Bask - Shop now
Buy used:
$28.97
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime
FREE delivery Thursday, April 10 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or Prime members get FREE delivery Tuesday, April 8. Order within 7 hrs 23 mins.
Used: Very Good | Details
Sold by EastcoastProducts
Fulfilled by Amazon
Condition: Used: Very Good
Comment: Reading pages are clean with no markings

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is a service we offer sellers that lets them store their products in Amazon's fulfillment centers, and we directly pack, ship, and provide customer service for these products. Something we hope you'll especially enjoy: FBA items qualify for FREE Shipping and Amazon Prime.

If you're a seller, Fulfillment by Amazon can help you grow your business. Learn more about the program.

Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Mixerman
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Zen and the Art of Mixing: REV 2 (Technical Reference) Paperback – April 1, 2014

by Mixerman (Author)
4.8 out of 5 stars 95 ratings
In his first book, The Daily Adventures of Mixerman, the author detailed the frustrating and often hilarious goings-on during the process of recording a major-label band. Musicians, engineers, and producers laughed and cried at the crazy goings-on they'd never imagined – or recognized all too well. Now in his REV 2, fully updated edition of Zen and the Art of Mixing, Mixerman turns his razor-sharp gaze to the art of mixing and gives followers and the uninitiated reason to hope – if not for logic and civility in the recording studio then at least for a good sounding record. With a firm commitment to art over technology and to maintaining a grasp of each, Mixerman outlines his own approach to recording success, based on his years mixing records in all genres of music for all kinds of artists, often under trying circumstances. As he states in his introduction to the new volume, “Even if you're not a professional mixer, even if you're a musician trying to mix your own work or a studio owner in a smaller market, you have your own set of pressures to deal with while you're mixing. Regardless of what those pressures are, it's important to identify and recognize them, if for no other reason than so you can learn to completely ignore them.” But how?

“That's where the Zen comes in.”
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    312 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Hal Leonard Books
  4. Publication date
    April 1, 2014
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 0.93 x 7.69 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1480366579
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1480366572
Next slide of product details
The%20Amazon%20Book%20Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now

Editorial Reviews

Review

''I rarely say 'just go buy this' but in this case it is beyond a no-brainer . . . Beyond being an essential reference tool that I keep on my desk, this book is an entertaining and fun read on its own. From the highest level professional to the newbie hobbyist, this book is the best guide to making music out of recordings. I could fill the rest of the magazine with praise for the individual chapters, but you get the idea. Just buy it and thank me later.'' --Just Jazz Guitar, February 2015

About the Author

Mixerman is a Los Angeles based producer, mixer, and author who reaches a vast audience interested in the recording process and the music business through his popular blog The Daily Adventures of Mixerman (mixerman.net) and The Mixerman Radio Show (thewombforums.com).

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Hal Leonard Books; 2nd ed. edition (April 1, 2014)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 312 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1480366579
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1480366572
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.1 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.93 x 7.69 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 out of 5 stars 95 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Mixerman

Mixerman

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Mixerman, professionally known as Eric Sarafin, is a producer, mixer, and recordist with multiple gold and platinum sales awards to his name. After 25 years of operating out of Los Angeles, Mixerman currently resides in Asheville, NC, where he produces and mixes acts from around the world. Eric has worked with numerous National and International acts including The Pharcyde, Tone Loc, Spearhead, The Brand New Heavies, Ben Harper, Amy Grant, Lifehouse, Barenaked Ladies, Hillary Duff, Foreigner, and Australian phenom Pete Murray, just to name a few.

