mix observation ​(worksheet) 

 
 
use this as a tool to develop a “2 second ear.” the process flows from 1) initial 
thoughts; 2) recording quality; 3) frequencies. after doing this for dozens of 
times, you will start to develop your 2 second ear without this worksheet. 
 
Click here to download this in Google Docs. 
(click “File”, then “Make a copy” to edit yourself) 
 
 
ARTIST:   
PROJECT:   
REFERENCE MIXES:  
COMPLETION DATE:   
 
INITIAL THOUGHTS: 
what style/genre is it?  
what instruments are they using?  
is it a band or solo artist?  
is the project about the vocalist or the band?  
do you like the music? dislike?  
are there a lot of tracks?  
is it a simple production? complicated production?  
expensive vs. cheap?  
does the artist seem to care more about the music or the mix? (very important) 
 
 

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RECORDING QUALITY: 
how much do you think they spent on this recording, on this mix?  
a good recording vs. a bad recording will dictate to you not only your client’s unwritten 
expectations, but also how much you need to pour into the master. 
modern vs. old school? 
organic vs. samples? 
laptop vs. studio?   
 
 

© Mastering.com - All rights reserved. Do not share, copy, reproduce or sell any part of this document unless you have written permission from Mastering.com. All
infringements will be prosecuted. If you are the personal owner of the Mastering..com End User License then you may use it for your own use but not for any other purpose.
 
FREQUENCIES: 
how is the sonic spectrum?  
how is the dynamic spectrum?  
a lot of low, mid, high end?  
what’s there too much of?  
what’s there too little of?  
harsh, boomy, shrill, thin, warm, compressed, headroom? 
if you were to mix this, what would you like to hear?  
how would you change the mix?  
understanding what you would do in the mix will allow you to have direction in how you master.  
what are the frequencies doing?  
what does the EQ spectrum look like in your mind and on your frequency analyzer? 
 
 

 
© Mastering.com - All rights reserved. Do not share, copy, reproduce or sell any part of this document unless you have written permission from Mastering.com. All
infringements will be prosecuted. If you are the personal owner of the Mastering..com End User License then you may use it for your own use but not for any other purpose.