Mixing is a process that combines multiple sounds into one or several channels. This combination includes multitrack recordings that transform into a final mono, stereo, or surround sound product. Within this process, you alter or enhance the source of the volume level, the dynamics, the frequency content, and the panoramic position. In addition, you adjust and balance volume levels through equalization and compression.
The aim of audio mixing is to balance audio levels, to cover several frequencies, to add effects to dry audio tracks, and to remove errors and unwanted content.
How to Employ Mixing
Mixing is the last step towards the final product. It is a creative process that produces a finished version of a certain track. Moreover, it transforms ordinary sounds into ones that are attractive to listeners. This process is common in the music industry, as well as in live performances, television, and film.
Mixers are devices that accept, combine, process, and monitor audio. They can be either analog or digital. Most mixing engineers work on a DAW or mixing console to achieve the process accurately.
Audio Mixers
An audio mixer is the most important piece of the mixing process and it offers several functionalities. The most common ones are routing source signals to internal buses or external devices and effects. This sums signals together by a simple algorithm, as well as on-board processors with compressors and equalizers. They operate in a quite simple way. To begin, they take two or more audio signals and merge them together. Thus, they offer one or more output signals.
Conclusions
The aim of the mixing process is to ensure that all the individual sound sources form a harmonious final product. Mixers are essential to ensure high-quality audio in different scenarios.
