FAQ

Please select any of the questions you may have by clicking on them. It's likely that you'll locate the solutions you need. If not, you can contact me by email at [email protected] with any more queries or worries. Thank you.

GENERAL

what is the difference between mixing & mastering

Audio mixing is the process of combining multiple different audio tracks, such as synths, guitars, drums, and vocals, to create a final stereo or multi-channel audio mix. The audio engineer will tweak various aspects of each recording, such as volume levels, panning, EQ, and effects, to ensure that every track flows naturally into the next.

Audio mastering is the final step in the audio production process, performed when mixed audio tracks are prepared for release, such as on CDs or streaming services. The mastering engineer will make final adjustments to the mix's overall dynamics, EQ, and balance during mastering to ensure that it sounds great across a range of playback devices and platforms. The goals of mastering are to meet industry standards, be ready for release, and produce a polished sound for the final mix.

Why should i have my music mixed & mastered?

Musicians need to have their songs mixed and mastered in order for them to sound polished, professional, and ready for distribution. Here are some explanations:

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: After mixing, the different instruments and vocals can be heard more clearly. 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 could help give the mixture a sense of depth and spaciousness.
Loudness Level: Mastering can help ensure that the finished mix is at a constant volume that is appropriate for the distribution medium. This is particularly important in the modern streaming environment, where listeners can quickly switch between tracks and inconsistencies in loudness can be quite shocking.
Checking for clicks, pops, or distortion in the mix is one of the quality control techniques used in mastering to make sure the final product is as high-quality as possible.

CAN YOU FIX THE MIX OF A TWO-TRACK STEREO FILE?

It is not a good idea to master a bad mix, even though mastering can only improve a mix to a certain extent. Mastering, the final phase of audio production, aims to enhance and maximize an already excellent mix rather than rectify a poor one.

Learning to mix poorly is not a good idea for the following reasons:

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. Even though mastering can make a song sound better overall, it cannot fix a poorly mixed song.

Lastly, making sure the mix is as good as possible is always a good idea before moving on to mastering. By taking this precaution, the final product will have the best sound quality and meet industry standards.

CAN MASTERING FIX A BAD MIX?

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. Even though mastering can make a song sound better overall, it cannot fix a poorly mixed song.

SENDING MATERIAL FOR MIXING/MASTERING

how can i send my music?

Make sure your audio levels are not too high, because this could affect the quality of the recordings. Overly loud recordings may result in a proximity effect. It also depends on the setup of the recording device and/or location. I will not be able to use your vocals if they are clipping or distorted, so pay special attention to the headroom allowed during recording.

If you are using a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) other than Pro Tools, you will need to render all of your stems from the beginning. Put another way, each stem will be placed at the right moment from the beginning to the end of the song. If you do not follow these instructions the first time, you will have to send them again. Incomplete song structures or missing stems could result in additional expenses.

You should bounce or render your stems into WAV audio files. Next, export them by placing them in a zip file or folder from your DAW. The files will then be too big to email, so you can upload them to an online file sharing or hosting service. Nonetheless, Google Drive is an option if you need to send large files. I personally use Dropbox and MediaFire for personal storage. Mega, for example, provides up to 50 GB of free space and makes it very simple to share folders over the internet. WeTransfer, incidentally, provides similar functionality that can facilitate bulk file transfers across the internet.

You may also send me a rough mix of the song and a reference track to help me visualize how you want your songs to sound.

If you purchase any of the album mix and master services, your entire album will be sent to you via a file hosting service in a compressed or zip folder. It is your duty to ensure that your music is kept safe. I take no responsibility for any lost, replaced, or stolen data from your work.

Which files must I send over?

The 24-bit WAV format is the appropriate one for the files that need to be sent. AIFF and/or MP3 files are not accepted.

In order to avoid being charged for disorganized material, your work needs to be properly labeled, organized into stems, and placed in a folder with your name on it. All of the audio files for the song or project, along with the key and tempo of the song, should be located in that folder. If you do not know the tempo, I can figure it out for you. The audio files should be in 24-bit WAV/AIFF format and uncompressed, if that is possible.

Compared to MP3 files, WAV files will have more audio data. You will need to export your stems with a consistent starting point for alignment because I am unable to use project files from the DAW (Pro Tools only) you used to record your music. The stems should be bounced from the beginning of the session to each stem's end time point position. Please be sure to fully describe any additional instructions or requirements you may have for the mixing and/or mastering of your song.

REVISIONS

what is a revision?

A revision is an edited or revised version. It could be mixed, mastered, or somewhere in the middle. After hearing the first mix, you might want to consider making some changes. In order to receive a revision, you will need to submit a request by doing this. Kindly give a detailed explanation of your idea. Every service comes with two free revisions; take advantage of them.

How do revisions work?

Please give me a clear idea of your desired sound for your music so that we can work together to create the best mix possible. Effect and volume adjustments are covered. 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.

What happens if I need more changes?

There will be a $20 fee for each additional revision that is requested because switching between mixes on your work could take up a lot of my time and eventually overload my position with laborious work. Make sure you know exactly what you want and how you want your music recorded or engineered in order to avoid any additional fees.

90% of the original song's price will be charged if, for any reason, you would like me to completely redo any song in its entirety I have mixed for you previously. For instance, the cost to mix a song will now be $135 instead of $150 as it was originally.

