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How does mixing and mastering work?
The practice of combining several separate audio tracks, such as synthesizers, guitars, drums, and vocals, to produce a final stereo or multi-channel audio mix is known as audio mixing. In order to make sure that every track flows well together, the audio engineer will make adjustments to different parts of each recording, including volume levels, panning, EQ, and effects.
When mixed audio tracks are ready for distribution, like on CD or streaming services, audio mastering is the last stage of the audio production process. To make the mix sound fantastic across a variety of playback devices and platforms, the mastering engineer will make last-minute tweaks to the mix's overall dynamics, EQ, and balance during mastering. Achieving a refined and professional sound for the final mix while meeting industry standards and being release-ready are the objectives of mastering.
When mixed audio tracks are ready for distribution, like on CD or streaming services, audio mastering is the last stage of the audio production process. To make the mix sound fantastic across a variety of playback devices and platforms, the mastering engineer will make last-minute tweaks to the mix's overall dynamics, EQ, and balance during mastering. Achieving a refined and professional sound for the final mix while meeting industry standards and being release-ready are the objectives of mastering.
What is the purpose of mixing and mastering my music?
To make your music sound polished, professional, and distribution-ready, musicians need to have it mixed and mastered. Here are a few justifications:
- Balance: When recording a song, a musician typically records multiple tracks, which include bass, drums, guitars, and vocals. All of these tracks can be blended harmoniously through mixing so that no one part overpowers the others.
- Clarity: The various instruments and vocals can sound more distinct after mixing. This means using techniques like EQ, compression, and reverb to enhance and emphasize each mix element independently.
- Stereo Image: By arranging various song components in various areas of the stereo field, mixing enables an audio engineer to produce a stereo image. This might help add a sense of depth and spaciousness to the mixture.
- Level of Loudness: Mastering can help guarantee that the final mix is at a consistent and suitable level of loudness for the medium of distribution. In the current streaming environment, where listeners can quickly switch between tracks and loudness inconsistencies can be startling, this is especially crucial.
- Quality Control: In order to ensure that the final output is of the greatest possible quality, mastering also involves quality control techniques such as listening for clicks, pops, or distortion in the mix.
WHAT FILES DO I NEED TO SEND?
The correct files that must be transferred should be in the 24-bit AIFF or WAV format. MP3 files are not accepted.
Your work must be properly labeled, arranged into stems, and placed in a folder bearing your name in order to avoid being charged for disorganized material. The song's or project's title, all of its audio files, and the song's key and tempo should all be contained within that folder. In case you're unaware of the tempo, I can determine it on my own. If it is feasible, the audio files must be uncompressed and 24-bit WAV/AIFF.
The audio data will remain in WAV files rather than MP3 files. I am unable to use project files from the DAW you used to record your music because they need to have a consistent starting point for alignment. From the start of the session to each stem's time point position, the stems should be bounced. I produce audio using Pro Tools. In addition, kindly specify in detail any additional notes or specifications you may have for the mixing and/or mastering of your music.
Your work must be properly labeled, arranged into stems, and placed in a folder bearing your name in order to avoid being charged for disorganized material. The song's or project's title, all of its audio files, and the song's key and tempo should all be contained within that folder. In case you're unaware of the tempo, I can determine it on my own. If it is feasible, the audio files must be uncompressed and 24-bit WAV/AIFF.
The audio data will remain in WAV files rather than MP3 files. I am unable to use project files from the DAW you used to record your music because they need to have a consistent starting point for alignment. From the start of the session to each stem's time point position, the stems should be bounced. I produce audio using Pro Tools. In addition, kindly specify in detail any additional notes or specifications you may have for the mixing and/or mastering of your music.
HOW CAN I SEND YOU MY FILES?
Verify that your audio levels aren't excessively high, as this may have an impact on the recordings' quality. Vocal damage can occur when recorded too hot or loud. It also depends on the equipment and/or recording location. Pay close attention to the headroom that is permitted during recording because I won't be able to use your vocals if they are clipping or distorted.
You must render all of your stems from the start if you are using a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) other than Pro Tools. Stated differently, every stem will be positioned at the appropriate time point from the song's outset. You will need to resend these instructions if they are not followed the first time. Additional costs may be incurred if stems are received out of time or with an incomplete song structure.
