Mixing: balance
Mixing sets the relative level of every element. Voices come first, then music and effects. The aim is that nothing needs the listener to touch the volume.
On a conversation show, mixing mostly means matching two or more voices recorded in different rooms. On a produced show, it also means placing music and sound under narration.
- Level each voice to the same perceived volume.
- Reduce steady noise, such as hiss or hum, without dulling the voice.
- Control harsh peaks and mouth noise.
- Duck music under speech and bring it back between sections.
Mastering: the final file
Mastering prepares the whole episode for delivery. It sets integrated loudness, checks the true peak and exports in the agreed format.
- Integrated loudness of about −16 LUFS, within ±1.
- True peak no higher than −1 dBTP.
- Consistent loudness from one episode to the next.
- Export to the file format and bitrate in your quote.
What it cannot fix
Mixing improves a recording but cannot remove every flaw. Heavy echo, voices that clip, a guest too far from the microphone and constant loud noise limit what is possible. The recording checklist avoids most of them.
What to send
The original recordings, one file per person when you can, plus notes on music and where it should start and stop. If you have a spec from a platform or a client, send it too.