råmix

Råmix is a term used in audio production, chiefly in Scandinavian contexts, to denote a preliminary or unmastered mix of a recording. The word combines the Swedish "rå" (raw) with the English "mix," and is broadly equivalent to the English-language terms "rough mix" or "preliminary mix."

A råmix typically results from balancing multitrack recordings—adjusting levels, panning, and basic equalization or compression—to create a coherent stereo or multichannel version suitable for review. It is intended for evaluation of arrangement, performance, and overall tonal direction rather than final release. Producers, artists, and engineers use råmixes to identify necessary changes, request additional recording takes, or set goals for the final mix and mastering stages.

Råmixes may include temporary effects or corrective processing but generally lack the detailed automation, advanced processing, and loudness optimization applied during final mixing and mastering. They can be exported as stereo files or shared as stems (grouped instrument tracks) to facilitate collaborative feedback. Historically, råmixes existed as tape-based rough mixes; today they are commonly produced within digital audio workstations (DAWs).

The term is used informally across recording studios, project collaborations, and educational settings. While a råmix provides a useful snapshot of a track’s potential, it is not considered a finished product for commercial distribution.