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What is Mix Analysis in Recording Studios?

Mix Analysis is the process of evaluating the quality, balance, and technical accuracy of an audio mix. Various technical tools and listening techniques are used to determine whether a mix sounds clean, balanced, and commercially ready.

 Mix Analysis Stages

1. Frequency Balance Analysis (EQ Analysis)

Objective: Ensure that each instrument is heard in its proper frequency range.
 How it’s done?

• Spectrum analyzers check for excessive or missing frequencies in specific ranges.
• For example, too much bass (20Hz - 250Hz) can make the mix muddy, and lack of high frequencies (5kHz - 20kHz) can make it sound dull.

 Tools:

• FabFilter Pro-Q 3 (Analyzer)
• iZotope Insight
• Voxengo SPAN

2. Dynamic Range & Compression Analysis

 Objective: Ensure volume levels are balanced.
 How it’s done?

• Overcompressed mixes can sound lifeless, while undercompressed mixes can be unbalanced.
• The average loudness (LUFS) and peak levels (dBFS) are analyzed.

 Tools:

• Waves WLM Loudness Meter
• iZotope Insight
• Youlean Loudness Meter

 Example Standards:

• Spotify / Apple Music LUFS: -14 LUFS
• CD Mastering LUFS: -9 LUFS

3. Stereo Width & Panning Analysis

 Objective: Ensure a balanced stereo image.
 How it’s done?

• M/S (Mid/Side) analysis checks the mono and stereo balance of the mix.
• A mix that is too wide may sound unbalanced on some playback systems.

 Tools:

• Waves S1 Stereo Imager
• iZotope Ozone Imager
• Brainworx bx_control

 Tip: Important elements should still sound clear in mono, as some playback systems may not reproduce stereo properly.

4. Phase & Mono Compatibility Analysis

 Objective: Ensure the mix sounds good on mono systems.
 How it’s done?

• Phase cancellation issues can cause certain sounds to disappear when played in mono.
• Kick, bass, and vocals should be centered in mono.

 Tools:

• Waves InPhase
• Voxengo PHA-979
• Izotope Ozone

 Test:

• When switching to mono, no essential sounds should disappear!

5. Critical Listening

 Objective: Compare the mix with professional reference tracks.
 How it’s done?

• Reference tracks are used for comparison.
• The mix is tested on studio monitors, headphones, and different playback systems.

 Tools:

• ADAM Audio, Yamaha HS8 (Flat Monitors)
• Sonarworks Reference 4 (Headphone & Speaker Calibration)
• AudioCheck.net (Test Sounds)

 Test Environments:
✅ Studio Monitors
✅ Headphones
✅ Car Speakers
✅ Phone Speakers

Conclusion

✅ Mix Analysis helps determine if a mix is technically solid.
✅ Professional mixes are evaluated based on frequency balance, dynamics, stereo width, and phase compatibility.
✅ With mix analysis, music sounds clean and balanced on all playback systems.

Which stage of mix analysis would you like to focus on?