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What is Air in Mixing?

Published in Audio Mastering Terminology 3 mins read

In audio production, "air" refers to the method of boosting high frequencies around the 15-20K Hz range to enhance the clarity and brilliance of a track. It's a technique often applied during the mastering process to give the final sound a super clean and sparkly quality.

Understanding "Air" in Audio Production

The concept of "air" in audio mixing and mastering isn't about literally adding atmospheric elements; rather, it describes a sonic quality. When producers talk about adding "air" to a mix, they are referring to a specific equalization (EQ) technique designed to:

  • Boost extremely high frequencies: Specifically, this involves increasing the gain in the ultra-high frequency spectrum, typically between 15,000 Hz and 20,000 Hz (15-20K Hz).
  • Enhance perceived clarity and sparkle: The goal is to make the sound feel more open, transparent, and detailed, giving it a polished and professional finish.
  • Create a sense of space: It can make a track sound less "closed-in" and more expansive, as if there's more breathable space within the soundstage.

How "Air" is Achieved

Adding air to a mix is primarily achieved using an equalizer (EQ), a tool that allows audio engineers to adjust the balance of frequencies within a sound.

  • EQ Application: Engineers use an EQ to apply a subtle, wide boost in the upper frequency range. This is often done with a "shelf" EQ, which boosts all frequencies above a certain point by a set amount, or with a wide "bell" curve centered around the 15-20K Hz area.
  • Mastering Process: While elements of high-frequency shaping can occur during the mixing phase, the addition of "air" is particularly prominent and crucial during the mastering process. Mastering is the final step in audio production, where the mixed track is optimized for playback across all systems and given its final sonic polish. This is where subtle enhancements like "air" can make a significant difference to the overall professional sheen.

Why Add "Air"?

The primary reasons for adding "air" to a track include:

  • Super Clean and Sparkly Sound: It helps achieve a highly polished and professional sound that stands out.
  • Enhanced Detail: It can bring out subtle details in cymbals, vocals, and other instruments that reside in the higher frequency spectrum.
  • Perceived Loudness: While not actually increasing the loudness in decibels, boosting these frequencies can make a track feel louder and more impactful.
  • Genre Suitability: It is often favored in genres that benefit from a bright, crisp, and modern sound, such as pop, electronic, and certain types of rock.

By carefully applying EQ to these high frequencies, audio engineers can impart a sense of openness and high-fidelity sparkle, ensuring the final result sounds refined and professional.