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As per title...there is no right/wrong answer to this question, just curious as to people's opinions on what they personally consider to be important.

Clear, well defined sounds.
Be it bass, percussion, atmosphere, etc.

Electric_Head wrote:Clear, well defined sounds.

So tunes with sounds less 'crisp' would be classed as having poor mixdowns...I'm thinking in terms of deliberately distorted elements here.

For me a good mixdown would be clear definition frequency wise for bass, mid, tops. To be able to hear everything in the mix at low volume. Good use of stereo field/panning etc. Gain structure must be spot on and nothing too in your face, i,e snare/hi hats too loud.

wub wrote:

Electric_Head wrote:Clear, well defined sounds.

So tunes with sounds less 'crisp' would be classed as having poor mixdowns...I'm thinking in terms of deliberately distorted elements here.

valid point

I guess if you talk about it in that regard then a good mixdown is one which is neutral sounding across most systems??
Neutral being a mixdown's elements that do not stand out on one system compared to another.

A good mixdown is one that showcases the piece of music in the most sympathetic way possible. Whether it is one that is supposed to be hard as nails and cut through steel or one that is more subtle and designed to take the listener on a journey. A good mixdown should allow the composer to project the intended emotion/feeling to somebody listening on any system (headphones, club etc) without inconsistencies in balance (i.e snare too loud) detracting from the experience.

Aside from the fact that nothing is muddy/clashing, the mix should be balanced.

I personally like
-When there's a few little imperfections like hiss, maybe a pop here and there etc. Gives some character (check Black Secret Technology - some samples aren't cut right, there's pops/clicks).
-Interesting dynamics: some hits are obviously louder than others, sounds come to front of the mix, then drift off to the back. Hidden sounds I don't notice until the 20th time I play it etc.
-When I'm not sure if it's from 2012 or 20 years ago sometimes. Meaning if all elements sound totally digital versus some elements sound like they either came from old outboard gear or were passed through them at some point. This can also be accomplished fully in the digital realm too.

Not so concerned with a super 'clean' or 'loud' mix to be honest. As long as the bass isn't clashing with everything causing the bad kind of distortion.
Surgical mixdowns are nice to hear from a geeky engineering perspective, but I find they tend to not stick around in my mind as long.

Agree and specifically with the end of that. Also agree w lowpass.

Good mix is when the music feels as it should.

when the melodies make you wanna give up making music is for my the best mixdown

nowaysj wrote:Agree and specifically with the end of that. Also agree w lowpass.

Good mix is when the music feels as it should.

I'm always going to be lowpass to you aren't I?

A good mix needs to have vibe, it needs to pump and you need to be able to feel it. You can have a track that is clinically mixed to perfection but it has no soul or vibe you have nothing!!!!!!!!!!

a mix is good enough for me when i don't comment, question, or even think about the mix.. i can just listen to the tune