What is a Cue Mix?

A cue mix is a customized audio mix sent to performers during a recording session so they can hear the music and their own performance while recording. It is typically delivered through headphones in the studio.

A cue mix often includes elements such as the backing track, other instruments, a click track, and the performer’s own microphone or instrument. The balance of these elements can be adjusted so the performer hears exactly what they need to perform comfortably.

Cue mixes are created using auxiliary sends or dedicated headphone outputs in a mixing console or digital audio workstation. Different performers in a session may receive separate cue mixes tailored to their individual preferences.