Mixing order that keeps you moving
1
Balance
Set levels and pan before EQ. The faders should already tell the song's story.
2
Clean
Remove obvious mud, rumble and harshness only where it solves a real problem.
3
Control
Use compression to shape peaks, sustain and movement, not to punish every sound equally.
4
Check
Listen in mono, quietly, on headphones and against a level-matched reference.