Recording Techniques Explained: Live Mix, ISO Recording, and Post-Produced Edits

When you’re planning a shoot or live event, one of the first technical choices you’ll face is how your content will be recorded. The method you choose will affect quality, flexibility, cost, and delivery time.

In this guide, we break down three common approaches — live mix, ISO recording, and post-produced edits — so you can decide which is right for your project.

Live Mix (or Live Cut)

A live mix means your content is edited in real time as it’s being recorded or streamed. Multiple cameras feed into a vision mixer, and a director switches between them on the fly, creating a finished programme output instantly.

Best for:

• Live events and webcasts

• Conferences or panel discussions

• Projects where turnaround time is critical

Pros:

• Instant finished video — ready to stream or share

• Lower post-production costs

• Great for high-energy, time-sensitive productions

Considerations:

• Less flexibility for changes after recording

• Requires experienced crew during the shoot

ISO Recording (Isolated Recording)

With ISO recording, each camera feed is recorded separately, alongside the live mix. This gives you a finished programme output plus raw, unedited footage from every angle.

Best for:

• Music videos and performance shoots

• High-end corporate productions

• Multi-camera interviews or panel discussions

Pros:

• Maximum flexibility in post-production

• Allows for alternate edits or highlight reels

• Safety net if a live mix misses a moment

Considerations:

• Larger file storage requirements

• Additional time needed in post-production

Post-Produced Edit

In this approach, all footage is captured (ISO or single camera), and the final edit is assembled entirely after the shoot.

Best for:

• Marketing and brand videos

• Commercials and scripted content

• Creative projects requiring visual effects or graphics

Pros:

• Total creative control over pacing, graphics, and colour

• Ability to integrate multiple visual sources

• Ideal for polished, cinematic results

Considerations:

• Longer turnaround

• Higher editing costs compared to a live mix

Choosing the Right Approach

The right recording method depends on deadlines, budget, and creative goals. If you need instant delivery, a live mix is unbeatable. For flexibility, ISO recording offers the best of both worlds. If polish is your priority, a post-produced edit gives you full creative freedom.

Pro Tip: Many productions benefit from combining techniques — for example, streaming a live mix for the audience while recording ISOs for a later, polished edit.

Ready to plan your next production? Our West London facility offers all three recording options — supported by an experienced crew and the latest multi-camera technology. Get in touch to discuss the best approach for your project.

People also ask

• What is a live mix (or live cut) in video production?

  A live mix, also called a live cut, is when multiple camera angles are edited in real time during filming or streaming. A director switches between shots on the fly, creating a finished video instantly. It’s ideal for live events, webcasts, and fast-turnaround projects.

• What is ISO recording?

  ISO recording (isolated recording) captures each camera feed separately, alongside any live mix output. This gives you raw footage from every angle, offering maximum flexibility for post-production edits, alternate versions, or highlight reels.

• What’s the difference between a live mix and a post-produced edit?

  A live mix is edited in real time and ready immediately, while a post-produced edit is assembled entirely after filming. Post-production allows for more creative control, advanced graphics, and polished results, but takes longer to deliver.