Mixing

What is mixing?

“Mixing” is the process of combining multiple sounds ( usually “tracks” ) into a final, deliverable sound.

In the case of music mixing, the goals of mixing might be:

To make the overall timbre of the mix convey the feeling that the creator has chosen.
To make each element clearly heard, so that a listener can focus on a single instrument if s/he wishes.
To make the volume level consistent enough that the user isn’t required to constantly adjust the volume knob.

Of course all of these rules are subject to the artistic wishes of the creator.

Here are some of the techniques that we use to create a “mix”:

Balance the volumes of each element (instrument) so they don’t occlude each other.
Dynamically adjust the volume of elements to accentuate parts of interest at different times of the piece.
“Pan” the signals into the available speakers so they can be separated by position.
Create a “space” around each element so they can be perceived as close or distant.
Tweak individual elements to accentuate their desirable character, or attenuate undesirable character.
Limit the frequency range of elements, so that more elements can be distinguished in the same space.

You’ll find that Mixbus provides tools for all of these tasks right underneath your fingertips.