Your stems should be rendered or bounced into WAV audio files. Then, export them from your DAW by packing them into a zip file or folder. The files will be too large to email, so you can upload them to an online file hosting or sharing service after that. However, if you need to send large files, you can use Google Drive. For personal storage, I personally use MediaFire and Dropbox. Sharing folders over the internet is incredibly easy with Mega, for instance, which offers up to 50 GB of free space. Not to add, WeTransfer offers comparable features that can help with large-scale file transfers over the internet.
In order to give me an idea of how you would like your songs to sound, you can also send me a rough mix of the song and a reference track.
Your entire album will be sent to you in a compressed or zip folder via a file hosting service if you purchase any of the album mix and master services. All you need to do is make sure your music is safely stored on an external hard drive. Any data that is lost, replaced, or stolen from your work is not my responsibility.
You must render all of your stems from the start if you are using a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) other than Pro Tools. Stated differently, every stem will be positioned at the appropriate time point from the song's outset. You will need to resend these instructions if they are not followed the first time. Additional costs may be incurred if stems are received out of time or with an incomplete song structure.
Your stems should be rendered or bounced into WAV audio files. Then, export them from your DAW by packing them into a zip file or folder. The files will be too large to email, so you can upload them to an online file hosting or sharing service after that. However, if you need to send large files, you can use Google Drive. For personal storage, I personally use MediaFire and Dropbox. Sharing folders over the internet is incredibly easy with Mega, for instance, which offers up to 50 GB of free space. Not to add, WeTransfer offers comparable features that can help with large-scale file transfers over the internet.
In order to give me an idea of how you would like your songs to sound, you can also send me a rough mix of the song and a reference track.
Your entire album will be sent to you in a compressed or zip folder via a file hosting service if you purchase any of the album mix and master services. All you need to do is make sure your music is safely stored on an external hard drive. Any data that is lost, replaced, or stolen from your work is not my responsibility.
WHAT IS A REVISION, AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
A revised version of your song is one that has been changed or edited. It might be partially in-between, mixed, or mastered. You might want to think about making some adjustments after hearing the first mix. By doing this, you will have to submit a request before you can get a revision. Please describe your idea in great detail. There are two complimentary revisions for every service; make good use of them.
Please provide me with a clear idea of how you want your music to sound so that I can work with you to provide the best mix possible. Adjustments for effect and volume are discussed. Anything that wasn't covered in the previous instructions, such as rearranging the song's structure or adding new stems, recordings, or sound effects, will not be covered if you add new instructions.
Changing your work between different mixes could take a lot of my time and eventually fill my position with laborious work, so extra revisions will incur a $5.00 fee for each one that is requested. To avoid paying fees, be sure you have a clear idea of what you want and how you want your music to be engineered or recorded.
Please provide me with a clear idea of how you want your music to sound so that I can work with you to provide the best mix possible. Adjustments for effect and volume are discussed. Anything that wasn't covered in the previous instructions, such as rearranging the song's structure or adding new stems, recordings, or sound effects, will not be covered if you add new instructions.
Changing your work between different mixes could take a lot of my time and eventually fill my position with laborious work, so extra revisions will incur a $5.00 fee for each one that is requested. To avoid paying fees, be sure you have a clear idea of what you want and how you want your music to be engineered or recorded.
ARE THERE ANY SMOKE/FOOD BREAKS IN THE STUDIO?
Smoking, vaping, and/or drinking are not permitted in my studio for the sake of health and safety. If you must take a smoke break, please get my approval in advance so that it doesn't interfere with studio time. It is strictly forbidden to smoke marijuana. It is also not permitted for you to enter the studio if you smell strongly of cigarettes or marijuana, are intoxicated, or both. It is strictly forbidden to bring any kind of illegal substance onto the premises. No food will be permitted, and you are required to bring any non-alcoholic beverages in a closed container. $1 per bottle if you request water.
CAN I SET UP A PAYMENT PLAN?
We do not accept installment payments; all payments must be made in full before our services start, either in person or via PayPal or Cash App. Depending on the scope of the song or projects, half of the total amount may be paid up front as security for a contract; the remaining amount is due when the song is finished. Please remember that until the client complies with the requirements, no mixing or mastering will start.
New songs won't be performed until the previous songs have been paid in full, to avoid confusion. When mixing and/or mastering is underway, any additional elements (sound effects, audio clips, vocals, etc.) will be evaluated and priced accordingly. You will be billed hourly for each recording session; this means that no matter how long you record, you will still be charged for the hour(s) that you spend in the studio.
