mixing

The word “mixing” means the act or process of combining things, or the final blending stage of audio production. In plain terms, the act of combining things — physically or, in music, blending recorded tracks.

“Mixing” is pronounced MIHK-sihng (/ˈmɪksɪŋ/ in IPA).

Here is “mixing” used in a sentence: “Mixing the vocals and instruments took the sound engineer several days.”

“Mixing” is a noun.

“Mixing” is a fairly common word in modern English.

Mixing is the stage where individual recorded tracks are balanced, adjusted, and blended into one cohesive song, while mastering is the final polish applied to that finished mix to prepare it for release. Mixing works on the separate parts; mastering treats the whole track.

Both mean combining things, but blending usually implies merging items so thoroughly that they lose their separate identities, while mixing can leave the parts still distinguishable. In cooking you might mix ingredients loosely but blend them into a smooth purée.

Stirring is one method of mixing, moving a spoon or tool in circles, while mixing is the broader act of combining things by any means. All stirring is a form of mixing, but you can mix without stirring.