Mixing & Mastering

Mixing & Mastering FAQs

• What is audio mixing?

  In sound recording and music production, audio mixing is the process in which individual track recordings are combined into a final mono, stereo, multichannel, or surround-sound format. Levels, panning, and effects such as EQ (Equalizer) and compression are put on the tracks to make them sound cohesive.

• What is mastering?

  Mastering is the post-production stage of your audio, which involves preparing and processing your audio mix into its final form to make it ready for distribution. This may include transitioning and sequencing the songs in your mix.

• How to pick the right mastering engineer for my music?

  Some of the top qualities and skills of great mastering engineers are as follows: they've had extensive education in the art, they are passionate about music, they have great hearing, they're able to adapt to new technology, they have the ability to bring out the emotions in music, and they understand audio balance.

• What can I expect from mixing & mastering professionals?

  If you want your music to sound professional and competitive, the services of a mixing & mastering professional are essential. Music mixing and mastering are separate activities but are both crucial to the production process. In the past you might’ve needed to have your songs professionally mixed and mastered by an engineer in a recording studio, technology is now becoming so widely available and affordable that it can all be done with much less equipment and almost everyone can afford freelance services.

• Why should I invest in an audio engineer for mixing and mastering my tracks?

  You’ve worked hard to record and arrange your tracks, paid a composer and a session musician, so it’s definitely worth it to get a professional to mix and master them. It might be too challenging and timely to go DIY so if you’re planning to release a professional album, you need professional help. Even if you are recording just for fun, you can still find some great value freelance services to mix & master it.

• How to work remotely with a mixing engineer?

  It’s possible to conduct the mix sessions virtually via Zoom, so make sure you provide your files in the right format (e.g. WAV or AIFF) prior to it. Once you agree with the sound engineer how you’ll attend, then during the mix session the output of the system will be mirrored and streamed to you which means you can work with a professional anywhere in the world without physically being in the same recording studio at the same time.