ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to propose a system for consciously creating a mixing sonic signature, where the engineer gains awareness of their practice and builds upon it. It does so by integrating a practice-based element into the multi-methodological design of action research and autoethnography, that resembles the historical apprenticeship model of learning from a mentor. The chapter defines the concept of sonic signatures and focuses on identifying their role in music mixing, proposing a structure for analysing one's own professional practice and implementing a sonic trademark in their work. The internal factors, particularly the training aspect, are the ones that the mixer can use to consciously shape their signature. The proposed model for this was to follow a practice-based approach, through a modern-day version of the traditional studio mentorship method. The goal is for the template to keep evolving as circumstances change, as there is no definitive signature, only one that is relevant to one's current working situation.
