Zen and the Art of MIXING (Paperback or Softback)

Want to mix like a pro? Start by thinking like one.

Learn to mix music with confidence from multi-platinum mixer and producer Mixerman.

There are plenty of books on mixing music. But few are written by major label mixers who’ve actually earned gold and platinum records for their work. Why does that matter? Because those are the very records you’re comparing your own mixes to. So why would you learn how to mix from someone whose discography looks just like yours?

What sets great mixers apart isn’t just technical know-how—it’s how they think musically. It’s how they approach space, structure, movement, and emotion all in service of the song. That’s the focus of Zen & the Art of MIXING.

While other books stick to the mechanics of mixing sound, I explain the thinking behind high-level mixes that cause a reaction. This book explores:

• How to think about space—frequency, width, depth, reflectivity, contrast, and balance
• How to use distortion, compression, plugins, and sound design to your advantage
• How to EQ and balance your parts
• Arrangement strategies that maximize the mix and production
• Musical function in an arrangement
• How to use contrast and balance to create energy and excitement
• Mixing techniques that enhance forward motion and emotional payoff
• Concrete strategies for mixing vocals
• Automation for purposes of refinement and control
• Ways to overcome self-doubt and build creative confidence
• How to mix with purpose—aggressively and decisively—in service of the song
• How to avoid oversaturation, confusion, and frustration through speed
• Home studio mixing
• Mastering your finished mix
• And most of all, how to set your mixes apart from everyone else’s

Mixing is an Attitude

When I think back to my best mixes—regardless of their commercial success—they all share one thing in common: I was in a flow. I wasn’t overthinking. I wasn’t chasing approval. I wasn’t afraid to fail. I made bold decisions quickly, trusted my instincts, and let the music lead the way.

That’s the headspace you want to be in when you’re mixing music. But you won’t get there if you're focused on all the wrong things—like plug-in obsession, second-guessing your earlier decisions, or chasing sound rather than a reaction. Great mixes cause an emotional reaction. This is the only book on mixing that teaches you how to maximize that reaction so that your music production and song are both effective and compelling.

Easy to read

Unlike most technical books on mixing, Zen & the Art of MIXING is written for creative minds. It's not some dry book about audio engineering. Readers who normally struggle with production books often tell me they flew through this one—and then went back for a second pass. In fact, it's the kind of book that you can read many times and you'll pick up something else as you do. It’s sharp, engaging, and brutally clear.

Professional mixers swear by this book, because it's the only book on mixing that addresses what makes a mix great. They recommend it to assistants. They gift it to clients. They revisit it before big projects. Why? Because it reminds them how to think—not just how to tweak. Anyone can deliver a mix. Few can deliver a great mix, and there's no reason why it can't be you.

Whether you're mixing in your bedroom or a multi-million-dollar studio, this book will help you hear differently, decide more confidently, and create mixes that move people.

Boost Your Confidence Now

You can spend the next decade mixing two songs a day to get there. Or you can get Zen & the Art of MIXING, and I'll explain the thinking behind great mixing. And then watch your confidence soar.

There's a reason why this is my most popular work!

Mixerman here. My friends call me by my given name, Eric Sarafin. I've worked with many gold and platinum selling national and international acts, including The Pharcyde, Ben Harper, Spearhead, Jeff Lorber, Tone Loc, Lifehouse, Barenaked Ladies, Amy Grant, Pete Murray, and Foreigner, and that's just to name a few. I gained notoriety as Mixerman when I published my diary The Daily Adventures of Mixerman, which was posted online to the delight of over 150,000 fans. Since that time I've written a number of books on the recording arts, including this one.