Mixerman gained notoriety as an author from his first work, The Daily Adventures of Mixerman, a satire of a Major Label recording session from the early aughts that delighted and surprised well over 150,000 readers. In 2008, Hal Leonard picked up his Adventures, and since 2010, Mixerman has written 5 books including Zen and the Art of Mixing 2021, Zen and the Art of Producing, Zen and the Art of Recording, followed by another music business satire #Mixerman and the Billionheir Apparent.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
95 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find the book highly readable and entertaining, with one noting it's a must-read for medium to advanced mix engineers. The book provides excellent insight, being philosophical and offering clear opinions on mixing processes. Customers appreciate its humorous take on audio mixing techniques.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

15 customers mention "Readability"15 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable and entertaining, with one noting it's a must-read for medium to advanced mix engineers.

"...Entertaining read. You will want to bookmark some spots for reference." Read more

"This Author is awesome. The way the words fit. Very good. I love this book. Must have." Read more

"Very precise and concise. Enjoyed reading it... and there is humor also. Highly recommend!" Read more

"Fantastic book. I have read art of recording as well. These are great books and in place of a mentorship to another actual experienced mixer this is..." Read more

10 customers mention "Insight"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's philosophical approach and comprehensive content, with one customer highlighting its clear explanations of mixing processes.

"...MM has very clear opinions of some processes, such as analog summing, and leaves you to agree or not...." Read more

"This book offers a mystical and intuitive perspective on mixing, making it stand out from other technical references...." Read more

"...And his experience speaks quite loudly. Secondly, I say this book is philosophical because it doesn't tell you what EQ settings to use, for example,..." Read more

"Very precise and concise. Enjoyed reading it... and there is humor also. Highly recommend!" Read more

5 customers mention "Audio mixing"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's approach to audio mixing, appreciating its humorous take on the subject. One customer describes it as the best book they've read on creating music.

"Thoughtful, sometimes very funny take on the arcana of audio mixing...." Read more

"...He simply shares from his experience. And his experience speaks quite loudly...." Read more

"A wonderful book on the subject of mixing audio. Mixerman nails it. I’ve read his entire collection of books which started with the survival guide...." Read more

"Great book!! Really gives perspective on mixing. And mixerman presents his thoughts in a very clear and down to earth manner...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Eric the Grey
    5.0 out of 5 stars sometimes very funny take on the arcana of audio mixing
    Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Thoughtful, sometimes very funny take on the arcana of audio mixing. MM has very clear opinions of some processes, such as analog summing, and leaves you to agree or not. I have yet to find anything I'd be willing to wrestle about, much less box.

    Entertaining read. You will want to bookmark some spots for reference.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Mark K.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Mixing with Heart and Intuition
    Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This book offers a mystical and intuitive perspective on mixing, making it stand out from other technical references. It emphasizes the importance of feeling your way through a mix rather than relying solely on technical precision, which was a refreshing take.

    What I enjoyed most was how it made the art of mixing feel accessible and human. It encourages you to trust your instincts and focus on the emotion and energy of a mix. While it includes practical tips, the true value lies in how it inspires a deeper connection to your work.

    Highly recommended for anyone who wants to elevate their mixing process with a more mindful and intuitive approach.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Elizabeth
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enlightening and Enjoyable
    Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Mixerman shares his experience and skills and insights.
    Helpful
     Report
  • mimi
    5.0 out of 5 stars Must have. Great book.
    Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This Author is awesome. The way the words fit. Very good. I love this book. Must have.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Wally & Fran
    5.0 out of 5 stars Honest, Philosophical, Comprehensive
    Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    This book was recommended to me by the guy that we hired to mix our past four albums. What I noticed and appreciated within the first few pages was the honesty. Mixerman doesn't claim to have all the answers. He simply shares from his experience. And his experience speaks quite loudly. Secondly, I say this book is philosophical because it doesn't tell you what EQ settings to use, for example, but instead it focuses on what matters, namely the song itself, and helps equip the reader to make the track the best it can be, making the song 'sing' (as he puts it). Finally, this book is comprehensive in that it deals with most (I am guessing) of what happens in the life of a mixer, from dealing with clients, to mix gear, to mixing techniques. I heartily recommend.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Risto Dimitrov
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Very precise and concise. Enjoyed reading it... and there is humor also. Highly recommend!
    Helpful
     Report
  • Damion B.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Worth the read!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Fantastic book. I have read art of recording as well. These are great books and in place of a mentorship to another actual experienced mixer this is the best thing you can do to further your skillset and mindset. Read this Book!
    Helpful
     Report
  • arrrtist
    4.0 out of 5 stars Insight from Experience
    Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Excellent insight from some one who obviously has considerable experience in the business. Not a how to book but rather an expose of the process.
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Eduardo A. Zanotti
    4.0 out of 5 stars Zen and the art of mixing. Vake a leitura.
    Reviewed in Brazil on January 23, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Não é um livro de mixagem dando diversas dicas de compressão, equalizacão, etc, mas sim mais quanto à postura sobre o negócio, o que focar, clientes, como não entrar em roubada.
    Gostei bastante.
    Report
  • Rob
    5.0 out of 5 stars Superb!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 22, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Superb!

