Ep04 - When is a Mix Done?

When Is a Mix Actually DONE? | Studio Stuff Podcast #04

Mixing a song feels like an endless loop sometimes—you tweak, adjust, listen again, and suddenly, you're back at square one. So, how do you actually know when a mix is finished? 

In this episode, Chris and Steve dive deep into the never-ending question: When is a mix really done? They break down their own mixing workflows, share the struggles of over-mixing, and reveal the mental tricks they use to finally let go of a project.

Plus, we get into mix revisions, dealing with client feedback (including the “my nephew is also a mix engineer” nightmare), and why it’s so much harder to mix your own music than someone else’s.

Oh, and if you've ever wondered whether Chris thinks in French while mixing, we take a fun detour into that too. 🇫🇷

You'll Learn:

✅ The telltale signs that a mix is done—and when you’re just overthinking it.
✅ Why mixing your own music is WAY harder than mixing for clients.
✅ The “85% Rule” that helps you let go of a mix before you start ruining it.
✅ When client revisions are valid—and when they’re just over complicating things.
✅ How getting mix feedback from others can actually save you from endless tweaks.
✅ Why mixing in mono can reveal hidden mix issues you’d never catch otherwise.

Topics & Stories:

📌 The Food Analogy: Why over-mixing is like rearranging food on your plate when you’re already full.
📌 Chris’s “First 100%” Rule: Why his first mix delivery is actually his 85%.
📌 Steve’s 13 Revision Client: Some people just love to tweak forever… and sometimes, that’s okay.
📌 The Classic Nightmare: When a client says, “I sent the mix to my cousin who’s also a producer...” 🚨
📌 Mixing Your Own Music: Why the closer you are to a project, the harder it is to finish it.
📌 Mixing in Mono: Does it really help, or is it just another unnecessary step?

Listener Q&A:

🎙️ “How do you decide when your mix is actually done?”
Chris and Steve break down their personal approaches—and why the “perfect mix” might not even exist.

🎙️ “Why mix in mono? What should I be listening for?”
Find out what actually matters when you collapse your mix to mono (hint: phase issues, masking, and weird balance shifts).

Final Takeaway:

At some point, you have to stop tweaking and let the mix go. If you’re making tiny changes that don’t really affect the overall impact—chances are, you’re done. Instead of endlessly tweaking, learn from your mix and improve on the next one.

📢 Join the conversation!
How do YOU decide when a mix is done? Do you have a system, or do you just go by feel? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 

Got a Question for a Future Episode?

We love hearing from you! If you have a question about mixing, recording, mastering, or home studio gear, send it our way.

📩 Submit your question here: Form Link
We’ll do our best to answer as many as possible in upcoming episodes!