New songs won't be performed until the previous songs have been paid in full, to avoid confusion. When mixing and/or mastering is underway, any additional elements (sound effects, audio clips, vocals, etc.) will be evaluated and priced accordingly. You will be billed hourly for each recording session; this means that no matter how long you record, you will still be charged for the hour(s) that you spend in the studio.
DO YOU HAVE A REFUND POLICY?
Making you happy is my goal. I can proceed to make minor adjustments at no additional cost if you're not satisfied with the outcome. If you've run out of free revisions, you can buy more to make more significant changes. You are paying for my time and experience, not an audio file, so I am sorry, but I am unable to issue refunds. I provide immaterial, non-refundable services. But rest assured, I'll keep working on your track until you're totally satisfied.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO MIX/MASTER?
Everything is dependent on the volume of work required. Although mixing and mastering take a long time, it's more than enough time to get things started. Considering my schedule on some days, I can probably finish each song in less than 72 hours, which is the approximate turnaround time (TAT) if you would like to see your initial mix or revision. It can take up to 24 to 48 hours to master.
Regarding massive workloads, mixtapes and albums may require three to four weeks to finish. Brief tasks (like EPs) may require a minimum of one or two weeks to finish. Any work sent in by one of my clients is handled on a "first come, first served" basis.
The deadlines for the completion of your project(s) that I have mentioned on my website, in person, or via email or text are approximations. To be more precise, there is no guarantee that they will be completed by these deadlines. They sometimes seem to last longer than anticipated.
Regarding massive workloads, mixtapes and albums may require three to four weeks to finish. Brief tasks (like EPs) may require a minimum of one or two weeks to finish. Any work sent in by one of my clients is handled on a "first come, first served" basis.
The deadlines for the completion of your project(s) that I have mentioned on my website, in person, or via email or text are approximations. To be more precise, there is no guarantee that they will be completed by these deadlines. They sometimes seem to last longer than anticipated.
HOW LONG WILL YOU HOLD ON TO MY SESSION FILES?
Take it under advisement; it is not my position to hold onto your projects for safekeeping. However, it is my duty to have them when they are ready to be completed. Until then, your records will be held for 4-5 months, whether they are finished or not. Under any other conditions, I will permanently discard them from my hard drive if you do not make a request for your session files to be exported after a five-month span. All records are nonrefundable.
CAN I ADD MORE STUDIO TIME TO MY SESSION?
Yes, but bear in mind that if you request more time after your block session has ended and have used up all of your allotted time, the remaining portion of your session will be charged at an hourly rate of $45 only. Your block session will not be extended or rescheduled for a later day, so make the most of your time.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I AM GOING TO BE LATE FROM TIME TO TIME?
A studio session isn't something you want to be fashionably late to, but I understand setbacks may appear unexpectedly from time to time. Just try to be punctual. If a time was given or scheduled between you and me, make sure to be there on time. If you are at least thirty minutes to an hour late or so, then your session will either be rescheduled to a later time or otherwise cancelled.
A 48-hour notification is required in the event of cancellation or reduction of reservation. Being late so often could possibly result into additional fees if my schedule conflicts with other projects and/or studio sessions. Let me know in advance if you're going to be late. In regard to block sessions, the further you are behind schedule, the less time you have before your session ends and your time will not be extended.
I do not associate myself with perpetually late clients. If you're persistently late or do not show up to your sessions without informing me two times consecutively then I will terminate my services and release you as my client.
A 48-hour notification is required in the event of cancellation or reduction of reservation. Being late so often could possibly result into additional fees if my schedule conflicts with other projects and/or studio sessions. Let me know in advance if you're going to be late. In regard to block sessions, the further you are behind schedule, the less time you have before your session ends and your time will not be extended.
I do not associate myself with perpetually late clients. If you're persistently late or do not show up to your sessions without informing me two times consecutively then I will terminate my services and release you as my client.
HOW MANY GUESTS CAN I INVITE?
If you plan to bring a guest to the studio with you, please make sure to ask me first before you do. You are granted to invite one person per session due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but your request still needs to be discussed with me beforehand, and it must be approved by the engineer/producer.
CAN I USE THE DAW FILES AFTER YOU MIXED/MASTERED THEM?
