Feel free to click on any of the questions that you may have. Most likely, you will find the answers you are looking for. Otherwise, you can email me at jauntimusic@gmail.com if you have further questions or concerns. Thank you.
WHAT IS MIXING & MASTERING?
Audio mixing is the process of taking multiple individual audio tracks, such as vocals, guitars, drums, and synthesizers, and blending them together to create a final stereo or multi-channel audio mix. During this process, the audio engineer will adjust various aspects of each track, such as volume levels, panning, EQ, and effects, to ensure that they all work together seamlessly.
Audio mastering, on the other hand, is the final step in the audio production process where the mixed audio tracks are prepared for distribution, such as on CD or streaming platforms. During mastering, the mastering engineer will make final adjustments to the overall balance, EQ, and dynamics of the mix to ensure that it sounds great across different playback systems and mediums. The goal of mastering is to make the final mix sound as polished and professional as possible, while also ensuring that it meets industry standards and is ready for release.
Audio mastering, on the other hand, is the final step in the audio production process where the mixed audio tracks are prepared for distribution, such as on CD or streaming platforms. During mastering, the mastering engineer will make final adjustments to the overall balance, EQ, and dynamics of the mix to ensure that it sounds great across different playback systems and mediums. The goal of mastering is to make the final mix sound as polished and professional as possible, while also ensuring that it meets industry standards and is ready for release.
WHY DO I NEED MY MUSIC MIXED & MASTERED?
Musicians need their music to be mixed and mastered to ensure that it sounds polished, professional, and ready for distribution. Here are some reasons why:
- Balance: When a musician records a song, they will typically record multiple tracks, such as vocals, guitars, drums, and bass. Mixing allows an audio engineer to balance all of these tracks so that they work together in harmony, with no one element overpowering the others.
- Clarity: Mixing can help improve the clarity of the different instruments and vocals. This involves using techniques such as EQ, compression, and reverb to enhance the individual elements of the mix and make them stand out.
- Stereo Image: Mixing allows an audio engineer to create a stereo image, which means placing different elements of the song in different parts of the stereo field. This can help create a sense of space and depth in the mix.
- Loudness: Mastering can help to ensure that the final mix is at a consistent and appropriate loudness level for the medium it will be distributed on. This is especially important in today's streaming environment, where listeners can easily switch between tracks and loudness inconsistencies can be jarring.
- Quality Control: Mastering also involves quality control, such as checking for any issues like clicks, pops, or distortion in the mix, to ensure that the final product is of the highest quality.
WHAT FILES DO I NEED TO SEND?
For the correct files that need to be transfer should be in 24-bit WAV or AIFF format. I do not accept MP3 files.
To avoid fees for unorganized material, I will need your work to be clearly labeled and organized into stems into a folder with your name. Within that folder, it should be the title of the song/project with all of its audio files, along with the tempo and song key. I can find the tempo myself if you do not know it. The audio files have to be 24-bit WAV/AIFF and uncompressed, if possible.
Instead of MP3 files, WAV files will keep their audio data. They must contain a uniform start point for alignment, which means that I cannot use project files from the DAW you've recorded your music with. The stems should be bounced from the beginning of the session to each stem's time point position. I use Pro Tools for audio production. Also, please include any notes or requirements in great detail of how you would like your music to be mixed and/or mastered.
To avoid fees for unorganized material, I will need your work to be clearly labeled and organized into stems into a folder with your name. Within that folder, it should be the title of the song/project with all of its audio files, along with the tempo and song key. I can find the tempo myself if you do not know it. The audio files have to be 24-bit WAV/AIFF and uncompressed, if possible.
Instead of MP3 files, WAV files will keep their audio data. They must contain a uniform start point for alignment, which means that I cannot use project files from the DAW you've recorded your music with. The stems should be bounced from the beginning of the session to each stem's time point position. I use Pro Tools for audio production. Also, please include any notes or requirements in great detail of how you would like your music to be mixed and/or mastered.
HOW DO I SEND MY FILES TO YOU?
Make sure that your audio levels aren't too high because if so, they will affect the quality of the recordings. Recording vocals too hot (too loud) can damage them. It also depends on your location of recording and/or the equipment. Focus on the amount of headroom that is allowed while recording because if your vocals are clipping/distorted then I cannot use them.
If you are using a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) besides Pro Tools, I need you to render all of your stems from the beginning. In other words, each stem will be lined up at its right time point position from the beginning of the song. If these instructions are not followed, then you will have to go back and resend them again. Receiving stems that are not in their time point position and/or an incomplete song structure could result into additional fees.
