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Mixing Vs Mastering
What’s the difference between Mixing and Mastering?
Quick definitions:
Mixing – Processing individual tracks and groups of tracks for the purpose of producing 1 stereo file known as the Mix.
Mastering – Processing the stereo Mix to make any final changes, enhance the overall sound of the recording, and prepare a recording for commercial release.
Sometimes these terms get mixed up and for good reason!
Traditionally the Mixing process would be one event and the Mastering process another, however this is not always the case. It’s possible to complete both the Mixing and Mastering process in one project file in a DAW (Pro Tools, Logic etc.).
Therefore over the years from both engineers and artists I’ve heard:
“The mix is mastered already, good to go for release!”
“That’s an unmastered mix, it will need to be mastered.”
Whether we approach the Mixing and Mastering process all at once or as two separate processes can be important to define!
Takeaways
It’s good to go into the Production process with a plan – and it can be effective for an Artist, Producer and anyone else involved in a project to be on the same page about Mixing and Mastering.
As always, communication is key to achieving the creative vision for the music!
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