Understanding the Difference Between Audio MIXING and MASTERING
Music production is a complex process involving several steps or phases. Among them, two of the most important are audio mixing and mastering. Understanding the difference between mixing and mastering is crucial, as both processes are essential for achieving a professional result in music production. These are distinct processes, each with its own purpose.
At our GuitarRec Online Studio, we often receive questions from composers and artists about the differences between mixing and mastering and what can be achieved at each stage. In this article, we aim to clarify these concepts.
Differences Between Mixing and Mastering in Music Production
What Comes First: Mixing or Mastering?
Audio mixing is the process of combining different audio tracks into a single final track. It takes place after all instrumentation and vocal tracks have been recorded and edited.
Mastering is the process of adjusting the overall level, equalization, and stereo image of the mix (a single stereo file) to ensure it sounds as good as possible across various devices and playback systems.
Therefore, mixing comes first, followed by mastering.
What Is Audio Mixing?
Audio mixing is the process of combining multiple audio tracks into a single recording or file. The goal is to achieve a balance between the different tracks (including instruments and vocals), ensuring each has the right volume level, placement in the stereo panorama (LR), equalization, dynamics, and effects. This balance enhances the creative elements that align with the musical style and direction envisioned by the producer, composer, and artist.
Mixing can be done “in the box” using music production software and plugins or “out of the box” with analog mixing consoles and external processors. However, the latter method is becoming less common due to its lack of flexibility for revisions or changes. Modern free and paid plugins allow fully professional results within a digital environment.
What Happens During Audio Mixing?
| Processed During Mixing | Not Processed During Mixing |
|---|---|
| Individual volume levels | Original recording quality |
| Track equalization | Instrument recording |
| Track compression | Song structure |
| Reverb levels | Final track volume |
| Stereo panorama for each track | |
| Effects (filters, distortion, modulation) |
This table provides a general guide. Each mix is unique and may require a different approach depending on the audio material and production goals. For example, vocal tuning (with Melodyne or Auto-Tune) may be done before or during mixing, depending on the online production workflow.
What Is Mastering?
Mastering is the final step in music production, ensuring the track sounds polished and professional before distribution. Mastering involves equalization, compression, and maximization to optimize the mix for various playback systems. It typically processes a stereo audio file (e.g., .wav). Different mastering types exist for digital distribution, CDs, YouTube videos, or vinyl, among others.
Mastering ensures your song sounds its best across different platforms and devices.
Why Mastering Should Be Handled by a Separate Engineer
Whenever possible, it’s advisable for a separate engineer to handle mastering. This allows for a more objective perspective. Additionally, there are specialists for each production phase. However, it’s common for producers to oversee all stages—from writing the lyrics to recording, mixing, and even mastering. Emotional involvement can hinder objectivity, making it harder to assess what adjustments are necessary during mastering.
Fresh ears can offer a clearer perspective and identify areas for improvement. A specialized mastering engineer ensures a high-quality result.
What Happens During Mastering?
| Processed During Mastering | Not Processed During Mastering |
|---|---|
| Global compression | Editing individual tracks |
| Overall song equalization | Instrument recording |
| Track stereo imaging | Individual track effects |
| Noise reduction, fade-ins/outs | |
| LUFS level adjustment | |
| Exporting to various formats | |
| Applying dithering |
As with mixing, this table is a general guide. Each mastering project is unique. Modern techniques like stem mastering (grouped instrument tracks) can blur the lines between mixing and mastering. Structural edits (e.g., radio edits) may also be handled during mastering.
What Defines Good Mastering?
Good mastering achieves a balanced frequency range, effective dynamics, proper gain, and compression. It should also ensure consistency across all tracks in an album or collection. The goal is to make the music sound clear, professional, and cohesive across all playback systems—from studio headphones to mobile speakers.
Summary: The Difference Between Mixing and Mastering
In conclusion, mixing and mastering are two critical stages in professional music production. Mixing focuses on combining and balancing individual tracks, while mastering optimizes the final mix for distribution. Both are essential for achieving high-quality sound, and each requires a specific set of skills.
Related: Tips for promoting music on Spotify and social media
Tutorial by Vicen Martínez (music producer, guitarist, and founder of GuitarRec.com). Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn.
