Split tracks across sides so the runtime and flow feel right. No more 40-minute Side A with 8 minutes on Side B.
Add a Track
:
Quick Presets
Side A0% / 100%Side B
Side A
0:00/ 30:00
Over capacity
Drag tracks here
Side B
0:00/ 30:00
Over capacity
Drag tracks here
Total: 0:00Exceeds tape capacity
Why Side Balance Matters
A lopsided tape is frustrating. You flip to Side B and it is over in 10 minutes. Or you have to rewind three times to hear one song. Planning both sides gives the listener a complete experience. Each side should feel like its own mini-album with a start, a middle, and an end.
Common Mistakes
Adding tracks without checking total runtime first.
Putting all the long tracks on one side.
Starting both sides with slow songs (energy mismatch).
Forgetting that real tapes can be 1-2 minutes shorter than labeled.
Ignoring the emotional arc. A tape should build and release tension.
Tips for a Great Flow
Open each side with something that grabs attention. Place your longest track in the middle to anchor the side. End with a track that feels like a natural close. If you are making a gift tape, think about the listener. What mood do you want them to land in?
Assumptions and Limits
MixSide assumes standard playback speed at 4.75 cm/s. It does not read audio files or connect to streaming services. Durations are entered by hand. The planner works in the browser and saves your project locally. No data is sent to a server.
Questions Mixtape Makers Ask
The number is the total recording time in minutes. A C60 gives you 30 minutes per side. C90 gives 45 per side. C120 gives 60 per side. Real tapes sometimes hold a minute more or less depending on the brand.
Your tracklist is saved in the browser automatically. You can also click Share Link to get a URL that encodes the full project. Open that URL on any device to reload your tape.
MixSide shows a warning on the overflowing side and in the total bar. You will need to remove tracks, pick a longer tape, or split the project across two tapes.
Think about energy and mood. Group similar tracks together. Put an upbeat opener at the start of each side and a slower track near the end. Use the notes field to tag moods so you can see the arc at a glance.
It is designed for compact cassettes. You could use it for other formats by entering custom side lengths, but the presets and warnings are cassette-specific.