Mixing is an interesting art. If a mix is coming together, you’ll want to jam out. And since you’re hoping people will listen loud, new mixers are often tempting to mix at high volumes. It turns out, however, that mixing at high volumes is the last thing you should do. In fact, professionals across the board use the “conversation” method of setting a listening volume for mixdown: mix at a level where you can comfortably have a conversation over the music.

Here are the top five reasons why you should mix at low volumes.

It’s a common misconception that a singing voice is some sort of set-in-stone trait, like hair color or height. “You have a great voice” is the compliment you’ll hear, rather than “you have great vocal skill”. It’s true that certain genetic traits make voices unique, but using a voice is a skill just like any other instrument.

If you’ve spent any significant amount of time on stage, you’ve become accustomed to tripping over cables. Most stages are strewn with various cables, and backstage can be an epic rat’s nest.

Vocalists who stand at the mic and croon may not mind – after all, they’re not moving around. Singers who like to use the whole stage, though, tend to tangle up. Some singers even love to get into the audience and venture all around the room – not really possible with a wired mic.

So, is it time for you to go wireless?