- Pricing & Payment
- Before We Start
- File Preparation
- The Mixing Process
- Revisions & Feedback
- Deliverables
- After Delivery
- You Don't Do Mastering?
While it can be convenient to get both services from the same engineer, the art of both mixing and mastering require very different training, practice, creativity, and even equipment. On top of that, dedicated mastering engineers also know how to adapt your mixed music to meet the standards and parameters of the growing list of major streaming platforms. Mastering engineers are also responsible for adding all the meta-data to your tracks like album artwork, song titles, copyright information, etc. It’s a much bigger job than it seems.
My primary genre is alternative rock!
I’m pretty comfortable with modern blues, funk, jazz…I’ve also dabbled in LoFi and even a bit of Mediterranean/middle eastern music, oddly enough.
Actually, no—individual audio files are preferred. Even if you use Pro Tools as I do, I have my own settings, routing, and templates that I’m much more familiar with.
Typical turnaround is 2–5 business days per song depending on track count, if no editing is required. I start work on a mix once I receive properly prepped files and the initial deposit. Rush jobs are available for a fee, but not recommended.
Two rounds of revisions are included per song. Additional revision rounds are available for a fee.
- Final mix: 24-bit WAV + 320kbps MP3
- Instrumental version (all vocals removed)
- TV track / performance mix (lead vocal removed, backing vocals in)
I price my mixes based on track count and a list of add-on services that I offer. Most single mixes range between $300 and $500. I do however offer discounts for EPs and albums. Get in touch with me if you’re interested in a precise quote.
If it’s my error (glitch, noise, technical problem), I’ll fix it free of charge within 30 days. If it’s a creative change (“I want the guitars louder”), that’s a new revision.
Let’s face it. We mix engineers are no longer truly objective about your music once our mix is finished. After pouring our own blood, sweat, and tears into your song, in our hearts at least, it’s now become as much our music as it is yours. We’re less willing to take risks or try new things that might alter our interpretation of it. A fresh set of ears on a mastering engineer has no such qualms. Whether improving your music further requires a hatchet (god forbid) or a scalpel, they’ll do whatever it takes to take your music to the next level, because now their name is on it too.
Ideally, yes—the better the raw recordings, the better the final mix. However, I can work with home-recorded material if the performances are solid. I also offer basic editing as an add-on if needed.
- Label clearly (LeadVox.wav, Kick_Drum.wav, Acoustic_Gtr_L.wav, etc.)
- Include a tempo map or BPM note
- Include a rough mix and/or reference bounce
- Be sure all files start at the same time (even if a track doesn’t start until halfway through the song)
While I work remotely and don’t offer attended mixing sessions, I can on occasion stream my session to you live if written communication proves difficult.
However, detailed notes and reference tracks are always helpful for to me get close to your vision before the first revision round.
A revision is a round of adjustments based on your consolidated feedback. I’ll give you time to post all your notes at once on Filepass (e.g., “bring up vocals in chorus,” “less reverb on snare,” “guitar solo too loud at 2:15”) and I’ll begin work on the revision once you’ve confirmed no further changes are needed for the round.
- Instrumental: All vocals removed (lead + backing)
- TV track: Only lead vocal removed, backing vocals remain—used for live performances where the artist sings over tracked harmonies
50% deposit to book, 50% on delivery of final files. For larger projects such as albums and EPs, payment plans are available.
Yes, absolutely! Once final payment is received, you own the master and can distribute, sync, or sell as you wish. I retain the right to use the mix in my portfolio unless you request otherwise.
This may seem trivial at first but I can’t over-emphasize how important this is. Every song ever recorded will sound a little (or a lot!) different in every room it’s played in. Multiply that by the number of possible audio system configurations that exist in the world. Having a mastering engineer listen in a different environment, through a different system, both of which he knows intimately, provides him with another perspective on the mix. This can help identify potential problems that weren’t so obvious in the mixer’s environment. It can also help bring out some of the more beautiful, interesting, and intense moments in the mix. The end result is an overall better musical experience for the listener!
Yes! You can check out my current portfolio here.
I recently started this business after 7 years as a studio recording engineer, so my freelance mix portfolio is temporarily a bit small! As such, I’m offering a 20% discount on mixes until I can fill it out a bit! Don’t miss this opportunity!
Generally, no effects (EQ, compression, reverb, delay, etc.) on individual tracks unless it’s a creative effect essential to the sound. Keep the dry signal clean and send a “rough mix” so I can hear your intent. If in doubt though, send both versions (dry and effected) and let me know.
I’ll notify you within 24 hours of receiving files if there are issues. You can fix and re-upload at no charge.
Major arrangement changes (cutting sections, adding new parts) fall outside mixing revisions and are billed either at an hourly rate or as a new mix, depending on scope.
Aside from the aforementioned, currently no.
PayPal is easiest and you don’t need an account to use it! I will soon be able to accept payment through Stripe as well!
I would love it if you credited me for the mix! But no, it’s not required.
Message me! We’ll discuss your vision, I’ll listen to your roughs, and we’ll both decide if the project makes sense. No hard feelings if it’s not the right match.
Print them to audio before sending. This is the best and only way to guarantee that your original sound design is used in the final mix.
Send me the files and I’ll assess. Sometimes “lo-fi” character works; sometimes it needs cleanup. I’ll be honest about what’s achievable before we start.
I do not offer my pro tools mix sessions, but I do offer processed multi-tracks or stems as an add-on service.
Yes, stems and/or the full multitrack are available as an add-on. If you want stems, I’ll need a very specific breakdown of how you want the tracks grouped.
Yes—EP and album rates are available. Talk to me!
I’m happy to answer quick questions about the files I delivered. For new mixes or significant additional work, we’ll book a new session.
- Format: WAV or AIFF (no MP3s if at all possible)
- Bit depth: 24-bit preferred
- Sample rate: This is critical! My session’s rate must match yours (44.1kHz is fine but I recommend 48kHz for maximum flexibility)
- Headroom: Leave roughly -6dB to -3dB of peak headroom on each track—no clipping or limiting on individual tracks.
I can provide a basic “mastered for loudness” version, but for final release masters I recommend using a dedicated mastering engineer.
Deposits are non-refundable but can be transferred to a future project if canceled within 3 days of booking. Last-minute cancellations forfeit the deposit.
Nope. The quote you receive includes the mix and two revision rounds. Editing, tuning, additional revisions, rush fees, and stem exports are quoted upfront if needed.
