top of page
Writer's pictureMix My Music Online

What is the Difference Between Mixing and Mastering? Mixing and Mastering Explained

Updated: Jul 30

In the age of digital audio, it is more important than ever to understand the music production process. Understanding the differences will help you produce your music and songs with the best possible audio quality. The difference between mixing and mastering may not be clear, especially if you are unfamiliar with the recording studio environment. The two processes sound very similar, but in actuality they are completely different. Mixing is the process of blending all of the tracks together into one cohesive sound while mastering is the process that gives a recording that final polish.


Mixing and Mastering are crucial aspects in producing music that will help your songs sound professional and polished. However, these very different processes can be intimidating for singers, songwriters and musicians. You might find yourself asking: What is mixing? What does a mastering engineer do? How do I know if my mix is good enough? And if not, how can I make it better? This blog will help you understand the differences between Mixing and Mastering.


Mixing

Mixing is the process of taking all of the separate tracks that have been recorded and turning them into one cohesive piece. This process includes balancing volumes, balancing frequencies, and balancing the tone of the song. This is what makes your music sound like one complete song instead of separate tracks. This process includes mixing together vocals, guitars, drums, bass, synth sounds, etc. It's creating a balance and a relationship between all the individual tracks. Mixing is the art of putting all these individual tracks together to make one final track that the listener can hear and enjoy.


Mixing is usually performed on a mixing console by making small adjustments to the overall balance of all the elements in your mix. These small adjustments can be crucial in allowing you to achieve the intended listening experience for the listener. When you hear a song and it is close to how you imagined it, you'll know that it's been mixed well.


Mastering

A mastering engineer's job is to take your final mix and make it sound like a professionally-produced song you'd hear on the radio. It's the last 10% of processing done to a stereo mix. It is about making the mix a little bit deeper, wider and louder. It is the last opportunity to add flavour to the mix, but it is also about preparing the song for the intended release format.


The mastering engineer has the right tools, experience and know-how to make sure your song will sound incredible when listened to by your intended audience. Mastering can be done in different ways, but today it is most commonly done using computer software. Although some mastering engineers will use a combination of analogue outboard equipment.



5 Reasons Why Professional Mixing and Mastering helps your music


1. Brings out the full potential of your songs

2. The emotional impact of the song is amplified and brought to life

3. Consistent and cohesive sound

4. Saves you hours of work and frustration

5. Make last-minute changes before sending it out to the world


Mixing and Mastering are the crucial last steps in the production of your music and songs, yet it can be a tricky if you are not experienced in the processes in order to achieve a professional result. If you want to save hours of work and frustration, then you should hire a professional mixing engineer. Professional mixing engineers have the experience and expertise to take your song from sounding amateur to sounding like a pro. They can help you achieve a professional result that will impress listeners and get them hooked on your music.


Want to find out how I can help take your music to the next level with my Mixing and Mastering services. CONTACT ME HERE:


Did you enjoy this article? Please share it with your friends!


Are you a recording artist, band or singer/ songwriter Got songs?

Get them Mixed and Mastered...Ready for streaming and radio..



Comments


bottom of page