choose a record that you think is especially well mixed.
Before you begin: Find a reliable source for the credits! Points will be deducted if you get this wrong. You should research multiple databases: Jaxsta, AllMusic, Discogs, TIDAL. The mixer’s website can also be a reliable source.
When you’re done listening, address these points:
Describe the record in terms of acoustic and synthetic sound sources. Does it sound as though there are many miked sources on this record or just a few?
Describe the drum sounds based on what you hear, not from online descriptions. Do the drums sound as if they were made by a drummer playing in the studio, a drummer with sound replacement, a drum machine, or programmed drums? (It can be very hard to know this for sure. Your answer should be based on your best guess—what it sounds like to you.)
How did the mixer balance the rhythmic, melodic, harmonic, and lyrical elements? Is one dominant over the others or are they all treated equally?
Describe the frequency spectrum based upon the distribution of low, low mid, upper mid, and high frequencies. Which instrument is the lowest in the mix? The highest? Are most of the supporting instruments in the same frequency range as the lead vocal or are they distributed above or below it? If there are broadband instruments such as piano or electric guitar on this record, does the performer use it over many octaves or stay in a narrow melodic range?
