Mixing and Mastering: What's the Difference?

Mixing and mastering are two different stages of the audio production process.

Mixing is the process of combining multiple tracks of audio, such as vocals, drums, and instruments, into a single track called referred to as the mixdown. The goal of mixing is to create a cohesive and balanced sound by adjusting levels, EQ, panning, and other audio effects on each sound in a song.

At its core however it is much more than a technical exercise or combination of plugins. Ultimately goal of mixing is to create a sound that brings out the best from the musical performances and to amplify the emotional impact of the music. A good mix should satisfy the creative aspirations of artist while simultaneously meeting the listener’s expectations.

Mastering is the final step in the audio production process. It involves fine-tuning the overall sound of the mixed down audio to prepare it for distribution. This may include adjusting the loudness, EQ, and dynamics of the audio, as well as adding any final touches. mastering is traditionally done as a separate process AFTER mixing.

Workflow for mixing and mastering: Many artists choose to complete the mix and master in the studio alongside the engineer. There is also the option to have an engineer mix and master the songs outside of the session. there are pros and cons to both you can read more about that here to decide which method is best for you! You can read more about the pros and cons of each here