Mixing vs. Arranging: When to Do One and Not the Other in Music Production
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In the world of music production, one of the biggest mistakes aspiring producers make is blurring the lines between arranging and mixing. Have you ever found yourself lost in creativity, only to stop mid-flow and tweak a snare’s EQ? Or maybe you’ve spent hours perfecting a mix, only to realize your arrangement still lacks energy?
There’s a reason why the best producers separate these two tasks—and it has everything to do with how the brain works. In this article, we’ll explore the psychological and technical reasons why arranging and mixing should be treated as separate stages, and how doing so can drastically improve your music.
Understanding the Two Mindsets in Music Production
To truly master arrangement and mixing, it’s crucial to understand the two modes of thinking that occur during music creation:
1. The Creative Flow State (Arrangement)
The flow state is a psychological state where musicians and artists are fully immersed in creativity. In this state:
- Ideas come naturally and effortlessly.
- You’re focused on melodies, harmonies, chord progressions, and song structure.
- Time seems to disappear as you build the emotional core of your track.
Scientific research supports this idea. Studies on jazz musicians reveal that during improvisation, the brain deactivates its self-monitoring function (the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) while activating regions associated with self-expression. (Scientific American) This means that overanalyzing and making technical decisions during the creative phase can break the flow.
If you're interested in learning more about achieving a flow state in production, check out this deep dive by Mixmag on how top producers stay in the zone.
2. The Analytical Mode (Mixing)
Mixing, on the other hand, is an entirely different skill. It’s about:
- Precision, technical adjustments, and balance.
- Analyzing frequencies, dynamics, and stereo imaging.
- Refining the track so each element sits well in the mix.
Unlike arranging, mixing requires a structured, problem-solving mindset. It’s when your brain shifts from artistic expression to critical listening, using logical processes to make objective improvements rather than spontaneous creative decisions.
This is why trying to mix while you’re arranging can kill inspiration. If you get caught up tweaking EQs and compression settings before the track is even fully structured, you risk losing creative momentum and ultimately never finishing your song.
For an in-depth guide on mixing techniques, check out Sound on Sound’s latest articles on EQ, compression, and stereo imaging.
The Golden Rule: Separate Arrangement and Mixing
Most professional producers follow a workflow that respects these two distinct brain functions. Here’s how to do it:
1. Start with Full Creative Freedom (Arrangement)
When you begin a new track, focus entirely on composition: ✔ Lay down melodies, harmonies, and rhythms.
✔ Focus on emotional impact rather than technical perfection.
✔ Don’t worry about EQ, compression, or effects—just create!
At this stage, your goal is to “download” your creative ideas without distractions.
For inspiration, check out how artists like Lane 8, Ben Böhmer, and RÜFÜS DU SOL approach arrangement in their music. Read more on Beatport.
2. Clean Up and Organize Before Mixing
Once you have a solid structure: ✔ Eliminate unnecessary elements that clutter the arrangement.
✔ Ensure smooth transitions between sections.
✔ Make decisions about where elements should sit in the mix.
This is a pre-mixing phase, where you get your song ready for detailed technical work.
3. Shift to Mixing with a Fresh Perspective
Once your arrangement is solid, take a break—return with fresh ears to focus purely on mixing: ✔ Balance volume levels and apply EQ.
✔ Enhance dynamics with compression and automation.
✔ Add spatial effects like reverb and delay for depth.
Since the creative decisions are already locked in, you can now focus entirely on sonics and clarity.
Can Mixing and Arranging Be Done Together?
Some experienced producers develop the ability to make small mixing decisions while arranging. This happens because after years of practice, mixing becomes second nature. Think of it like riding a bike—once you master the basics, you can start doing tricks without losing balance.
However, if you’re still developing your skills, it's best to keep these stages separate. As you gain experience, you’ll instinctively know when to make minor adjustments without disrupting creativity.
For an example of a producer workflow, check out this Ableton tutorial from Point Blank Music School: Watch on YouTube.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Flow
One of the biggest killers of creativity is getting stuck in mixing too early. Your first priority should always be expressing your musical ideas freely. Only after your arrangement is fully developed should you switch into analytical mode for mixing.
By keeping these two processes separate, you’ll not only finish more tracks, but you’ll also produce higher-quality music—tracks that sound polished while retaining the emotional depth of your original idea.