Should I mix and master while producing or wait until the song is finished?
Q&A
Jan 22, 2026
I mix as I produce rather than separating them into different stages, and I recommend doing what I call top down mixing a few times throughout the writing process (like when you've finished an intro, buildup, and drop). My philosophy is that if you give your individual channels everything they need (transient shaping, EQ, compression), they naturally add up to a loud, polished mix without heavy processing on the master. I find the traditional approach of finishing writing first and then mixing and mastering separately to be ineffective because it's all about maximum efficiency and getting results so you can keep it moving.
Post adapted from the video below:
At Futureproof Music School, you can upload your mixes to Kadence (Futureproof's AI music coach) for instant analysis of balance, EQ, compression, and arrangement, plus get personalized guidance from expert mentors to refine your mixing approach. Try it free to get feedback as you produce instead of waiting until the end.
Should I mix and master while producing or wait until the song is finished?
I don't wait until the end to mix. I mix as I go throughout the writing process, which means there's no separate "time to mix and master" phase when I'm done writing. This approach is way more efficient and keeps things moving forward.
When is the best time to pause and do some mixing during production?
I like to pause and mix at key milestones in the song. When you have an intro, buildup, big moment, and drop completed, that's a perfect time to do some top down mixing before moving forward.
Where can I learn more about mixing techniques like this?
I teach all of these mixing concepts in depth at Futureproof Music School. We cover everything from top down mixing to getting your tracks loud without limiters, plus you get access to workshops and Discord support.
Dubstep pioneer and touring artist with millions of streams. Known for his heavy bass drops and intricate sound design, Max has released on major labels and performed at festivals worldwide.