Different Types Of Mixes

When it comes to mixing for your clients, you will often need to deliver alternative versions of the mix. These are mixes that can be used for different situations, different types of placements, & various performance scenarios.

When we mix for our clients at SoundOracle.net we send all of these versions once the mix is finalized regardless if they are requested or not.

1. Original Mix - This is the mix as-is. Nothing is censored & nothing is muted from the final mix.
2. Instrumental - All of the vocals, including adlibs are muted. This mix only contains the instruments or beat.
3. A Capella - Only vocals. All of the instruments are muted. This is usually all of the vocals: lead vocals, background vocals, harmonies, & adlibs. The vocal reverbs, delays, & vocal effects usually remain in this version.
4. TV Mix - The lead vocals are the only thing muted. Background vocals remain on the track. This is the version an artist will use when they perform on TV or in front of an audience. Sometimes this version could be used for a commercial or ad placement.
5. Radio Edit - The biggest noticeable change in this mix is the explicit language will be censored or muted. Sometimes this may be a shorter version of the song too, so it can fit better in the rotation of radio stations. If the song has a long intro, outro, or an added skit, they may be cut to shorten the playing time of the record. A long solo or instrumental section of the song may be another area that gets cut.
6. Performance Mix - This is basically like the TV mix; however, some type of lead vocal at the request of the artist is left in. Often times it's the lead chorus vocals that remain intact. Sometimes the lead vocals will remain & the background vocals will be cut. It basically mutes the vocals that the artist would like to perform live & keeps the vocals they won't be performing intact.
7. Bonus mixes for produces! - When you get sync-placements you'll often be asked to deliver the full version, as well as a version that has the drums & bass muted.