Mixing vs mastering: what is the difference and do you need both?

What mixing does

Mixing combines all the individual recorded tracks, such as vocals, drums, bass, guitars and synths, into one balanced stereo song. The mix engineer sets volume levels, places instruments left and right, shapes tone with equalization, controls dynamics with compression and adds effects like reverb and delay. The goal is clarity and emotion: every part should be heard as intended, and the song should feel the way the artist imagined. Mixing is creative and detailed work, often taking several hours per song.

What mastering does

Mastering is the final step before release. The mastering engineer works on the finished stereo mix, not individual tracks. They make subtle adjustments to overall tone, balance and loudness, so the song sounds good on phones, car speakers, headphones and large systems. For an album or EP, mastering also makes the songs sound consistent with each other, with matching levels and smooth transitions. Finally, the engineer prepares files in the formats needed for streaming, download or physical release.

Side-by-side comparison

Preparing for mixing

• Export each track as a separate audio file, all starting at the same point in the song.
• Name files clearly, such as Lead Vocal or Kick, and include the tempo.
• Remove effects you do not want baked in, or send both dry and processed versions.
• Make sure edits are finished and vocals are tuned if needed; see our vocal tuning guide.
• Share a rough mix and one or two reference songs.

Preparing for mastering

• Export the final mix as a high-quality WAV file at the session's sample rate.
• Leave headroom: avoid limiting the mix to full loudness yourself.
• Tell the engineer where the song will be released and share references.
• For an EP or album, send the track order and any planned gaps between songs.

Do you need both?

If you recorded a song and have separate tracks, you need mixing, and almost always mastering before release. If you already have a finished mix you are happy with, mastering alone may be enough. If your mix has clear problems, such as buried vocals or harsh frequencies, ask for mixing rather than expecting mastering to fix it. Many engineers offer both as a package, which is convenient and often good value, while some artists prefer a separate mastering engineer for a fresh perspective.

A note on loudness

Many artists ask for their song to be as loud as possible. Streaming services, however, adjust playback so that songs play at similar levels, which means an overly loud master gains little and can lose punch and clarity. A good mastering engineer will aim for a level that suits your genre and the platforms you release on, keeping the dynamics that make the song feel alive. If loudness matters to you, share a reference track and discuss it openly rather than simply asking for maximum volume.

Also ask whether you will receive different versions, such as an instrumental, a clean edit or a version prepared for vinyl. Each may need separate mixing or mastering work, and it is easier to plan them from the start than to request them after release dates are set.

Revisions and communication

Listen to drafts on several systems, such as headphones, phone speakers and a car, before giving feedback. Describe what you hear in simple terms, like the vocal feels too quiet in the chorus, with timestamps. Agree on the number of revision rounds before work starts. Our mixing and mastering guide explains how to compare engineers and what packages usually include.