Overview
When it comes to audio engineering, the two widely used methods are mixing and mastering. Producing music involves a great deal of time, effort, cost of equipment. Contrary to popular opinion, it is quite the opposite to just tweaking sound waves. In fact, audio engineering inculcates many disciplines such as technology and physics. When the whole expertise is combined, mixing and mastering bring about a good outcome.
Both of these methods play a vital role in bringing the song to the final stage but there is still a fine line when it comes to the differences.
Mixing creates a multichannel sound mix
Mixing is nothing but the skill of listening to the intricate details and giving the song that emotional appeal. In this process, individual sound tracks are blended to create a multichannel sound mix. All the multiple sound files are given that creative touch through amending the sonic aspects. Hence, the final output is the combined sound mix.
Mastering is a next level technique
Mastering is the last step of the audio production. It involves processing each sound mix to produce a desirable outcome. The main feature of this method is the greater autonomy over the sonic quality. It is the job of the mastering engineers to maintain the quality of the song through controlling the sonic aspects. Mastering engineers usually give the final touches if the mixing beginners have done their part well. After all elements of the song are amended, the final song is ready for distribution.
The thin line between mixing and mastering
Mixing is performed prior to mastering, which is the final step before distribution. Initially, all parts of a particular song are recorded and edited as per the requirements. The mixing file is usually a stereo file, but some mixing engineers may even make it a mono. Conversely, mastering is slightly advanced domain of audio production. This is where the individual tracks are balanced out to ensure maximum compatibility with all the audio elements. Any errors may also be rectified to create the ultimate, final version of the song.
Unique features at each step
All the groundwork of a song is done in the mixing process. Once the lyrics are prepared and recorded, the next step is to group them all together into different labels. Labeling makes it easy to edit the equalization settings, auto tune, and other musical effects. The use of automation by mixing engineers is an important step here as it helps to maintain the perfect balance between bass, vocals, instrumental, etc. Mastering engineers approve the sound mix and make amendments to ensure that all audio elements are in sync with each other. This is especially important so the audience can enjoy many playback mediums. For instance, the sound frequencies may be to be adjusted to maintain uniformity.
Parting thoughts
Mixing and mastering are two processes with their own competencies and uniqueness. When deciding among the two, it all comes down to the project requirements and the approach of the audio engineers. Mixing engineers work on the base components while the mastering engineers work on the uniformity of all audio elements. Know which one you have to work on, and you will be on the right track!
