Mixing Books are saying that “Practice makes perfect.” While that is true for most cases, sometimes it’s equally important to sit down and delve deeper into theories to know what works and how it does so.
If you’re just starting in the world of music production and want to create a solid foundation, reading some good mixing books will surely help you. Check out our list of top 10 mixing books you need to give a read this year.
Table of Contents
Best Mixing Books Review
10. Music, The Brain, And Ecstasy
Before everything, author Jourdain takes a moment to explain why music sounds so pleasant to the human ear and how a variety of sounds are capable of triggering unique responses. If you’ve ever wondered about the psychological reason behind you sobbing after a wailing Oboe, this book will reveal the answer.
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9. Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio
Mike Senior’s infamous Cambridge Multitrack Library can be termed the quintessential basic guide for hopeful mix engineers. On the other hand, his book Mixing Secrets For The Small Studio lays down a complete mixing course whilst keeping in mind the techniques and standards of over 100 of the world’s most accredited producers.
8. The Mastering Engineer’s Handbook
The third and final installment of the recording/mixing book trio from Bobby Owsinski, the Mastering Engineer’s Book follows in the footsteps of its ancestors to focus on the ins and outs of perfecting a track. You will get all the know-how and knowledge to make incredible sounding masterpieces on your own.
7. Behind the Glass
Author Howard Massey is seen in talks with many high-profile music producers and recording engineers. With guests like George Martin, Brian Wilson, Philo Ramone, the book gives readers a comprehensive view of each artists’ recording process, philosophy, and techniques.
6. Rick Rubin: In the Studio
The thing that makes this mixing book different from the rest is how closely it follows the life of music producer legend, Rick Rubin as he unearths his process and divulges secrets. Brown, the author, gives a glimpse of what it was like in the life of Rubin – from his early days to the moments he enjoyed his greatest achievements.
5. The Recording Engineer’s Handbook
After the Mixing Engineer’s Handbook, the Recording Engineer’s Handbook is another great read from Bobby Owsinski, and it’s the second installment of his music product book trio. Much like its predecessor, the book dives deeper into making techniques for recording any kind of instrument with a particular eye on making drums.
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4. How Music Works
While not explicitly a mixing book, How Music Works is a best-selling book that can easily be termed as a must-read for any music producer, musician, or artist. Music legend David Byrne presents a comprehensive look at everything one needs to create music. The author walks the reader through his interesting perspective on how location, context, set design, dance, technology, and many more play a role in making music.
3. Mastering Audio: The Art and the Science
The most thorough book on mixing that covers almost everything you need to know about mastering the mixing. This is another book that is strongly situated at the start of many audio engineers’ careers. Albeit a bit dense at times, Mastering Audio by Bob Katz contains pretty much everything about mastering and mixing in this edition.
2. The Mixing Engineer’s Handbook
For a comprehensive mixing book, pick up the Mixing Engineer’s Handbook by Bobby Owsinski – the first installment of the renowned production book trios which we shall get into later. This book provides an in-depth guide to the newest mixing practices while blending age-old, effective techniques.
1. Mixing with Impact
Author Wessel Oltheten explores multiple practical aspects of music mixing but amalgamates his expertise with artistically minded, useful advice. Apart from discussing the technical and creative aspects of making a mix, the author also talks in length about what the starting point is when someone just decides on joining the production world.
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Studying up is an amazing way to excel in music production. But remember, only when you start putting your knowledge to practice, that’s when the mixing books will be worth it. Keep learning but maintain a nice balance between theory and practice.
