Which process involves adjusting levels and effects in music?

The process of adjusting levels and effects in music is known as audio mixing. During this stage, various audio tracks are combined to produce a final sound that conforms to the intended artistic vision. This includes balancing the volume levels of different instruments and vocals, applying effects like reverb or compression, and ensuring that the overall mix sounds cohesive. Mixing is essential in music production, as it enhances the clarity and quality of the sound, allowing listeners to fully appreciate each element of the track.

In contrast, music composition refers to the creation of the music itself, including melody, harmony, and rhythm. Music editing typically involves refining and modifying recorded audio files, but it does not primarily focus on the blending and balancing of tracks as mixing does. Live performance entails the on-stage execution of music in real-time before an audience, which is a different context from the studio-based process of mixing audio tracks. Therefore, audio mixing is distinctively recognized for its role in manipulating and perfecting sound levels and effects in the music production process.