Written by: Rusheed "Portiay" Nash
"The mix sounds good enough", is something I hear more often then I would like to mention. Most newer artist are confused with the concept of mastering especially when the mix is a vibe by itself. It's hard to believe that your 'LEGENDARY MIXed' song could sound any better but today we'll explain. Mixing and mastering are two distinct stages in the post-production process. Both are equally important for creating a polished and professional sounding final product.
Mixing is the process of adjusting the sounds, the levels, panning and effects of individual tracks in a multi-track recording. The goal of mixing is to balance the various elements of a song such as vocals, drums, guitar, and bass, so that they complement each other and sound cohesive as a whole. Mixing also includes the use of EQ, compression, de-essing, gating and other processes and effects to enhance the overall sound. With a good recording foundation the mix is what brings it all together, so if you need help getting your mix right call an expert (845) 606-4MIX
Mastering, on the other hand, is the final step in the post-production stage. It is the process of preparing a song or album for distribution. The goal of mastering is to ensure that the final product sounds consistent and professional across all playback systems and devices. This includes adjusting the overall level, EQ, and stereo image of the mixed song, as well as adding any final effects such as limiting, compression etc...
The process of mastering can make songs sound louder, more balanced, and more consistent. Additionally, mastering can help to fix most balance issues with the mix that may have gone unnoticed during the mixing stage.
In conclusion, audio mixing and audio mastering are two different processes. It is highly recommended that you should master your songs for the best results. I hate to give a shameless plug but while we're on the subject; If you happen to be in need of a great mix and/or master just holla @ www.LegendaryMIx.com.
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