Many engineers are refreshingly open about their craft, laying bare their decision‑making processes in SOS interviews and online videos. But a problem remains for students of mixing: they’re watching different cooks making different dishes with different ingredients. There’s never really been an opportunity to compare how different world‑class mixers would tackle the same multitrack. Until now! We commissioned eight of the world’s top engineers and producers, whose professional experience spans everything from classical, jazz and pop right through to extreme metal, to mix and master the same song. It wasn’t a mix shootout, as such: rather, the aim was to reveal more about the different decisions, approaches and techniques of each engineer when presented with the same material and the same brief. This video accompanies the Masters of the Art of Mixing article published in SOS August 2024: For more information on the project and to download audio visit The mixes have been provided by: - Mark Mynett's Reference Mix - Andrew Scheps (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Adele, Johnny Cash, Beyoncé, Metallica) - Fredrik Nordstrom (In Flames, Opeth, Arch Enemy) - Jens Bogren (Opeth, Dimmu Borgir, Sepultura) - Mike Exeter (Cradle of Filth, Judas Priest, Black Sabbath) - Josh Middleton (Sylosis, Architects) - Adam 'Nolly' Getgood (Periphery, Animals as Leaders) - Dave Otero (Khemmis, Archspire) - Buster Odeholm (Born Of Osiris, Oceano, Hacktivist) Chapters 00:00 - Introduction To The Research 02:35 - Initial Mix Comparison 03:46 - Sense Of Depth & Realism 06:03 - Reverb & Space Comparison 07:04 - Differences In Low End Frequencies 10:19 - Width Of Guitars In Mix 13:15 - Isolated Guitar Section 15:18 - Considering Mix Cohesion In The Drums 18:48 - Reverb On Drums 19:31 - Comparing The Toms 21:42 - Panning Drums Audience Perspective Or Drummer Perspective? 23:45 - Comparing The Bass Guitar Tones 26:20 - Bass Guitar Note Definition 27:25 - Guitar Tone & Mix Context 31:53 - Different Approaches To Symphonic Components 34:11 - Comparing Vocal Harmonies 35:44 - Master Bus Processing Comparison 37:05 - Outro ______________________________________________________ Subscribe to Sound On Sound: Visit our main website (over 17,130 articles!): ______________________________________________________ Get FREE 170-page RECORDING TECHNOLOGY eBook: ______________________________________________________ Get 50% SAVING off a Sound On Sound Digital Subscription. Go to and apply Promo Code: SOSYT50 Like FACEBOOK: Follow X: Follow INSTAGRAM:
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