The Art of Mixing by David Gibson: A Trip-Worthy Teaching Tool
- Leiam Sullivan
- Jul 22
- 3 min read
Back when I was teaching at Sheffield College of Music, one of the most memorable references I used in class was The Art of Mixing by David Gibson.
It’s not your typical textbook. What drew me in – and what landed with students – was the visual language. Gibson uses colourful 3D shapes and stereo diagrams to explain mixing like a painter works with space. You don’t just hear the kick drum –you see it, low and centre. The vocals float just above. Synths stretch out sideways. Reverbs create cloudy halos in the distance. It turns the mix into a living, breathing sculpture.
Then there’s the video. If you’ve seen it, you’ll know: it’s wild. The edits are vintage-90s psychedelic – awkward zooms, surreal cuts, and Gibson’s narration hovering somewhere between science teacher and metaphysical guide. But somehow, it works. It’s like going on a mild visual trip while learning EQ, panning, and stereo placement.
“It’s like you’ve had a trip while learning the art. I guess it may be a good way for the information to go in.” 😄
Even now, decades later, it holds up as a teaching tool. It’s especially powerful for visual learners or anyone trying to bridge the gap between what they hear and where it fits in the mix.
📚 What Is The Art of Mixing?
Originally published in 1997, The Art of Mixing is a book and video combo by engineer and educator David Gibson, designed to help you see audio. Each sound in a mix is represented as a floating sphere in 3D space. Changes to EQ, volume, pan, and reverb affect its shape, placement, and “shine.” It’s a totally unique, visual-first method of understanding mix balance.
Gibson breaks down different genres – from jazz and hip-hop to metal and electronic – demonstrating how elements occupy space differently depending on the style.
🎬 The Video: Legendary, Lo-Fi, and Still Relevant
The accompanying video series (still circulating online) is iconic for its surreal production and quirky narration. Despite its dated visuals, many producers swear by it:
“Visually explains how a mix works… best video to help a beginner understand the concept of mixing as art.” – Jim Fogle, Cakewalk Forums
“The Art of Mixing is the best video that visually shows what you should be hearing.” – Reddit: r/audiophile
It’s even been called “like going to a really good audio engineering school in a couple of hours” (TAXI.com).
If you’re curious, search YouTube for “David Gibson The Art of Mixing Part 1”–it’s free to watch and still incredibly valuable.
🔍 Why It Still Works
Intuitive learning – The visual metaphors help bridge the gap between abstract audio concepts and real-world perception.
Volume first – Gibson emphasises faders before effects—balance over tricks.
Creative mindset – His style encourages experimentation over rules, helping mixers develop their own sound.
Genre-aware – It teaches not just mixing principles, but how they shift across styles.
🎓 Who’s It For?
Beginner and intermediate mixers
Visual learners who think in shapes and space
Teachers looking to explain mixing in a new way
Anyone burned out by technical manuals
📘 Want to Check It Out?
Book: Available on Amazon (various editions, including a 2019 reprint)
Reviews & Articles:
In short: The Art of Mixing transforms mixing from a technical exercise into a spatial, artistic experience. It’s fun, foundational, and still worth your time – especially if you want your mixes to look as good as they sound.
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