Hip-hop mixing and mastering

Prepare the material

Sunset is mixing and mastering software. Use aligned stems for a stem-mixing workflow or a stereo premaster for mastering. Keep an untouched copy of the source files and write down the reference and delivery format before processing.

Balance for this arrangement

Start with the relationship between the kick and bass. Listen for passages where one masks the other, then check the vocal against the full arrangement. Do not use a louder playback level as evidence that the mix improved.

Compare and deliver

Choose a reference with a similar low-end role and vocal style. Compare at a matched listening level, focusing on bass definition, vocal intelligibility and whether transients still feel clear.

The browser audition provides up to 30 seconds of mastered playback with local processing. Full export and the native workflow are in the Mac app. Review the complete exported file, its start and end, and the requested format before delivery.