Mixing is often seen as the final polish in music production, but many artists—especially those hiring a mixer for the first time—misunderstand what mixing actually entails. They may expect a mixer to edit performances, produce creative elements, or even finalize incomplete arrangements, leading to miscommunication, frustration, and ultimately, an unsuccessful collaboration.
In this blog, we'll break down why communication matters, how to set boundaries, and how to ensure a smooth mixing process that leads to successful outcomes for both the artist and the mixer.
1. What Mixing Is (And What It Isn’t)
A major issue in many mixing projects is a fundamental misunderstanding of what mixing actually includes.
Mixing IS:
Balancing instrument and vocal levels
Adjusting EQ, compression, and spatial effects to create clarity
Enhancing dynamics and making the mix cohesive
Applying automation and minor corrective tweaks
Mixing IS NOT:
Editing performances (quantizing drums, tightening guitars, tuning vocals)
Choosing amp tones and drum samples for the artist
Adding new elements or sound design
Rewriting arrangements
Mixing is not production—it is about making the production sound the best it can be. If the production isn’t finished, the mix will suffer.
Many inexperienced artists assume that the mixer will fix everything, from messy guitar tracks to out-of-time drums. The reality is that mixers aren’t miracle workers—the quality of the raw recordings directly impacts the quality of the final mix.
2. Setting Clear Expectations Before You Mix
A. The Importance of an Initial Conversation
Before starting a mix, it’s crucial to ask the right questions to ensure both you and the artist are on the same page. If an artist has never worked with a mixer before, they may not know how to communicate their needs properly.
Essential Questions to Ask Before Mixing:
Have all production decisions been finalized? (Are tones, synths, drum samples locked in?)
Do you need any editing before mixing? (Tuning, timing correction, sample replacement?)
What are your reference tracks, and why do you like them?
What is your goal for this mix? What should it feel like?
Are there any specific concerns you have about the tracks?
This initial conversation saves time by identifying potential issues before they become problems. It also helps set the tone for the project, making sure the artist understands that mixing is a collaborative process, not a guessing game.
B. Asking for Printed Tones & MIDI Commitments
Many metal musicians send only DI guitars and MIDI drums and expect the mixer to choose their tones, drum samples, and even synth sounds. But at this point, the role of the engineer bleeds into production, which goes beyond the scope of mixing.
Instead, it’s a great idea to ask for printed tones as a reference, even if you plan to reamp or replace them later. This way, you know what the artist envisioned instead of making a guess, only to find out later that it’s not what they wanted.
Best Practice: Ask the artist to print their best version of every track and send it along with the raw DIs and MIDI. This keeps everyone aligned on the creative vision.
3. Red Flags That Signal a Project Might Be Trouble
Some projects aren’t the right fit, and learning to identify red flags early can save a lot of stress, time, and frustration.
1. The Artist Says, "Just Make It Sound Like [Insert Band Name]" Without More Direction
A vague request like “Make the drums sound like Meshuggah and the guitars like Periphery” is not enough direction.
Mixing is not a copy-paste process—it depends on how the original material was recorded and produced.
Solution: Ask them what they specifically like about the reference tracks (snare punch, guitar clarity, low-end thickness).
2. The Artist Keeps Changing Their Mind Mid-Mix
If an artist constantly requests major changes that alter the mix direction, it’s often because they didn’t finalize their vision before hiring a mixer.
Solution: Have clear checkpoints in the mixing process where revisions are addressed in batches instead of a constant stream of changes.
3. The Artist Doesn't Understand What They Want
If an artist can't articulate what they like or dislike, it becomes impossible to satisfy them.
Solution: Use reference tracks and side-by-side comparisons to help them decide.
4. The Artist Expects Free Production Work
If the artist hasn’t finalized their arrangement and expects you to fix it, you’re being asked to be a producer, not just a mixer.
Solution: Politely explain that additional editing or sound selection is a separate service and offer to discuss it as a paid add-on.
5. You Feel a Gut Instinct That Something Is Off
If you sense that a project is going to be a nightmare, trust your instincts. Not every client is the right fit.
4. Standing Up for Yourself & Establishing Boundaries
A. It’s Okay to Say No
If a project is clearly not the right fit, politely decline before you waste hours on revisions. It’s better to walk away early than to force a situation that isn’t working.
B. Setting Clear Revision Policies
One way to prevent endless mix changes is to establish a clear revision policy upfront.
Example Mix Revision Policy:
2 Free Revisions (after that, additional changes cost extra).
All revision requests must be provided in one document or email.
Production changes (like swapping samples or reamping) will be charged separately.
A well-defined revision policy protects your time and ensures the artist takes revisions seriously instead of making endless tweaks.
5. Final Thoughts: Key Lessons for a Smooth Mixing Process
Here are three critical lessons to keep in mind when working with artists on mixing projects:
Lesson 1: Communicate Expectations Clearly From the Start
Define what mixing includes and what it does not.
Ask the right questions before accepting a project.
Lesson 2: You Are Not the Right Fit for Every Project
Not every artist is a good client, and that’s okay.
Learn when to walk away professionally.
Lesson 3: Set Boundaries & Respect Your Own Time
Avoid being pressured into production work for free.
Have clear policies for revisions and mix expectations.
Even the most experienced engineers occasionally lose a project due to mismatched expectations. The key is to learn from each experience and improve communication for the next one.
Conclusion: How to Avoid Mixing Nightmares
If you’re a mixer, educating your clients and setting clear boundaries will prevent frustrating situations. If you’re an artist, understanding what mixing actually entails will help you communicate effectively and get the best possible mix.
The best mixing projects happen when both sides are aligned in expectations and workflow. By setting clear guidelines, understanding artist goals, and ensuring production is finished before mixing, you can create a smooth and successful experience—without unnecessary stress.
What do you think? Have you ever had a project go wrong due to miscommunication? Let’s discuss in the comments!
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