Mixing
Mixing vs mastering: what to fix at each stage
Mixing adjusts individual vocals, drums and instruments. Mastering adjusts the finished mix’s overall tone, dynamics and level, then prepares it for release. If one instrument or phrase needs changing, fix it in the mix where you can control it separately.
Adjust individual sounds in the mix
Vocal level, drum balance, editing, panning, instrument EQ and effect sends are mixing decisions. They can vary across a song. A vocal that disappears in one chorus is usually easier to fix with automation than by raising the whole master’s midrange.
A useful first pass is a static mix: set levels and panning with as little processing as possible. If the arrangement is already crowded, decide which part should lead in each section before using more compression.
Adjust the finished mix during mastering
Mastering adjusts the overall tone, dynamics and loudness of the finished mix. It also includes checking for faults, comparing tracks across a release, and preparing the final files.
A change to a stereo mix affects multiple elements at once. Brightening the master may help the vocal and also exaggerate cymbals. If those needs conflict, revise the individual tracks rather than forcing one master setting to solve both.
Prepare your files for the mastering engineer
Export at the project’s intended sample rate and an appropriate high-resolution format requested by the mastering engineer. Leave the mix unclipped, preserve the full start and tail, and avoid adding a limiter solely to make the export louder. Ask about delivery requirements instead of assuming a universal peak target.
If a bus processor is part of the sound you mixed into, discuss it rather than removing it blindly. Include a reference version, notes about your intended tone, and clear file names. Keep instrumental, clean and alternate versions organized.
Check the mix if limiting weakens the chorus
Suppose the chorus feels smaller after limiting. Bypass the limiter at matched loudness and listen to the kick and bass. If a few large low-frequency peaks drive the reduction, adjusting those parts in the mix may restore impact more naturally than adding further limiting.
Make one change at a time and keep the earlier export. Compare with playback normalization in mind, but do not confuse a platform’s listening setting with a creative rule for your mix.
Try this in your next session
- Can the problem be isolated to one track or phrase? Return to the mix.
- Check the exported file from start to finish, including silence and tails.
- Keep a reference mix and document any intentional bus processing.
Common questions
Can mastering fix an unbalanced vocal?
It may improve the overall balance, but stereo processing also changes other sounds. Adjusting the vocal in the mix is usually more precise.
Do I need exactly 6 dB of headroom?
Follow the engineer’s requested delivery specification. Send an unclipped file and keep enough room for the engineer’s processing. A peak reading alone does not tell you whether the mix is ready.
Sources & further reading
Check your DAW, plugin and release service documentation for current settings and requirements.
