When working with multiple audio tracks, how do you ensure that all elements blend seamlessly without overpowering each other?

First thing you can do to help is turn the mix down and see what is poking out too much.  Mixing at loud volumes causes your brain to "compress" the audio in your head.  When you turn the mix down to zero and then slowly move back up, you can start hearing parts of the mix that poke out.  Sure EQ and Compression play a role, but the most basic start is listening at lower volumes then work from there. 

It might sound basic, but start by carefully listening to the source material to understand the importance of each track. Decide which tracks are more critical and adjust their volumes accordingly. Getting the volume balance right is essential before you reach for EQs, compressors, or other advanced tools. Once the levels are set, it becomes easier to identify and make further adjustments.

While every track is different, there are a few ways you can sort through things.

Step 1: Listen to the song.

• Are there any instruments occupying the same space? The classic here is multiple bass lines. I see this a surprising amount! If you can take one out, so theres only one, do it!
• Are there any instruments likely to get in the way of the lead vocal? Piano, guitar... I'm looking at you.

Step 2: Have a process.

• Start with the kick drum, try to take out any undesirable frequencies (around 150hz?)
• Then do the bass - always always side chain this off the kick, then make sure its not too bassy. Maybe roll off below 30hz if its an 808, we dont want to be getting any phone calls from the Royal Geographical Society asking why they're registering an earthquake in the area.
• Next, its the drums (rest), snappy, but be sure those high hats arent too tinny. Get some compression on there too.
• Once thats all done, youve got the lead vocal to do. Compression, EQ and De-ess are a must, then look up how to "send" your vocal to reverbs and effects.
• The rest of the track should slot in behind the above.

Step 3: Spacing and EQ

• Its all subjective, but some tricks and ideas:
  • Double up your guitars and pan them hard left and hard right. They'll flank the lead vocal and give you lots of with
  • Split your piano into left hand and right hand and pan them slightly left and right accordingly.
  • when doing harmonies, do two copies of each line and pan them hard left and hard right.
• EQ. If youre having trouble hearing the lead vocal, dont be afraid to cut the instruments around it in the 1k region. You'll be amazed how this helps. If everything sounds muddy, lets clear out some mud around 250-350hz

Step 4: Reverb

• Dont be tempted to drench the lead vocal in reverb! It sounds amateur. Look up how to use *sends* and also how to master "reverb pre-delay"
• Does it sound natural? Why are your drums in a cathedral whilst your guitar amp is in a garage? Its weird! People want to hear musicians performing as a group, its primal, so put them in a similar space where possible. Doesnt have to be identical but lets not the bassist in a corridor.

Step 5: Final Checks

• Do the bass and drums sound good on their own. This is the bed rock. If they do, big win.
• Are the kick, Lead vocal and bass the most prominent things in the mix? (turn everything else down)
• Do you struggle to head the lead vocal sometimes. (look at EQ on your instruments)

Mastering

• Plenty of online mastering AI bots now, but you can also send it off to a fiverr mastering engineer. And guess what, they'll probably critique your mix for free as well!

Hope this Helps! Happy to chat

Every situation is different - but the short answer would be EQ and making room for each element in conjunction with each other. It's something you learn over time and train your ears to. Dynamic EQ'ing, Compression, Panning, Automation, Spatial Effects, Reverbs - these are all simple tools you can apply to help you carve that space for each element.