Andrew Chapman Creative Throws Down: Del Cobras Mix Contest Gets Real

Chapman doesn’t just point out what’s wrong—he breaks down the why with surgical precision. Frequency allocation is front and centre: he explains how every instrument needs its own patch of sonic real estate, or else you end up with a frequency mosh pit. Guitars, vocals, cymbals, and bass all need to plant their flag somewhere, and if you let them overlap, you’re asking for a volume war.

Reverb gets its own spotlight. Chapman shows how it can create space or just drown everything if you’re not careful. He’s all about using reverb sends and aux tracks for controlled ambience, not slapping a plugin on every channel like you’re icing a cake. And when it comes to the master bus, he’s ruthless: overcooked compression and limiting will flatten your mix faster than a cheap pizza oven. Dynamics matter, and Chapman wants to hear them.

What’s brilliant here is how Chapman uses real mixes to show these concepts in action. He’s not just talking theory—he’s pulling up EQs, A/Bing changes, and showing how small tweaks can rescue a crowded mix. If you want to see frequency management, reverb discipline, and master bus restraint in the wild, this is the section to watch (and honestly, you’ll get more from the video than any written summary can deliver).

When it’s time to crown the top three, Chapman doesn’t just hand out gold stars—he digs into what made these mixes punch through the noise. Each finalist gets a forensic breakdown: from frequency balance to snare aggression, from vocal clarity to tasteful use of gang vocals. He’s got praise for mixes that let the instruments breathe, keep the low-end clean, and avoid the usual rookie mistakes.

But even the best aren’t safe from critique. Chapman points out where a snare could use more bite, where reverb could open up the mix, and when a master bus is just a bit too heavy-handed. The real kicker? He reminds everyone that being easy to listen to is more important than just being loud. If you want to know what separates a good mix from a great one, Chapman’s top three analysis is pure gold—though, as always, the full effect is best experienced with your own ears on the video.

Chapman’s one rule for the comments section is simple: don’t be a dick. It’s a mantra that sets the tone for the whole competition—constructive criticism, not anonymous sniping. He’s all about building each other up, not tearing down, and he makes it clear that the tallest building is built by raising your own game, not by knocking others down.

The video closes with a shoutout to the Del Cobras for sharing their music and multitracks, and a rallying cry for the community to keep pushing, learning, and supporting each other. Chapman’s blend of tough love and genuine encouragement is what makes this channel stand out. If you’re after real feedback, a supportive vibe, and a chance to get your hands dirty with actual music, this is the place to be.