Mixing vs. Mastering (Key Differences)

Mixing and mastering are two of the most important phases of the audio production process. Many people tend to consider mixing and mastering as the same thing. While they may draw some parallels, mixing and mastering are two distinctly different practices. We've put together a simple guide to help you understand the differences and comparisons between mixing and mastering. We'll also suggest some useful tools to seriously enhance your mixing and mastering workflow and capabilities. 

What Is Mixing?

Mixing involves the arranging and treatment of recorded elements in a composition to enhance their cohesion, dynamic and overall impact. The person that handles mixing is called the mix engineer. A mix engineer will listen to every recorded element in a song and look for ways to find the best sonic balance between them. Below are a few examples of common mixing techniques:

• Gain Staging  - Setting the right volume level for each recorded element or instrument in a composition. 
• Stereo Imaging - Placing recorded elements in a specific area of the audio image, eg. guitars playing in the left speakers exclusively. 
• Arrangement Adjustments - This involves adjusting the timing and pitch of recorded elements for added overall cohesion. 
• Equalization (EQ) - Enhancing or reducing specific frequencies of a recorded element signal to add clarity. 
• Texture and Color - The use of tools like distortion, saturation, and others to enhance or reduce a recorded element's harmonic information. 
• Spatial Treatment - The use of tools like reverb, delay, and echo to add spatial atmosphere to a recording.

Once every element in a song has been appropriately mixed, it gets sent to the next phase of audio production - mastering. 

What Is Mastering?

Mastering is generally the final phase of audio production but is just as crucial as every stage that comes before. Mastering involves putting the final touches on a recorded song and treating the song as one single track. Mastering engineers might use tools like EQ, compressors, limiters, and others to ensure a song has appropriate loudness and dynamic for the average listener, as well as modern media streaming platforms like YouTube or Spotify. Though mastering might seem like a much simpler process than mixing, it is incredibly vital and a science unto itself. 

A track that has been mastered is referred to as the master. A bad master can destroy a good mix or song. A good master can make an average mix sound great, and turn a great song into an instant classic.

Key Differences Between Mixing And Mastering

The primary difference between mixing and mastering is the number of tracks used for each process, respectively. Mixing involves treating every recorded element individually to enhance the audible quality of a recorded song. Mastering involves treating all these recorded elements as a single unit. Consider mixing as the measuring and combining of different ingredients in a bowl to make a cake, and mastering as the baking and icing of these mixed ingredients.

Workflow Between Mixing And Mastering

Even though the workflow between mixing and mastering appears quite similar, some key differences set them apart. Mixing generally involves a lot more attention to minor details in a recording. A mixing engineer may adjust, remove or even replace certain elements in a song to maximize its overall impact and feel. Once a mix is finalized, it gets passed on for mastering. During mastering, an engineer will make use of reference tracks and volume meters to ensure that the entire song carries the right amount of volume, dynamic, and clarity to match international listening standards. 

The Difference Between A Mixed Song And A Mastered Song

A mixed song will usually sound cohesive and clear but might lack a certain amount of considerable weight and dynamic that mastering provides. When comparing a mixed song with a mastered one, the most common noticeable difference is volume. Mastered songs will (and should) always be louder than mixed songs. 

How Long Does It Take to Mix or Master Music?

Mixing generally requires more time than mastering, although there are rare instances where this is not the case. The length of time it takes to mix a song depends on factors like the number of individual tracks present, or the tools and workflow of a mixing engineer as well as their overall skill and experience. Some engineers can mix an entire song in a day, while others take their time and break up the process over a few days or even weeks. 

Mastering can take a few hours, and sometimes can stretch out over a few days depending on a few circumstances. Because mastering requires the treatment of a single audio track, the work is less meticulous. However, the importance of the mastering phase should never be undermined or overlooked. 

What Do Mixing And Mastering Have In Common?

While mixing and mastering are two distinctly different practices, they do draw some comparisons in their overall process and fundamental laws. Mixing and mastering both make use of certain tools and techniques that perform the same function, such as EQ and compression. Also, both mixing and mastering are treated as completely separate disciplines and take a considerable amount of time to learn and master. 

Tools for Mixing And Mastering

Mixing and mastering can often make use of similar tools to achieve the best sound for a song. These tools can include devices such as EQs, compressors, limiters, and others. 

It's important to consider that mixing generally makes use of a wider spectrum of tools, and on more individual tracks. Tools like the Auto-Tune Pro X and Mic Mod are both perfect examples of popular tools used in the mixing process. These mixing plug-ins are both used frequently with the specific purpose of enhancing vocal takes in a mix.

Final Thoughts

Mixing and mastering both play equally important roles when it comes to recording and editing a song. Mixing and mastering are also understandably closely linked, and the better a mix sounds, the easier it is to master. Thanks for reading through our brief comparative guide to mixing and mastering. We hope you use these guidelines to take your mixes and masters to the next level. 

FAQ

How does an engineer know which effects to use?

Much like a doctor knows how to diagnose and treat ailments with specific remedies, mix engineers are trained to remedy audio issues with specific tools and techniques to help a song achieve maximum impact and clarity. 

Should I mix my music?

It's almost always a good idea to let someone else mix your song. While you may achieve the best possible mix in your mind, a great mix engineer will be able to enhance your song in ways you might not have previously anticipated. 

Should I master my music?

It's almost always a good idea to get your mixed song mastered by an outside source. A reliable mastering engineer should have a good listening environment, as well as a sound knowledge of how to use their tools to get the best out of your mixed song. 

Is mastering harder than mixing?

It is difficult to discern whether mixing or mastering is more difficult. While mixing may be a more complex and time-consuming process, mastering involves an equal amount of technical expertise. 

Is mixing or mastering more important?

Neither mixing nor mastering is more important than the other. However, it is important to note that it is easier to master a song if it is already well mixed.

Is EQ mixing for mixing or mastering?

EQ is a tool that can be used in both the mixing and mastering phases. 

Should you mix or master first?

You should always mix a song first and completely before mastering it.