Step 2 in your multi-track recording will be mixing.

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Here are some guides on how to mix.

It is a good idea to work through the mixing process in a linear way just as you would when setting up the studio for capture and when you are troubleshooting:

1. Decide how you want your overall mix to sound before you start mixing – what space do you want to create? – Intimate or stadium? Never forget that the job of mixing is to produce a clear mix with all tracks as clear as possible. 
2. Balance is the first thing to help you do this. Bring all levels down and prepare group tracks e.g. all drum tracks grouped together. Turn up the drums first and get a mix within the group, then balance this with the rest of the rhythm section – bass guitar, then other backing instruments. Finally attend to the lead instruments – the vocals should sit nicely on top of the mix. 
3. Panning is the next tool that helps to make the mix clear. Separate out the drum kit as you would perceive it from an audience’s perspective (around the centre of the mix – snare right). High energy tracks should be central – the bass always should be panned to the centre. Balance the other instruments so that the mix is not lopsided at any point. Separate the band out as it would appear on stage as a rough guide. 
4. EQ will help you shape individual tracks and keep the whole mix from getting cluttered. Turn down unnecessary frequencies especially those muddy mid-lows. Give character to instruments by boosting each at different frequency ranges. Add sharpness by boosting higher frequencies. EQ has a similar effect as reverb in that it can push tracks further back in the mix or bring them forwards since the ear perceives a higher frequency boost as being nearer in the mix – but remember the job of mixing is to create as clear a mix as possible so EQ only needs to be used if it is achieving this – be quick to cut rather than boost – a perfectly captured instrument may not need any EQ at all. 
5. Dynamic processing includes getting rid of unwanted noise using gates (a\\d trimming audio paying attention that there are no clicks at the start and end of events). Compression is the main dynamic processing tool and helps to bring the quieter parts of a track up to the same volume as the loudest parts very useful for helping vocals to sit nicely at the front of a mix throughout the performance. 
6. Effects processing is the last step and is mainly about subtle addition of reverb to create the illusion of space and to move instruments forwards or backwards in the mix – the more reverb added the further back an instrument will sound. Reverb also adds warmth to the mix and is essential on vocals. Delay is also used in the same way and other effects e.g. chorus used to thicken a part or give a distinct characteristic – but remember the purpose of mixing is to create as clear a mix as possible so be subtle when adding effects especially reverb since the extra audio signals being added to the mix can easily overload the mix and work against you.

Thor's Guide to Mixing

Students Guide to Mixing

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