@natalieko
A sound engineer crafts a perfect mix by balancing audio elements with precision. Start with a clean recording, ensuring proper mic placement and gain staging. Use EQ to carve out space for each instrument, cutting unnecessary frequencies and boosting key ones. Apply compression to control dynamics, ensuring vocals and instruments sit well together. Add reverb and delay subtly to create depth without clutter. Pan tracks to build a wide, immersive stereo image. Monitor on multiple systems to ensure the mix translates well. Automate levels for dynamic shifts. Trust your ears, reference professional tracks, and iterate until the mix feels cohesive, clear, and emotionally impactful.