Music mixing is the process of combining, balancing, and refining individual audio tracks (like vocals and instruments) from a recording to create a cohesive and well-balanced final song, or "mixdown". Mixing engineers use various tools, such as volume levels, panning (placement in the stereo field), equalization (EQ), compression, and reverb, to ensure all elements fit together harmoniously, sound sonically pleasing, and occupy their own space within the overall mix. Mixing involves balancing and blending individual audio tracks within a song to create a cohesive whole, using effects like EQ and compression to shape each sound and its placement. Mastering is the final stage, applying high-level EQ, compression, and limiting to a completed stereo track to optimize its overall loudness, sonic balance, and consistency for distribution across different listening systems. A strong mix is crucial because mastering cannot fix fundamental issues in a poor mix; mastering is like a final "polish" to an already excellent product, not a rescue for a bad one.
