1. assuming that enginner is a technical thing, artist is artistic, and producer is marrying the two, and bringing third party focus. what would your ideal blend of a mixer look like (i. e. one part engineer, one part artist, two parts producer)
All parts engineer in some cases
(3) parts Eng (1) part producer in other, it really depends on the project.
I don't feel like it's an engineer's job to make the song, all of that should really come from the artist. And if the artist is incapable, then there should be a competent producer holding things together.
2. as a mixer, is it better to go into a mix completely cold (never hearing the song or having artist input) or going in with a lot of input from the client?
I prefer to have some sort of map of what the client wants. I don't like the idea of getting something cold, that I've never heard before and making a bunch of decisions the artist may or may not like. I think those things only work in the case of a Lord-Alge or Clearmountain type situation, where you're more or less hired for a particular sound and style. I'm just not at that point yet.
3. as a mixer, is it better to work alone, or with clients in the room while you mix?
The projects I work on, I'm usually pretty involved in from the start. Because of that, I like to get the mix to a certain point where I feel confident the artist can walk in and make comments.
4. assuming you have free reign on a mix, is it appropriate to add tracks should you feel it really makes a difference?
Not really. At that point I think you overstep the boundaries of engineering and go into producing. If that's what you signed on for, fine, but if you're just hired to mix the SONG, I don't see the point in changing the song.
5. if you were to listen to your work as a third person, how would you describe your style as a mixer?
Critically, I never really like my mixes as much as I would like to. I'd tell myself I need to learn how to better manage my low end.
6. how do you, yourself, describe your style as a mixer?
I'm still kind of figuring that one out. This isn't my main source of income right now. I kind of skipped the assisting route over in favor of making a livable wage in the city once I saw how things are going in the industry. Because of that, I'm mostly self taught and I don't get the hands on experience. I track most of what I mix (IMP's aside), and I try to get the vision of the song down in the recording process. From there, I like it to be mostly 'sweetening'. It's all about capturing the moment from the get go.