Render/bounce your stems into WAV audio files and export them from your DAW by compressing them into a zip file/folder. Next, you can upload them onto an on-line file hosting/sharing service because the files will be too big to send through email. On the other hand, you can use Google Drive to send big files. I personally use Dropbox and MediaFire for personal safekeeping. For an example, Mega, which it could provide 50 GB of free space, it is very simple to share folders across the web. Not to mention, WeTransfer has similar features that can also assist with transferring large sizable files over the internet.
You can also send me a rough mix of the song along with a reference track, which will give me an idea of how you would your songs to sound similar to.
If you purchase any of the album mix and master services then I will use a file hosting service to send you your full album in a compressed/zip folder. Just make sure that you keep your music saved in an external hard drive for safekeeping. I am not responsible if any lost, replaced or stolen data from your work.
If you are using a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) besides Pro Tools, I need you to render all of your stems from the beginning. In other words, each stem will be lined up at its right time point position from the beginning of the song. If these instructions are not followed, then you will have to go back and resend them again. Receiving stems that are not in their time point position and/or an incomplete song structure could result into additional fees.
Render/bounce your stems into WAV audio files and export them from your DAW by compressing them into a zip file/folder. Next, you can upload them onto an on-line file hosting/sharing service because the files will be too big to send through email. On the other hand, you can use Google Drive to send big files. I personally use Dropbox and MediaFire for personal safekeeping. For an example, Mega, which it could provide 50 GB of free space, it is very simple to share folders across the web. Not to mention, WeTransfer has similar features that can also assist with transferring large sizable files over the internet.
You can also send me a rough mix of the song along with a reference track, which will give me an idea of how you would your songs to sound similar to.
If you purchase any of the album mix and master services then I will use a file hosting service to send you your full album in a compressed/zip folder. Just make sure that you keep your music saved in an external hard drive for safekeeping. I am not responsible if any lost, replaced or stolen data from your work.
WHAT IS A REVISION, AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
A revision is an altered/edited version or copy of your song. It could be mixed, mastered or partially in-between. After listening to the initial mix, you may want to consider making some changes. By doing so, in order to receive a revision, you must first make a request. In great detail, let me know what you have in mind. Each service includes two free revisions so use them wisely.
Give me a clear understanding of how you envision your music to sound, so I can comply by giving you the perfect mix in any way possible. Volume and effect adjustments are covered. Adding new instructions such as: changing the structure of your song, adding new stems/recordings/sound bits or anything else that was not mentioned before all else will not be covered.
Extra revisions will result into a $5.00 fee for every additional one that will be requested because altering your work between different mixes could take a lot of my time that will eventually fill my position with laborious work. So in order to avoid fees, make sure you know exactly what you want and how you want your music recorded and/or engineered.
Give me a clear understanding of how you envision your music to sound, so I can comply by giving you the perfect mix in any way possible. Volume and effect adjustments are covered. Adding new instructions such as: changing the structure of your song, adding new stems/recordings/sound bits or anything else that was not mentioned before all else will not be covered.
Extra revisions will result into a $5.00 fee for every additional one that will be requested because altering your work between different mixes could take a lot of my time that will eventually fill my position with laborious work. So in order to avoid fees, make sure you know exactly what you want and how you want your music recorded and/or engineered.
ARE THERE ANY SMOKE/FOOD BREAKS IN THE STUDIO?
For the safety and health of my studio, smoking, vaping and/or drinking will not be tolerated; if smoke breaks are needed, they have to be approved by me in a timely manner, and it does not take away from studio time. Marijuana smoking is highly prohibited. Also, if you are under the influence and/or carry a strong scent of cigarettes or marijuana, you will not be allowed in the studio. Carrying illegal substances of any kind on the property will not be allowed. Any beverages (non-alcoholic) needed must be provided by you in a closed container and no food will be allowed. If water is requested, $1 per bottle.
CAN I SET UP A PAYMENT PLAN?
Payment plans will not be accepted; everything must be paid in full in person, PayPal or Cash App before our services begin. Depending on the size of the song(s) or project(s), if necessary, half of the payment can be paid as a pledge of an agreement and, furthermore, the balance being payable later when the song is completed. Please keep in mind, any mixing or mastering will not begin unless the client has met the guidelines. Everything should be recorded before I start the mixing process.
In order to avoid confusion, new songs will not be in session until the previous songs have been fully paid. Any add-ons (vocals, sound effects, audio clips, etc.) will be considered at extra cost in the middle of mixing and/or mastering. In every recording session, you will be charged hourly; regardless of how long you record, within every hour you use for studio time, you are still getting charged for that hour.
