Mixing vs. Mastering: What's the Difference?
If you're new to professional music production, you've probably heard the terms mixing and mastering thrown around. They're both critical steps in the production process, but they serve very different purposes.
What Is Mixing?
Mixing is the process of taking all the individual tracks (vocals, drums, guitars, synths, etc.) and blending them together into a cohesive stereo track.
During mixing, the engineer will:
- Balance levels — make sure no instrument drowns out another
- Pan elements — place sounds in the stereo field (left, right, centre)
- Apply EQ — shape the tonal character of each track
- Add compression — control dynamics and add punch
- Use effects — reverb, delay, chorus, and more
- Automate — adjust levels and effects over time
The goal of mixing is to make the song sound polished, balanced, and emotionally impactful.
What Is Mastering?
Mastering is the final step before distribution. It takes the finished mix and optimises it for playback across all systems — from earbuds to club speakers.
During mastering, the engineer will:
- Fine-tune EQ — subtle adjustments to the overall frequency balance
- Apply limiting — maximise loudness without distortion
- Ensure consistency — make all tracks on an album sound cohesive
- Add metadata — ISRC codes, track names, gaps between songs
- Create final formats — WAV, MP3, streaming-ready files
Do I Need Both?
Yes. Mixing and mastering are complementary processes. A great mix makes mastering easier, and mastering ensures your music translates well everywhere.
Need mixing or mastering for your project? Check out our [services](/services) or [contact us](/contact) for a quote.