mixdown
Combining recorded tracks
A mixdown is the process of combining multiple audio tracks into a single stereo or surround recording.
In music production, the mixdown stage follows recording and precedes mastering—it's where levels, panning, and effects are balanced: We spent three days on the mixdown before sending it to the mastering engineer.
The term also refers to the resulting file itself.
Attaining full command
- multitrackMultiple parallel recording channels
- stereoTwo-channel audio system
- monoSingle, as prefix
- bounceSpring back after impact
stems · export · render · layering · summing · bus · print · arrangement
One who makes things
- consoleComfort in distress
- tracksMarks showing passage
- editModify written material
- spliceJoin end to end
cut · overdub · punch-in · comping · arrangement · session · recording · tape
Audio level slider
- volumeAmount of space filled
- gainPositive return received
- panningLateral camera traverse
- balanceSteadiness or amount owed
automation · compression · limiting · headroom · clipping · metering · peak · RMS
Making things uniform
- EQAudio frequency adjuster
- reverbProlonged sound reflection
- effectsConsequences or belongings
- filteringSelective passage of elements
high-pass · low-pass · notch · bandwidth · harmonics · resonance · clarity · muddiness
Indoor film production space
- imagingProducing visual representations
- depthDistance below surface
- separationState of being apart
- placementPutting somewhere specific
localization · surround · binaural · phase · correlation · ambience · room · dimension
mastering
Attaining full command
- multitrackMultiple parallel recording channels
- stereoTwo-channel audio system
- monoSingle, as prefix
bounce · stems · export · render · layering · summing · bus · print · arrangement · session
producer
One who makes things
splice · cut · overdub · punch-in · comping · arrangement · session · recording · tape · analog
fader
Audio level slider
balance · automation · compression · limiting · headroom · clipping · metering · peak · RMS · loudness
equalization
Making things uniform
filtering · high-pass · low-pass · notch · bandwidth · harmonics · resonance · clarity · muddiness · brightness
soundstage
Indoor film production space
- imagingProducing visual representations
- depthDistance below surface
- separationState of being apart
placement · localization · surround · binaural · phase · correlation · ambience · room · dimension · spread
mixdowntracking
Monitoring location over time
live capture · overdubbing · recording · multitracking · layering
down, mix, mixed, mixture, mixer, mixing, unmixed, downwards, remix