    The effort that has gone into this book is truly inspirational.
    A forthright, professional approach to mixing with attitude. Makes you want to do it and believe you can or at least 'av a go.

    Any musician would benefit from having this on their reading list; this is a guy who wants to make us look good and help others do likewise.

    Does not overwhelm with technical info (though all essentials covered). The music always comes first which surely is the point.

    Great stuff. Check out his other books too...all excellent.

    Thanks Mixerman.
    Report
  • Andrew W.
    5.0 out of 5 stars this is a great book about the fundamentals of mixing a rock band
    Reviewed in Canada on June 13, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Even though it's a few year old, this is a great book about the fundamentals of mixing a rock band, without getting too deep into the technicalities of specific hardware , programs etc.
    Report
  • K. Neumann
    4.0 out of 5 stars Er kann's nicht lassen...
    Reviewed in Germany on October 21, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    ...und "prügelt" wieder an einigen Stellen auf Hobbyisten ein, die dieses ansonsten sehr empfehlenswerte Buch in die Finger kriegen. Beispielsweise könne man ohne einen Analogsummierer - er hat da gleich eine Empfehlung für ca. 4.000 € in petto - doch gar keine vernünftigen Mixe erstellen... das ist eins von zugegebenermaßen weniger Beispielen als in "The art of recording", aber ärgerlich trotzdem. Auch wenn er diese Aussage später im Buch relativiert, indem er allen "Gewerblichen" dringend empfiehlt, es auch mal mit einem Analogsummierer zu probieren, wirken solche Sachen auf mich als (sehr ambitionierten) Hobby-Recordler doch ziemlich arrogant.

    Dabei hätte er das gar nicht nötig, denn dieses Buch sprudelt ansonsten von guten Tips, Ideen und Herangehensweisen nur so über. Auch wenn man sicher nicht alles 1:1 verwenden kann, öffnen sich doch oft einfach beim Lesen neue Horizonte.
    Viele Tips, wie etwa die Strategie des Herangehens an einen neuen Mix, die räumlichen Ebenen beim Mixing oder etwa - am Ende des Buches - Strategien zum Umgang mit Band oder Produzenten (dem man zwar als Amateurmixer nicht begegnen wird...) bei der Präsentation des Mixes und Einholen der Meinungen dazu, kann man wunderbar für sich selbst anwenden, egal ob als Hobbyist oder "Pro".
    Von mir deshalb eine Kaufempfehlung, auch wenn mich die offensichtliche Arroganz gegenüber reinen Amateuren an einigen wenigen Stellen des Buches sehr geärgert hat. Wie schon gesagt, das hätte er gar nicht nötig gehabt...
    Report
  • Alec
    4.0 out of 5 stars Nothing technical. All about the feeling
    Reviewed in Germany on October 21, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This is a great book if you want to learn about the general process of musical creation. It's basically a dos and don'ts of music mixing. Ideal for beginners to learn what to expect when they go to a mixing engineer, and also ideal for mixing engineers who want to learn about mixer-musician relationships.
    Report