Mixing for Different Beasts: Streaming vs. Vinyl

After a decade or so in the trenches of mixing, I feel like I've seen the worst of the loudness and fidelity wars. But the battle between streaming and vinyl for audio dominance is a fascinating one for us audio engineers. Both have their strengths and quirks, and getting the most out of your mix for each requires a slightly different approach.

Streaming: Loudness Wars... (Mostly) Over

Back in the day, mastering for streaming was a loudness arms race. Brickwall compression was all the rage, sacrificing dynamics for sheer volume. Thankfully, streaming services have adopted loudness normalization. Now, it's about achieving a clear, balanced mix that translates well across different devices and speakers.

Here's my secret weapon for streaming: Reference tracks. Choose a few well-mixed and mastered songs in your genre that sound great on Spotify or Apple Music. Use them as a guide to ensure your mix sits well within the streaming landscape.

Vinyl: Respecting the Analog Groove

Vinyl is a whole different animal. The physical limitations of the format demand a more nuanced approach. Here's where those years of experience come in handy.

• Bass Matters: Low frequencies are vinyl's Achilles' heel. Excessive low-end rumble can cause the needle to jump. Use EQ and compression strategically to tame the bass without losing its punch.

• Mind the Stereo Spread: Overly wide stereo information can phase out on vinyl playback. Use mid/side processing or correlation meters to ensure a stable stereo image.

• Embrace the Warmth: Analog processing adds a subtle warmth to vinyl. Don't be afraid to use analog EQs or tape emulation plugins to add some character to your mix.

• The Final Word: It's All About the Song

Ultimately, a great mix transcends format. Focus on clarity, balance, and dynamics, and your music will sound good on headphones, speakers, and that sweet vinyl crackle. Remember, it's about serving the song, not chasing the latest trends.

- Moto