Mixing
What is Mixing?
The process of mixing involves combining two or more tracks together to create a new, cohesive track. The tracks that are mixed can be from the same album, or from different albums altogether. The process of mixing can be done by a professional engineer in a studio, or by the artist themselves using a digital audio workstation.
There are many different techniques that can be used when mixing, such as panning, EQ, compression, and reverb. Each of these techniques can be used to create a unique sound that enhances the overall track.
When mixing, it is important to create a balance between the tracks so that they all work together to create a unified whole. This can be achieved by adjusting the levels of each track so that they are all equally audible. It is also important to pay attention to the overall sound of the mix and make sure that it is not too cluttered or busy.
Once the mixing process is complete, the tracks will need to be mastered. Mastering is the process of finalizing the track by making sure that it is the correct volume and that all of the tracks are balanced correctly. Mastering is usually done by a professional engineer, but can also be done by the artist themselves.
Mixing Resources
The Mixing Engineer's Handbook: Fourth Edition
Mixing music —the process of combining and shaping the component parts of a song into a polished, completed recording —was once considered an unteachable art. The first edition of Bobby Owsinski’s The Mixing Engineer’s Handbook destroyed that myth fo...
Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio
Discover how to achieve release-quality mixes even in the smallest studios by applying power-user techniques from the world's most successful producers. Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio is a down-to-earth primer for small-studio enthusiasts...
Become a Mix Engineer
Make your mark on the music business as a mix engineer. Discover how to produce professionally mixed audio on any digital audio workstation, and combine traditional and cutting-edge recording techniques. Learn essential audio and recording principles...
Introduction to Ableton Live
In the past, Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) were programs used only by audio engineers with a highly specific knowledge base, on machines inaccessible to most people. But over the past 10-15 years, DAWs and the act of recording music have evolved...