I'm afraid I cannot do that because every project is completely different in great measures. So as for the mixing techniques and settings that are created to give the project a great mix cannot be used, as is, for every single project. It just won't sound good. Also, every studio has a unique setup and workflow, so I cannot say that my studio is identical to others. For any competitor or consumer, it is in my nature not to share any of my secrets to anyone because, from a professional standpoint, that would demonstrate poor business conduct.
DO YOU OFFER ANY DEALS / DISCOUNTS?
I do offer specials and quantity discount prices in the mix+master packages page. You can choose whichever fits best in your budget. Prices do change from time to time.
If a current client of mine refers me to a potential client and then hires me for their own project(s), then I will offer a 10% discount if the project has a minimum amount of five songs (recording, mixing and/or mastering).
If a current client of mine refers me to a potential client and then hires me for their own project(s), then I will offer a 10% discount if the project has a minimum amount of five songs (recording, mixing and/or mastering).
CAN I RE-RECORD MY OLD SONGS?
Yes, you can, but since it will require more studio time, it will now be a separate cost in addition to the original fee. The re-recording fee is applicable when an artist or musician needs to re-record anything that was previously recorded in my studio, such as intros, verses, pre-choruses, choruses, etc. It is not a substitute for the initial recording and mixing cost. The re-recording fee will be added to your regular recording session if both sessions are combined. Keep in mind that re-recording sessions do not replace regular recording sessions.
CAN I MAKE CHANGES TO THE SERVICE(S) I CHOOSE?
Regarding the individual and group rates, they will not change for any individual. To obtain a price reduction, there won't be any division, addition, subtraction, or mixing up of rates. I recognize that money can be tight for anyone but make the best decision for your situation. Otherwise, it will be difficult for us to conduct business together if you aggressively or desperately try to force me into giving you a bad deal. That client would be responsible if that occurred, and I would also be required to complete a task involving a significant amount of work for such a low fee. Stated differently, it is akin to stealing money from someone. I will doubt the legitimacy of my professional role if I witness any suspicious behavior. If the cost of hiring me is a deterrent for you, I will offer my services to someone who is sincere and qualified enough to work with me. My field of work does not offer any freebies, shortcuts, or handouts. Laws are laws. Nothing to excuse or exclude.
WHY IS THERE A CHARGE FOR ADDING FEATURES?
Keep in mind that not all studios function in the way you might expect. Because of the volume of work I usually get, others who work alone expect a single, fixed fee for all services, including adding new material during the songwriting process. But in terms of adding features, because of the size of your session or project, I have to work with outside sources. Adding in-studio recordings or having someone record vocals or live instruments for your project is what we mean when we say that it "adds more to my plate." It will get more expensive the more work I take on.
CAN I CREATE A STUDIO PACKAGE OF MY OWN?
Unfortunately, I can't combine all of my services, so I can't allow that. Keeping my business relationships with all of my clients would not only be unfair to my other clients in the same line of work, but it would also be my preference. The "mix + master packages" are not for in-studio recording sessions; instead, they are meant to be an online service for people who have already recorded their music and are prepared for mixing and mastering. Only in-studio sessions are available for vocal and instrument recording. We have limited time, and it's difficult to predict how long it will take to complete the music production process—including vocal recording, mixing, and mastering—before moving on. As a result, it might take much longer than expected.
CAN WE WORK UNDER A CONTRACT?
I do offer contracts (physical and/or electronic copies) that will be applied to both parties if only you are committed to the terms I have stated on my website. Those terms will also be stated on physical copies as well and must be legitimately arranged BEFORE work has begun between both the client(s) and the engineer. A deadline for the completion of the project must be added as well. The contract must be signed if you agree to my terms of service. Any faults or misused of my services on your behalf will be considered a breach of contract. For more info, please read my terms of services page.
WHAT IF I NEED YOU TO RUSH THROUGH THE PROCESS?
I do provide all services with expedited delivery. The duration of the project may determine its availability. Prices are as follows (per song):
In 36 hours: +25% of your total
In 24 hours: +35% of your total
Within 6–12 hours: +45% of your total
In 36 hours: +25% of your total
In 24 hours: +35% of your total
Within 6–12 hours: +45% of your total
CAN I USE MY TRACKS THAT WERE MASTERED INDIVIDUALLY FOR AN ALBUM INSTEAD OF BEING MASTERED AS A WHOLE?
