Mix
The process of blending individual recorded tracks into a cohesive stereo or surround sound recording.
Definition
Mixing is the audio engineering process of combining multiple recorded tracks—vocals, instruments, effects—into a final stereo or surround sound file. The mix engineer balances levels, applies processing, and creates the sonic landscape of a song.
A good mix ensures every element is audible, the song has appropriate dynamics, and the sound translates well across different playback systems.
Why It Matters
Mixing can make or break a recording. A great song with a poor mix will sound amateur, while skilled mixing can elevate good recordings to professional quality.
Understanding mixing basics helps artists communicate with engineers and make informed decisions about their sound.
Examples in Practice
A mix engineer spends two days balancing a song, adjusting EQ on the vocals, adding compression to the drums, and creating space for each instrument.
An artist sends rough mixes to their mixing engineer with notes about wanting more bass presence and brighter vocals.
A hip-hop producer's mix emphasizes the 808 bass and keeps vocals cutting through dense production, defining the genre's characteristic sound.