---
title: "What is mixing?"

description: "In this pod, I discuss the differences between production and mixing—giving more insight into the process of making pro-sounding records."

status: complete

date: 2021-12-20

kind: solo

guestSlugs: []

listenUrl: "https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lovemusicmore/episodes/What-is-mixing-e1bj0ga"
appleUrl: "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-is-mixing/id1567355195?i=1000545510801"
spotifyUrl: "https://open.spotify.com/episode/6A1lErJuYF2Tca58Y212s1"

topicsDiscussed:
  - "Mixing"
  - "Singing and vocals"
  - "Spatial audio"
  - "Role of frequencies"
  - "Importance of lead vocals"
  - "Managing low-end frequencies"

hostNote: |
  Mixing is where individual tracks stop being ideas and start being a record. In this intro episode, I use the **balloon analogy**, every element you add changes what every other element sounds like: to explain why you can't treat anything in isolation.
  
  From there: why the lead vocal is the anchor point in most pop production, how the low end is the thing that'll come back to bite you if you defer it, and what compression actually does to dynamics versus what most people assume. Short and foundational.

selectedMoments:
  - label: "Introduction to Mixing Concept"
    startSec: 0
    note: "I introduce the concept of mixing and its significance in music production."
  - label: "Focus on Lead Vocal"
    startSec: 51
    note: "I discuss the importance of the lead vocal in pop music mixing."
  - label: "Mixing as an Art"
    startSec: 91
    note: "Comparing mixing to painting and photography, emphasizing focus and depth."
  - label: "Balloon Analogy for Mixing"
    startSec: 137
    note: "Explains how adding instruments affects the overall mix with a balloon analogy."
  - label: "Impact of Frequencies in Mixing"
    startSec: 181
    note: "Details how different frequencies interact when mixing instruments."
  - label: "Compressors in Mixing"
    startSec: 273
    note: "Discusses the role of compressors in audio and their effect on the mix."
  - label: "Low-End Management"
    startSec: 406
    note: "Stresses the importance of managing low-end frequencies in the mix."
  - label: "Creating Space in Mixing"
    startSec: 727
    note: "Explains techniques to create spatial effects through mixing."

excerptQuotes:
  - text: "Everything is relative to each other. So when we have a mix... just like I talked about before, it's like a balloon."
    startSec: 133
    reviewed: true
  - text: "Every time you add another instrument into your mix, every other instrument sounds different."
    startSec: 185
    reviewed: true
  - text: "...we can create the effect of putting things around your head and even more so now that we have binaural and spatial audio."
    startSec: 363
    reviewed: true
  - text: "...the elephant in the room, the main other thing that I like to get done first... is the low end."
    startSec: 410
    reviewed: true
  - text: "Using saturation liberally. I want to talk about that in the next pod."
    startSec: 946
    reviewed: true

faq:
  - question: "What is mixing in music production?"
    answer: "Mixing is the process of combining multiple audio tracks together, balancing levels, panning, and applying effects to create a cohesive final product."
  - question: "How does frequency affect mixing?"
    answer: "Frequencies interact with each other in ways that can either enhance or muddy a mix, with careful management needed to ensure clarity and impact."
  - question: "Why is the lead vocal important in a mix?"
    answer: "The lead vocal is often the focal point of a song, and its clarity and presence are crucial for the overall impact of the music."

transcriptPublished: false

draft: false
---