In music, what is the primary goal of 'mixing'?

The primary goal of mixing in music is to combine all elements of a recording into a cohesive, polished sound. During the mixing process, various audio tracks, such as instruments, vocals, and effects, are adjusted in terms of levels, panning, and equalization. This ensures that each element can be heard clearly and that they work together harmoniously, enhancing the overall quality of the music. Mixing is a vital step before mastering, where the final tweaks are made for distribution. It is distinct from other processes like performing music live or writing lyrics, which serve different objectives in music production.