In order to avoid confusion, new songs will not be in session until the previous songs have been fully paid. Any add-ons (vocals, sound effects, audio clips, etc.) will be considered at extra cost in the middle of mixing and/or mastering. In every recording session, you will be charged hourly; regardless of how long you record, within every hour you use for studio time, you are still getting charged for that hour.
DO YOU HAVE A REFUND POLICY?
My mission is to make you happy. If you're not happy with the results then I can proceed to make small changes, free of charge. For bigger changes, you can use your free revisions or purchase more if you've used up your free ones. Unfortunately, I cannot offer refunds as you are paying for my time and expertise, not for an audio file. My services are intangible, irrevocable goods. But rest assured, I will keep working on your track until you are completely happy. Once recording, mixing and/or mastering has been taken place, refunds cannot be issued.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO MIX/MASTER?
It all depends on the amount of work that needs to be done. The process of mixing and mastering is extensive but considerably enough time to get everything underway. Base on the amount of time I have due to my schedule on certain days, in all likelihood, it can take within 72 hours per song, which is the estimated TAT (turnaround time) if you want to review your first mix/revision. As for mastering, it can take up to 24-48 hours
As for large quantities of work, albums could take about 3-4 weeks for completion as well as mixtapes. Short projects (for example: EPs) could take at least a week or two before completion. The starting point on any work that is sent from my clients is based on a "first come, first served" basis.
These time frames that are addressed, either on my website, in person or by email/text, for your project(s) to be completed are approximated. Specifically, they are not guaranteed to be finished at these given times. Somehow, they can be longer than expected.
Keep in mind that most editing, post-production, mixing and mastering is done without the client present.
As for large quantities of work, albums could take about 3-4 weeks for completion as well as mixtapes. Short projects (for example: EPs) could take at least a week or two before completion. The starting point on any work that is sent from my clients is based on a "first come, first served" basis.
These time frames that are addressed, either on my website, in person or by email/text, for your project(s) to be completed are approximated. Specifically, they are not guaranteed to be finished at these given times. Somehow, they can be longer than expected.
Keep in mind that most editing, post-production, mixing and mastering is done without the client present.
HOW LONG WILL YOU HOLD ON TO MY SESSION FILES?
Take 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 discard them from my hard drive permanently 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?
For block sessions only: yes but, please keep in mind, if you have used up all of your time in your block session and request additional time, it will turn into an hourly rate of $45 for the remaining of your session. Make sure to use your time wisely during your block session because, if necessary, it will not be extended nor rescheduled for another day.
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 it'll become a separate fee to differ from the actual fee that it cost before because it'll add more studio time. When an artist/musician needs to re-record anything that replaces an actual recording (intros, verses, pre-choruses, choruses, etc) that were previously recorded in my studio, it applies to the re-recording fee. It does not replace the initial fee that it cost to cover the recording and mixing. Also, keep in mind, that re-recording sessions will not cover regular recording sessions but the re-recording fee will be added to your regular recording session if both sessions are consolidated.
CAN I MAKE CHANGES TO THE SERVICE(S) I CHOOSE?
As for the individual and group rates, those rates will remain the same for everyone. There won't be any adding, subtracting, dividing or mixing up different rates in order to get a price reduction. I can understand that anyone could be on a tight budget but choose what best fits your budget. Otherwise, pressuring me into giving you a cheap deal, in a desperate or aggressive manner, that will complicate our business relationship. If that happens then that client would be at fault, and moreover, I will be expected to do a job that deals with an enormous amount of work just for such a small price. Put the matter another way, it is the same as ripping someone off. Any kind of suspicious behavior will have me question the credibility of the job I'm supposed to do from a professional standpoint. If you do not want to hire me because of my rates then I will take my services elsewhere to someone who is genuine and well-qualified enough to work with me. In my line of business, there are no reductions, handouts or shortcuts. Rules are rules. No excuses and no exceptions.
WHY IS THERE A CHARGE FOR ADDING FEATURES?
Keep in mind that every studio does not work in the same capacity as you would expect them to. As for I, I do everything on my own and the amount of work that I am usually given, others expect to receive one flat fee for everything, including adding new material in the process of music creation. However, as far as adding features, they are outside sources that I have to work with due to the magnitude of your session or project. Whether you are inviting someone to record vocals/live instruments to your project or adding materials that was recorded from another studio, that still "adds more to my plate". The more work I am given, the higher the price will be.
CAN I CREATE A STUDIO PACKAGE OF MY OWN?
