Mixing vs. Mastering - Educ(AI)tion: AI & Music Industry Mastery

Dripp
Jan 24
4 min read

Updated: Feb 4

"A great mix makes a song sound good. A great master makes it sound finished."

— Every Pro Engineer Ever

When Is Your Song Truly Ready for Release?

In the EducAItion: AI & Music Industry Mastery series, we’re all about helping artists make smart music business decisions. And one of the biggest decisions you’ll face in music production is when your track is truly ready for release.

Common questions artists ask is: Can I release a song if it’s only mixed but not mastered?When should I invest in mastering? Does mixing and mastering affect my chances for sync placements?

Let’s break it all down.

What’s the Difference Between Mixing & Mastering?

Before deciding whether your song is ready, you need to understand what mixing and mastering do. Think of mixing as cooking a dish and mastering as plating it beautifully for presentation.

Mixing = Balance & Clarity

Adjusts the levels of instruments and vocals to create a cohesive sound.
Enhances raw vocals, ensuring they are strong and dynamic for maximum flexibility in the mix.
Applies EQ, compression, and reverb to shape the tone, depth, and space of the track.
Ensures clarity and separation between elements, preventing muddiness and allowing each part to shine.
Focuses on making the track sound good within itself

Mastering = Final Polish & Loudness

Adjusts overall EQ, compression, and stereo width
Brings volume to industry standard levels
Ensures consistency across all playback systems
Prepares the track for streaming, vinyl, or CD formats

Can You Release a Song with Just a Mix?

The short answer? Yes, but it’s risky.

If you’re just uploading to SoundCloud for feedback or sending a demo to a producer, label, or collaborator, a solid mix is enough, or if you have a strong industry relationship, you can probably get away with only a mix. But, if you’re planning to release your song on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or TikTok, skipping mastering can lead to major problems like: inconsistent volume compared to other songs, loss of dynamics when played on different devices, not hitting the loudness standards of streaming platforms, or poor sound quality in a club, car, or headphones.

Streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal use loudness normalization, meaning your song will automatically be adjusted—and if it’s not mastered, it could end up sounding quieter or less polished than others in a playlist.

Bottom Line: if you care about how your music sounds on all platforms, mastering is a must.

When Does It Make Sense to Master Your Song?

1. You’re Releasing the Song on Streaming Platforms

If you’re dropping a single or album on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube, mastering ensures your song is competitive with other tracks.

2. You’re Pitching for Sync Licensing

Music supervisors for TV, film, ads, and games want broadcast-quality tracks. A mixed but unmastered song might sound weak when played alongside fully mastered songs in a commercial, movie, or trailer.

Pro Tip: Many sync libraries require both a mastered version and a mix-only version (to allow for customization in film editing).

3. You’re Pressing Vinyl or CDs

Mastering for vinyl and CDs is different from digital mastering. A track mastered for streaming might not sound great on vinyl due to format limitations.

4. You’re Sending the Song to Playlists or Radio

Spotify playlists and radio stations compare your song’s loudness to others. If your track isn’t mastered, it won’t stand out in a curated playlist or rotation.

5. You Want the Best Version of Your Work

If you spent time and money recording, producing, and mixing your track, why not finish strong? Mastering brings everything together and ensures your music sounds professional.

How to Master Your Music (Budget & Pro Options)

DIY Mastering (Budget-Friendly Options)

These are great for demos, rough masters, and indie releases if you’re working with a tight budget.

Landr – AI-powered mastering with quick turnaround
iZotope Ozone – Software for self-mastering with presets
BandLab Mastering – Free, AI-assisted online mastering

Professional Mastering (Best for Commercial Releases)

If you’re serious about your career, investing in a professional mastering engineer can elevate your sound and ensure you’re getting the most out of your mix.

Hire a mastering engineer – Costs range from $50 - $300 per track, but the quality is worth it.
Use an online mastering service with real engineers – eMastered, Metropolis, or Abbey Road Studios Online.
Hughes Media Group and The Auditory Life, led by Shamel Hughes, offers unique creative content services that clarify your message, target your audience and generate sales for your company.

Final Thoughts

Try Not To Skip the Final Step

If you’re only sharing a demo, a great mix is good enough. But if you’re planning to release your song commercially, mastering is non-negotiable.

Your Next Steps

Double-check your mix – Are all elements balanced?

Decide your release strategy – Streaming? Sync? Vinyl?

Pick a mastering solution – DIY or hire a pro?

Test your master on different speakers – Headphones, car, phone, and monitors.

Have you ever released a song without mastering? What was your experience? Drop a comment below!