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What is Audio Mixing?
Audio mixing is the process of balancing, editing, and processing recorded sounds (vocals, instruments, effects, etc.) to make them sound professional and cohesive.

Basic Mixing Stages

1. Gain Staging (Adjusting Volume Levels)

   • Ensuring that recorded sounds have a balanced level.
   • Preventing distortion by controlling input levels.

2. EQ (Equalization - Frequency Adjustment)

   • Adjusting the frequencies of each instrument and voice, cutting unnecessary ones.
   • For example, enhancing mid frequencies for clear vocals, reducing low frequencies to prevent bass from overpowering.

3. Compression (Using Compressors)

   • Balancing sudden increases and decreases in volume.
   • Keeping vocals at a stable level.

4. Reverb & Delay (Adding Depth & Ambience)

   • Adding depth and atmosphere using reverb and delay.
   • For example, applying light reverb to vocals for a natural space effect.

5. Panning (Stereo Field Adjustment)

   • Positioning sounds left, right, or center to create stereo width.
   • Example: A guitar might be panned left, while a piano is panned right.

6. Automation (Dynamic Changes in Volume & Effects)

   • Adjusting sound levels or effects dynamically throughout the song.
   • Example: Raising the vocals in the chorus while lowering them in the verse.

7. Final Balancing (Overall Mix & Final Touches)

   • Ensuring all sounds fit together harmoniously.
   • Checking phase alignment, stereo balance, and removing excess noise.

Commonly Used Software & Equipment

• DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)
  • Logic Pro, Pro Tools, FL Studio, Ableton Live, Cubase, Reaper
• Plugins
  • Waves, FabFilter, iZotope Ozone, UAD, Soundtoys
• Monitor Speakers & Headphones
  • Yamaha HS8, KRK Rokit, Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Mixing is not about hearing things as they are, but as you want them to sound!