It is unfortunate that I do not allow that because not all of my services can be combined. It wouldn't be fair to my other clients who respectively follow my line of work, and I'd like to keep my business relationships intact with everyone. The mix+master packages do not include in-studio recording sessions; however, it is a package that is created as an online-service for those who have previously recorded their music and are fully prepared for mixing and mastering. Vocal and instrument recording are only offered during in-studio sessions. Our time is precious, and it is quite uncertain to know how long it would take to make music (recording vocals, mixing and/or mastering) before doing so. As a consequence, it could take a lot 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 offer rush deliveries for all services. It may not be available depending on the length of the project. Pricing (per song) is as follows:
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 can, but I wouldn't recommend that because it is critical to have your tracks mastered all at once instead of individually before putting them together for an album. Mastering is not only a process that makes your music sound at its complete best but it also an important process that makes sure that each track is optimized for volume and consistency. In other words, you want to make sure that each track doesn't sound louder or lower than the others.
For in-studio sessions, there's a small mastering fee because some artists would like to have a track mastered afterwards and release it as a single. Be that as it may, in my opinion, it is wiser to have your album recorded first then mastered it as a whole after every track has been mixed thoroughly. This does explain why my mastering prices for albums, EPs and mixtapes are higher than the mastering fee for in-studio sessions because it'll make the entire project come together as a holistic album. An album cannot be holistic without having - "the whole".
For in-studio sessions, there's a small mastering fee because some artists would like to have a track mastered afterwards and release it as a single. Be that as it may, in my opinion, it is wiser to have your album recorded first then mastered it as a whole after every track has been mixed thoroughly. This does explain why my mastering prices for albums, EPs and mixtapes are higher than the mastering fee for in-studio sessions because it'll make the entire project come together as a holistic album. An album cannot be holistic without having - "the whole".
CAN YOU SAMPLE ANOTHER ARTIST'S WORK to MY BEAT?
You will need to provide me specific details on how you would like your beat produced, and I'll happily make that happen for you. If you would like to sample (record or extract a small piece of music or sound digitally for reuse as part of a composition or song) another artist’s work in your beat, you need to provide me with the sample, and you will be responsible for obtaining clearance to use that sample.
CAN YOU FIX THE MIX OF A SONG THAT IS A 2-TRACK STEREO FILE?
It is possible to fix the mix of a song if you don't have the Pro Tools session files or stems. I will be performing the process of stem mixing if it's only a two-track stereo file. Although, if the song is already mixed, and it contains mild to heavy distortion or clipping then the actual song needs to go back to the mixing stage to resolve those audio issues.
CAN MASTERING FIX A BAD MIX?
Mastering a bad mix is not a good idea because mastering can only do so much to improve the quality of the mix. Mastering is the final step in the audio production process and is intended to enhance and optimize an already good mix, not to fix a bad one.
Here are some reasons why mastering a bad mix is not a good idea:
In conclusion, it's always best to make sure that the mix is as good as possible before moving on to mastering. This will ensure that the final product sounds as good as possible and meets the standards of the music industry.
Here are some reasons why mastering a bad mix is not a good idea:
- Limitations: Mastering can only do so much to fix a bad mix. For example, if the vocals are too low in the mix, mastering cannot make them louder without also increasing the volume of other elements in the mix.
- Distortion: If a mix already has distortion or other problems, mastering can actually make those issues worse. Mastering involves boosting the volume of the mix, and if the mix is already distorted, this can exacerbate the problem.
- Imbalance: If the mix is imbalanced, such as having one instrument too loud or too quiet, mastering cannot fully correct the issue. While mastering can adjust the overall volume and balance of the mix, it cannot fix fundamental imbalances in the mix.
- Quality: Ultimately, mastering a bad mix can result in a poor-quality final product. While mastering can help improve the overall sound of the mix, it cannot make up for a poorly mixed song.
In conclusion, it's always best to make sure that the mix is as good as possible before moving on to mastering. This will ensure that the final product sounds as good as possible and meets the standards of the music industry.
How CAN I SEND YOU BEATS/VIDEOS FROM YouTube?
Most artists would want to use amazing sounds, effects and clips from YouTube, Instagram and other websites for promotional purposes but they don't know how to gain access nor download them. Now, you can! Just make sure you get permission first.
You can use easy-to-use software applications from 4K Download that will capture audio and video for you so you can use for your lyrical/video content. I like to use their products, which can help us further and prepare near-future studio sessions in advance without any struggle. You can download them 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
You can use easy-to-use software applications from 4K Download that will capture audio and video for you so you can use for your lyrical/video content. I like to use their products, which can help us further and prepare near-future studio sessions in advance without any struggle. You can download them 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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