost bass or treble because your ears hear them less clearly.

Sound Theory 101: Energy, Frequency and Vibration

⭐️ Start by downloading all of my FREE Music Production Guides ⭐️ It took me years to learn this stuff!

🧪 Mixing Tips by Volume Level

🎯 80–85 dB SPL (Reference Volume)

Use for most of your mix work
Natural balance across frequencies
Helps make accurate EQ and panning decisions

🔉 Quiet Listening (~55–65 dB SPL)

Reveals balance issues
Forces the mix to "work" at low levels
Use near the end of a session

🔊 Loud Listening (90+ dB SPL)

Use sparingly (only a few minutes at a time)
Good for checking energy and impact
Can help reveal distortion or clipping

🎧 Don’t Forget to Check These Too

✅ Mono: Press the 'mono' button on your interface or use a plugin like panipulator
✅ Stereo: Confirms space and imaging
✅ Headphones: Useful for detail, stereo field, and fatigue check
- Open-back headphones are best for long mixing sessions

🎯 Final Tip: Use a Meter

Whether it’s a phone app or a dedicated SPL meter, knowing your mix volume isn’t about guessing — it’s about consistency. Measuring dB SPL helps keep your ears fresh and your decisions sharp.