Open Logic Pro 8, open the "File" menu and select "Open." Locate the project file in the browser pop-up and double-click it. Logic will load the project and display its tracks in the "Arrange" area.
Click on the "Window" menu and select "Mixer." Logic's mixer will open in a separate window. The majority of mixing operations will take place here.
Press "Play" and listen to the unmixed track all the way through. This is your chance to listen and take notes on what the track needs in order to sound better. For example, the drum track may be too loud or the bass too soft. Parts of the rapper's track may be too quiet while other parts are too loud. Take note of the song's general mixing issues as you listen.
Set the initial relative volume level for each track by moving the volume faders up and down on their respective channel strips. For example, if the drums are too loud, reduce their volume. Boost the volume of tracks that are buried in the mix. You may need to play the song all the way through a few times while doing this. Don't aim for perfection at this point -- the idea is to establish a starting point from which more detailed mixing operations can be performed.
Avoid clipping on any track. In Logic Pro 8, clipping is indicated by a red box at the top of the audio meter to the left of the volume fader. When clipping occurs, the red box will light up and a number will appear in the box. This number refers to the amount of clipping in decibels. If the number is 10, for example, the track is clipping at 10 dB over the limit. Reduce the volume fader on that track by 10 dB to correct the problem.
Set the panning for each channel strip. The panning knob is the grey circle to the right of the volume fader on each channel strip. Panning is a way of making individual tracks occupy a more or less unique space within the audio field. When all tracks are panned to the center, they will conflict. Panning each track to a different position in the panning field will alleviate this problem. Keep the rapper's track and bass center-panned -- this is the usual technique when mixing rap because it keeps those two essential elements as the focus of the listener's attention. Drums are also often kept in the center, but can be panned slightly left or right to create a sense of space. Pan other accompanying parts further to the left or right, making sure to maintain a balance between the left and right fields to avoid a lopsided mix.
Equalize each track as needed. To open the EQ on a given track, double-click the grey box labeled "EQ" at the top of each channel strip. This will instantiate Logic's standard channel equalizer. EQ is approached in many ways, but in general should be treated similarly to panning. Each track's EQ emphasis should roughly occupy its own space in the equalization spectrum. For example, low frequencies, such as bass, should be emphasized -- this is a convention in rap. Boosting mid-range frequencies on the vocal track will help them rise above the mix.
Insert effects processors such as reverb by clicking on the first empty grey box in the "Inserts" section of each track's channel strip. A pop-up list will appear listing all available effects processors. Select the desired effect from the list. Logic will instantiate the effect on the track and display its interface. This is where the creative aspect of mixing really begins. Experiment with different effect settings until you are happy with the results. For example, a small amount of reverb is often applied to vocals to make them smoother-sounding. Compressor plugins are frequently used on vocal and drum tracks to help normalize their volume, making quiet parts louder and louder parts softer.
Leave the mix for at least 24 hours and come back to it. After a few hours of mixing, engineers often find they lose perspective on the overall sound of the song. Taking a lengthy break will help you catch any mistakes you might have made on the first pass. Repeat Steps 3 through 7 when ready, making finer adjustments this time. When you are happy with the results, bounce your project by clicking the "Bounce" button in the master channel strip. Logic Pro 8 will convert the multi-track mix into a single audio file for mastering.