How to Know When Your Song Is Ready for Mixing
One of the most common questions artists ask me is:
“How do I know when my song is actually ready to send for mixing?”
It is an important question, because there are really two extremes that hurt artists:
• Some people send songs too early and expect mixing to magically fix unfinished work
• Others sit on songs for months (or even years), constantly tweaking because they are afraid to commit
The truth lives in the middle. Your song does not need to be perfect. But it does need to reach a point where creative decisions are made, performances feel intentional, and the session is prepared enough for a professional mixer to elevate it.
If you’re on the fence, here is a clear guide to knowing when your song is ready.
Ask Yourself These 6 Quick Questions First
Before we even talk about file prep or technical readiness, it’s worth checking in on the creative side. These questions will tell you a lot:
1. Is the final vocal performance “the one”?
Vocals are almost always the centerpiece. They don’t need to be flawless, but they do need to feel honest, confident, and connected to the song.
If you find yourself thinking:
• “I might re-cut it later”
• “I hate how I sang that second verse”
• “Maybe a different mic would help”
You’re probably not on the final take yet - you don’t want to overdo anything, but feeling confident in the vocals is a key first step.
2. Are the performances intentional or just “good enough”?
Mixing can improve tone, energy, balance, and excitement…
But it cannot replace parts, intonation, and for a lack of better term, bad performances.
If there are guitar parts that feel sloppy, vocal edits that still bug you, or bass lines that you wish were tighter,
those should be addressed before the mix.
3. Are you done rearranging the song?
Be honest with yourself here.
If you’re still thinking:
• “Maybe we need another chorus”
• “Maybe that bridge is too long”
• “I might cut that extra guitar layer”
Then you are still in production mode, not mixing mode.
4. Do you have all the parts you want?
If you already know the song needs harmonies, percussion, extra ear candy, or a different instrument tone, it’s better to handle those first rather than force major production changes during mixing.
5. Are you still rewriting lyrics or melodies?
If the song is still creatively evolving, wait. Mixing is where we refine and elevate the song - not where we are still debating the song itself.
6. Does the song already move you in rough-mix form?
This is huge.
If your song already feels emotional, inspiring, or exciting before mixing, that is a great sign.
Mixing should feel like the final “wow” moment, not the first time the song starts working.
Technical Readiness Checklist
Now let’s talk about the practical side. Even the best song can hit a wall if the files are a mess.
Here is a simple checklist to make sure your session is ready to hand off:
• Nothing is clipping
If your tracks or buses are slamming in the red, reduce levels before bouncing. Distortion baked into a file cannot be undone.
• Files are clearly labeled
Nothing slows mixing down like tracks named:
Audio_25
NewVocal_Final_FINAL2
GTRleft maybe??
RoomMic Take ???
Label tracks clearly and professionally:
LeadVox
BG Vox - High
Snare Top
Kick Out
Bass DI
Rhythm GTR L
Rhythm GTR R
Etc.
• Sample rate and bit depth are consistent
Don’t mix 44.1 and 48.
Don’t mix 16-bit and 24-bit unless absolutely necessary.
As a general rule, all sample rates and bit depths should stay the same across all files.
• Print any intentional production effects
If there is a creative effect that is part of the song’s identity (special delay throws, sound design, crazy distortion, etc.), include those printed versions - and tell your mixer they are intentional. BUT, also include the dry versions so the mix can be elevated if possible.
• Remove unnecessary tracks
If you tried ideas and abandoned them, mute them permanently or delete them. Clutter creates confusion more often than not.
• Decide whether editing is complete
Some artists want tuning, timing, or drum editing included. Others prefer to do it themselves. Just be clear about it up front. All routes are acceptable and used at all levels of music production.
Emotional & Artistic Readiness
This part rarely gets talked about, but it matters.
Ask yourself:
• Can you confidently stop tweaking?
• Are you excited to hear your song professionally finished?
• Do you feel like you’ve taken the song as far as you can on your own?
If the answer is yes, you are probably ready for the mixing phase!
If you feel relief thinking about handing it off to a pro, that’s also a very good sign.
🟢 Final Signs Your Song IS Ready for Mixing
If you’re seeing most of this list, you’re in a great place to send your song off to be mixed:
• Performances feel intentional
• Vocals feel emotionally right
• Arrangement feels complete
• You’re not endlessly rewriting
• Session is organized
• Rough mix already has “magic,” even if it’s messy
At this point, mixing can truly do its job:
Enhance. Polish. Energize. Clarify. Emotionally elevate.
🔴 Signs Your Song Is NOT Ready To Be Mixed
On the other hand, you may want to pause if:
• You’re still unsure about major song elements
• You hate your vocal performance
• You’re actively still recording parts
• Your session is not yet organized
• You’re hoping mixing will “fix everything”
If that’s you - it’s not a problem. It just means you’re still in production mode. Take your time, finish the song properly, and then bring it to mix. The mixing phase is always here whenever the song is ready for it.
Lastly - When In Doubt, Ask!
Here’s something a lot of artists don’t realize:
You do not have to figure this out alone.
A good mix engineer is not just a button pusher - they are a collaborator, a guide, and someone who helps you cross the finish line with confidence.
If You’re Unsure… I’m Happy to Listen
If you’re close on your song, but unsure whether your track is ready for mixing, I’m happy to help.
Whether you recorded at home or in a pro studio, I can:
• Listen to what you have
• Give honest, constructive feedback
• Tell you exactly what (if anything) still needs work
• Or take it straight into mixing if it’s ready
When it is ready, I’ll turn it into a mix that feels big, emotional, and truly representative of who you are as an artist.
