This paper presents a novel approach to automated music mixing, focusing on the optimization of loudness control in multi-track recordings. By taking into consideration the complexity and artistic nature of traditional mixing processes, we introduce a personalized multi-track leveling method using two types of approaches: a customized genetic algorithm and a neural network-based method. Our method tackles common challenges encountered by audio professionals during prolonged mixing sessions, where consistency can decrease as a result of fatigue. Our algorithm serves as a ‘virtual assistant’ to consistently uphold the initial mixing objectives, hence assuring consistent quality throughout the process. In addition, our system automates the repetitive elements of the mixing process, resulting in a substantial reduction in production time. This enables engineers to dedicate their attention to more innovative and intricate jobs. Our experimental framework involves 20 diverse songs and 10 sound engineers possessing a wide range of expertise, offering a useful perspective on the adaptability and effectiveness of our method in real-world scenarios. The results demonstrate the capacity of the algorithms to mimic decision-making, achieving an optimal balance in the mix that resonates with the emotional and technical aspects of music production.
Modern audio production workflows often require significant manual effort during the initial session preparation phase, including track labeling, format standardization, and gain staging. This paper presents a rule-based and Machine Learning-assisted automation system designed to minimize the time required for these tasks in Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). The system automatically detects and labels audio tracks, identifies and eliminates redundant fake stereo channels, merges double-tracked instruments into stereo pairs, standardizes sample rate and bit rate across all tracks, and applies initial gain staging using target loudness values derived from a Genetic Algorithm (GA)-based system, which optimizes gain levels for individual track types based on engineer preferences and instrument characteristics. By replacing manual setup processes with automated decision-making methods informed by Machine Learning (ML) and rule-based heuristics, the system reduces session preparation time by up to 70% in typical multitrack audio projects. The proposed approach highlights how practical automation, combined with lightweight Neural Network (NN) models, can optimize workflow efficiency in real-world music production environments.
1 January 2026 in IEEE Transactions on Audio, Speech and Language Processing