What Mixing and Mastering Really Mean (Without the Jargon or Eye Rolls)

Let’s Clear This Up

Mixing and mastering. Two words that get tossed around like confetti at a music tech convention. But what do they actually mean? If you’ve ever nodded along while someone said “It just needs more glue,” this post is for you.

Mixing: The Sonic Jigsaw Puzzle

Mixing is where your track stops sounding like a group chat and starts sounding like a song. It’s balancing levels, EQing instruments, adding effects, and making sure your kick drum doesn’t punch a hole through the Earth.

Think of it like cooking: you’ve got great ingredients (your stems), but now you need seasoning, heat, and plating. Mixing is where the magic - and the mild panic - happens.

Mastering: The Final Polish (aka The Fancy Bit)

Mastering is like ironing your shirt before a gig. It’s subtle, but it matters. It makes your track sound consistent across Spotify, radio, vinyl, or your mate’s dodgy Bluetooth speaker.

It’s EQ, compression, limiting, stereo enhancement - and a gentle scrub to make sure your mix doesn’t show up to streaming platforms looking like it just rolled out of bed.

Why It Matters (And Why I Care)

A great mix makes your song feel alive. A great master makes it feel finished. Skip either, and your track might sound like it’s still in rehearsal. I handle both, so you don’t have to Google “how to make my song not sound weird.”

My Approach

I use Cubase Pro, a hybrid workflow, and a healthy dose of caffeine. You get unlimited revisions, clear communication, and a final product that sounds like you, but shinier.

Let’s Make Something That Slaps

Got a track you love but it’s not quite there yet?
Let’s turn it into something you’re proud to share.
Start your mix journey →