What is a Good Mix?
Abstract
This chapter covers what desirable characteristics in sound and a mix are – both artistic and technical. It explains how artistic characteristics are difficult to quantify and suggests how to set goals and develop a vision to work towards when mixing. Characteristics of stereo sound that can be adjusted and processed during mixing are also introduced, along with the processing tools used. The chapter emphasises that mixing starts in the music arranging and recording processes and there are limitations to what mixing can ‘fix’. It also introduces characteristics that mixing engineers should listen for.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Music Technology and Sound Studies
Musicology and Musical Analysis
Music and Audio Processing
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Focal Press eBooks
- Pages
- 1–16
- Publication date
- 6 February 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter