Mixing vs Mastering: Preparing Your Track for Release
Know the difference between a musical mix and final delivery preparation, and avoid loudness myths.
A mix balances the song
Mixing makes instruments and musical elements work together using volume, EQ, compression, panning, ambience and arrangement choices. Start here before reaching for a final loudness control.
Mastering checks the deliverable
Mastering prepares the stereo result for its destination. Checks include clipping, true-peak risk, dynamic balance, loudness and format. There is no single universal loudness target: platforms, labels and performance contexts have different expectations.
Export with intent
Listen to the full SoundCode Session and export a WAV. Check the beginning and end, compare on headphones and speakers, and verify that no section contains unexpected silence or distortion.