Music Mixing
From A Mastering Perspective

Music Mixing is not my speciality!

Mastering (and editing) are my strengths - which I've hope you've caught on to by browsing through my site!! I just have a flair for handling and finding solutions for 2-track files.

But - I do know what makes up a good music mix, and when it will be easy or difficult to master(!)

One of the problems that can come up is many people think of mastering as an extension of the mixing process. And there are times where I certainly can manipulate a 2-track file as though it were a mix.

But not always!

There is a difference between mixing and mastering.

It's this:

Mixing balances instruments – in volume level, stereo placement, and distance.

Mastering balances frequencies - in volume level, stereo placement, and distance.

It's all about a pleasing balance.

Other mixing problems, from a mastering perspective, involve issues with headroom, buss compression, mono compatibility, file format, and recurring vocal situations.

For instance, it's always best to render your mixes to 24 bits. That way you can still retain some details should you want to have the levels of your mix raised significantly.

And if you are attempting do everything yourself, follow this tip I've offered before:

Work your mix until it's just the way you like it.

By doing this you'll minimize your mastering chores considerably.

I know how tempting it is these days with all the available software to try to do everything yourself and save yourself a lot of money. But you can be spending a lot more of your time than you might like!

If your forte is really performing music, then I would highly recommend you send your mixing chores to someone like Ashton Price of Morph Productions.

Quite simply, Ashton has the ear!.

Whatever choices you decide to make, just remember:

It's all about a pleasing balance.

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About Audio Mastering Software