A fair comparison of two mixes begins by making them equally loud. Only then can you judge balance, clarity and space, which are the real differences between mixes.
It belongs to the SPM subjects and learning resources collection. To explain why you placed instruments as you did, see explaining arrangement choices in an original digital music sketch.
What is the match-then-compare routine?
- Match. Make both versions equally loud at your normal listening volume.
- Listen in turns. Play each version two or three times, switching back and forth.
- Judge one feature at a time. Balance, clarity, then space.
- Write what you heard. Name the part, the moment and the difference.
The matching step matters most. Without it, you will judge every other feature by which version is louder.
Worked example: two versions of one sketch
Sketch (original). A 16-second loop with a drum pattern, a bass line and a short melody on a synth.
Mix 1. Every track is turned up. The overall sound is loud, but the bass and the drum kick share the same low range. The melody is partly hidden.
Mix 2. The overall level is lower, but the bass is cut slightly where the kick hits, and the melody is placed slightly higher than the drums.
Before matching: Mix 1 sounds better because it is louder. After lowering Mix 1 to match Mix 2, the comparison changes.
| Feature | Mix 1 (matched) | Mix 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Balance | Bass and kick compete | Bass steps back when the kick hits |
| Clarity | Melody partly hidden | Melody clear above the drums |
| Space | Crowded in the low range | Each part has its own range |
Explanation. After matching, Mix 2 is clearer because the bass and kick no longer overlap and the melody is easier to follow. Mix 1 only seemed better when it was louder.
The mistake: equating loud with good
The common slip is to write “Mix 1 is better because it is louder and more powerful”. Loudness is a level, not a quality, and it depends on the playback volume.
| Step | Weak | Stronger |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | Play both at different levels | Match levels first |
| Judgement | “Louder and more powerful” | “The melody is easier to follow” |
| Evidence | (none) | “The bass and kick overlap in Mix 1” |
Keep notes by moment
Write the time in the loop where you hear each difference, such as “at 4 seconds the kick and bass merge”. A timestamp makes your claim something another listener can check.
If you cannot name a moment, replay the section until you can. A comparison without a moment is an impression.
What stays outside online lessons?
Assessed digital-music projects, their software and any files required by your school stay with your school and teacher. One-to-one online lessons can help you set up a fair comparison and write about it, using your own original sketch.
Check yourself
Situation (original). You compare two versions of a short sketch. Version A is louder and sounds more exciting at first. Version B is quieter.
You match the levels, and now Version B has a clearer vocal and Version A sounds crowded. Which is better, and what should you write?
Answer
After matching, Version B is better for clarity. Write: “When I matched the levels, Version B’s vocal was easier to follow, while Version A sounded crowded because several parts shared the same range. Version A sounded better at first only because it was louder.”
The judgement rests on the matched comparison, not the first impression.
What to study next
Make two versions of one of your own sketches, match them, then write a three-row table like the one above. Check your written explanation with the structured-answer self-review tool.
If you want a teacher to help you set up fair comparisons, see online one-to-one Computer Music tuition.