Step 5 of 13 · Polish

Mixing

Mixing balances levels, EQ, compression and space so every element is clear and the track translates across speakers. AI mixing assistants (iZotope Neutron, RoEx) can get you 80% there fast; experienced ears still win on character. If your track came from a single AI generation (no stems), mixing is light — focus on tone and loudness prep for mastering.

The steps

  1. 1Set static level balance first; solo nothing — mix in context.
  2. 2Carve space with EQ (cut clashes before boosting); control dynamics with gentle compression.
  3. 3Add depth with reverb/delay sparingly; keep the vocal and groove up front.
  4. 4Reference a commercial track at matched loudness.
  5. 5Export a mix with headroom (peaks ~-6 dBFS) for the mastering stage.
🤖 AI path

Single-generation AI tracks need only light tone shaping; if you have stems, AI mix assistants speed up a balanced starting point.

🎤 Indie path

Full multitrack mixing in the DAW, or hire a mix engineer for important releases.

🔗 Where they meet

Leave headroom and reference at matched loudness regardless of how the track was made.

The verdict

AI mix assistants get you a fast, balanced starting point, but the universal rules still win: balance first, cut before boost, and leave headroom for mastering.

FAQ

Do I need to mix an AI song that came as one file?

Only lightly — you can't unmix a single stereo file much. Focus on tone (EQ), gentle dynamics, and leaving headroom for mastering. Split stems first if you need real control.