Mixing & Mastering on iPad: Turning an Old Track Into Something New

Welcome back to the Backpack Composer!

In our last episode, we built a song completely from scratch. This time, we’re shifting gears — taking an older track that never felt “finished” and giving it a second life through the mixing and mastering process.

Along the way, I’ll share some behind-the-scenes stories (yes, including the jazz vs. rock guitarist joke 🎸😂), talk about how jazz shaped my early years, and explain why this track was written to sound like a late-night jam session standard.

Episode Breakdown

Here’s the journey step by step:

• Export & Import - We start by exporting an old project from a Windows PC and importing it into Logic Pro on the iPad.

• Normalization - The critical first step: bringing all tracks up to a consistent gain so the mix starts balanced.

• Leveling & Effects - Using faders, colors, and listening critically to dial in levels. From there, I add reverbs, delays, and panning to recreate the “live stage” feel I wanted from the beginning.

• Fixing & Rebuilding Parts - Horn lines get re-recorded (goodbye, wrong notes 👋), replacing old samples with live performances.

• Mixing - Pro tip: mix at low volumes for the most accurate balance. If it sounds good quiet, it’ll sound good loud.

• Automation - Logic Pro’s automation modes — “read” vs. “touch” — let me shape dynamics and transitions with precision.

• Mastering - My two-step approach: manual mastering first, then testing Logic’s Mastering Assistant. Sometimes it helps, sometimes it’s better left off.

By the end, hours of tedious mixing and mastering are condensed into a streamlined 11-minute walkthrough you can apply to your own recordings.

Why This Matters

Mixing and mastering aren’t just technical steps — they’re where a track finds its final identity. Whether you’re working in jazz, rock, or anything in between, the principles stay the same:

• Keep levels balanced

• Use space to create depth

• Add dynamics for movement

• Polish with a careful mastering touch

The result? A track that sounds finished, cohesive, and release-ready.

Final Thoughts

Mixing and mastering on the iPad isn’t just possible — it’s efficient, powerful, and portable.

This episode shows how I take old projects, apply new tools, and make them feel alive again.

✨ Thanks for tuning in! If you enjoy these breakdowns, don’t forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more iPad-based tutorials, vlogs, and walkthroughs.

And as always: may your gear be light, your latency low, and your dogs quiet while you track vocals. 🐕🎤