What does it mean to have a cohesive mix?
So, what does it mean to have a cohesive mix and how should a mix sound before mastering? Cohesion means that elements are united and are working together effectively. In mixing music, a cohesive mix should guide the listener’s ear in an intentional way to maximize the emotional impact of the song.
If we’re trying to leave the listener with a sense of peace, you might soften the entrances of instruments so they blend and swell together. If we’re trying to confuse the listener or give them anxiety, we can use volume, panning automation, and distortion as tools to do so.
The first thing to do when you’re approaching a mix is to define your goals. When you have a clear vision of what you’re working toward it becomes much easier to make decisions in a mix. That’s all mixing is really: making decisions about tone, volume, balance, clarity, and more. These decisions should be made with the artistic goal of the mix in mind.