You could, but I would not advise it because mastering all of your tracks at once is preferable to mastering each one separately before assembling them for an album. In addition to ensuring that your music sounds its best, mastering is a crucial step in ensuring that every track is consistently and loudly optimized. That is to say, you should ensure that no track sounds louder or quieter than the others.
In-studio sessions incur a small mastering fee because there are artists who prefer to master a track and release it as a single. Nevertheless, I think it makes more sense to record your album first, then master it as a whole once each track has been carefully mixed. This does clarify why I charge more for album, EP, and mixtape mastering than I do for in-studio mastering because it will help the project as a whole sound cohesive. "The whole" is necessary for an album to be holistic.
In-studio sessions incur a small mastering fee because there are artists who prefer to master a track and release it as a single. Nevertheless, I think it makes more sense to record your album first, then master it as a whole once each track has been carefully mixed. This does clarify why I charge more for album, EP, and mixtape mastering than I do for in-studio mastering because it will help the project as a whole sound cohesive. "The whole" is necessary for an album to be holistic.
CAN YOU SAMPLE ANOTHER ARTIST'S WORK to MY BEAT?
To ensure that your beat is produced the way you want it, you will need to give me specific instructions. I will be happy to comply. In case you want to incorporate another artist's work into your beat by recording or extracting a brief musical segment or sound digitally for use in a song or composition, you will have to give me the sample and get permission to use it.
CAN YOU FIX THE MIX OF A SONG THAT IS A 2-TRACK STEREO FILE?
Even if you do not have access to the Pro Tools session files or stems, you can still adjust a song's mix. If it is just a two-track stereo file, I will handle the stem mixing. To fix any audio problems, the song must be taken back to the mixing stage if it has already been mixed and has moderate to severe distortion or clipping.
CAN MASTERING FIX A BAD MIX?
Although mastering can only make a mix better to a certain extent, it is not a good idea to master a poor mix. The goal of mastering, the last stage of audio production, is to improve and optimize a mix that is already excellent rather than correct a subpar one.
Here are some reasons why mastering a bad mix is not a good idea:
Finally, before proceeding with mastering, it is always advisable to ensure that the mix is as good as possible. This measure will guarantee that the finished product satisfies industry standards and has the best possible sound.
Here are some reasons why mastering a bad mix is not a good idea:
- Limitations: Mastering can only improve a poor mix to a certain extent. For example, mastering cannot increase the loudness of vocals that are mixed too low without also increasing the loudness of other elements.
- Distortion: If there is already distortion or other problematic aspects in a mix, mastering may exacerbate those aspects. If the mix is already distorted, mastering entails turning up the volume, which could make it worse.
- Imbalance: Mastering cannot completely fix an unbalanced mix, such as one instrument being too loud or too quiet. Although mastering can change the mix's overall volume and balance, it is unable to correct the mix's underlying imbalances.
- Quality: Ultimately, mastering a bad mix can result in a poor-quality final product. A poorly mixed song cannot be made up for by mastering, even though it can help the mix sound better overall.
Finally, before proceeding with mastering, it is always advisable to ensure that the mix is as good as possible. This measure will guarantee that the finished product satisfies industry standards and has the best possible sound.
How CAN I SEND YOU BEATS/VIDEOS FROM YouTube?
For promotional purposes, most artists want to use amazing sounds, effects, and clips, but they do not know how to download or get access to them from websites like YouTube, Instagram, and others. Now you are able to do that! As long as you have permission in advance.
In order to record audio and video for your lyrical or video content, you can use simple software programs from 4K Download. My preference is to utilize their products, as they enable us to progress and effortlessly plan upcoming studio sessions ahead of time. They are available for download here. Enjoy!
4K Video Downloader: https://www.4kdownload.com/products/videodownloader/8
4K YouTube to MP3: https://www.4kdownload.com/products/youtubetomp3/6
4K Stogram: https://www.4kdownload.com/products/product-stogram
In order to record audio and video for your lyrical or video content, you can use simple software programs from 4K Download. My preference is to utilize their products, as they enable us to progress and effortlessly plan upcoming studio sessions ahead of time. They are available for download here. Enjoy!
4K Video Downloader: https://www.4kdownload.com/products/videodownloader/8
4K YouTube to MP3: https://www.4kdownload.com/products/youtubetomp3/6
4K Stogram: https://www.4kdownload.com/products/product-stogram
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