råmixes

Råmixes is a term used in audio production to describe raw or rough mixes of a recorded track, produced early in the recording and mixing process. The word derives from the Scandinavian word rå meaning raw, and it is used in Nordic music production circles to distinguish a preliminary balance from a finished mix.

A råmix typically preserves the initial vocal take, instrument levels, and room sound as captured in the session, often with minimal processing. It may lack final compression, limiting, EQ shaping, bus processing, or stereo imaging applied in a final mix. It is commonly used for internal reviews, artist feedback, or as a baseline for discussion about arrangement and performance.

Råmixes are valued for transparency and speed, enabling decision-makers to assess performance and arrangement without the polish that accompanies a final mix. They can be recorded in a DAW with all tracks unbounced or with simple routing. Because they are rough, they are seldom released to the public in this form, though some artists or producers share råmixes for educational or collaborative purposes.

In some contexts, råmixes may be created after basic tracking but before vocal tuning, drum replacement, or other edits, serving as a reference for revisions. The term can also be used more broadly to describe any early, less-processed version of a track.

See also rough mix, demo, stems, pre-master.