PRICING & PAYMENT

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO MIX OR MASTER MY MUSIC?

Everything depends on how much work needs to be done. It takes a while for mixing and mastering, but it is more than enough time to get things going. The approximate turnaround time (TAT) for a song is 48 hours, which I can probably finish given my schedule on some days. Depending on the number of songs, mastering can take up to 24 or 48 hours. The length of the wait may also change.

Mixtapes and albums can take three to four weeks to complete, depending on the amount of work involved. It could take at least one or two weeks to complete short tasks (like EPs). My clients' work is handled on a "first come, first served" basis.

The dates I have provided on my website, in person, by email, or by text are estimates for when your project(s) should be finished. In other words, there is no assurance they will be finished by these dates. Occasionally, they seem to go on longer than expected.

DO YOU OFFER ANY DEALS OR DISCOUNTS?

You can find discounts and quantity discounts on the page for the "mix + master" packages. It is up to you to determine what is most cost-effective. Prices fluctuate over time. If a special offer is made and is not taken advantage of for a predetermined amount of time, the price may return to normal.

A 10% discount on any of my other services will be given to a current client of mine who refers me to a potential client and then hires me for a song. If I am hired by the prospective client to complete a project in its entirety, I will offer a 15% referral discount to the current client.

WHY IS THERE A CHARGE FOR ADDING FEATURES?

Note that not every studio operates as one might anticipate. Owing to the amount of work I typically receive, solo artists typically demand a single, fixed price for all services, even if they add new material while writing songs. However, I have to collaborate with outside sources to add features due to the scope of your session or project. When we say that it "adds more to my plate," we mean adding in-studio recordings or having someone record vocals or live instruments for your project. As I take on more work, the cost will increase.

Are Payment Plans Available?

We do not take installment payments; all payments, made in-person or through PayPal, Apple Pay, Zelle, or Cash App, must be made in full before our services begin (online only). One half of the total amount may be paid in advance as contract security, contingent on the size of the song or projects; the other half is due at the time the song is completed. Please keep in mind that no mixing or mastering will begin until the client complies with the requirements.

To prevent confusion, new songs will not be performed until the previous songs have been fully paid for. When mixing and/or mastering is underway, any additional elements (sound effects, audio clips, vocals, etc.) will be evaluated and priced accordingly. No matter how long you record, you will still be charged for the hour or hours that you spend in the studio because you will be billed hourly for each recording session.

DO YOU HAVE A REFUND POLICY?

Satisfying your music needs is my goal. If you’re not happy with the result, I can continue to make small changes for free. You can purchase more revisions if you have used up all of your free ones and want to make even bigger adjustments. I apologize, but I am unable to provide refunds as you are paying for my time and expertise rather than an audio file. I provide immaterial, non-refundable services. Nevertheless, you can be confident that I will continue to work on your track until you are completely happy.

TURNAROUND TIME & DELIVERY

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO MIX OR MASTER MY MUSIC?

Everything depends on how much work needs to get done. Mastering and mixing take some time, but it is more than enough to get things going.

You should expect to receive your first mix within 2–3 business days (per song). The turnaround time may increase based on the quantity of songs. Depending on my schedule, it is also possible that the mix will be finished sooner or later than anticipated. Federal holidays and weekends may also have an impact on turnaround times. Before making any payments, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns for peace of mind.

WHAT IF I NEED YOU TO rush THE PROCESS?

Yes, I offer quick delivery for all services. The availability of the project may depend on how long it takes. There will be an extra charge. The following prices apply (per song):

3 Days: 15% of your total
2 Days: +25% of your total
1 Day: +35% of your total
Within 6–12 Hours: +45% of your total

IN-STUDIO SESSION RULES

Are there food/smoke breaks?

For reasons of health and safety, smoking, vaping, and/or drinking alcohol are not allowed in my studio. Please get my permission in advance if you need to take a smoke break so that it does not conflict with studio time. Marijuana smoking is strictly prohibited. Additionally, if you smell strongly of marijuana or cigarettes or if you are intoxicated, neither of these conditions may allow you to enter the studio. Bringing any kind of illegal substance onto the premises is strictly prohibited. There will be no food allowed, and any non-alcoholic drinks must be brought in a closed container. If you want water, it costs $1 per bottle.

Can I extend my studio time? (Only for block sessions)

Yes, but keep in mind that the remaining part of your session will be charged at an hourly rate of $60 if you request more time after your block session has ended and you have used up all of your allocated time. Utilize your time carefully because there will not be more than one block session extension on a given day.

HOW MANY GUESTS CAN I INVITE?

Please make sure to ask me before you bring a guest into the studio. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you are allowed to invite one person per session; however, you must still discuss and get approval from the engineer/producer beforehand.

What if I'm 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. Do your best to arrive on time. If we agreed upon a time, please make sure to arrive on time. Your session will be canceled or rescheduled for a later time if you are more than thirty to sixty minutes late.

Should you need to cancel or reduce your reservation, you must notify us 48 hours in advance. Being late so frequently might lead to extra costs if my schedule gets in the way of other assignments or studio sessions. Please notify me ahead of time if you anticipate being late. When it comes to block sessions, the more behind schedule you are, the less time you have left before the session ends and you will not get an extension.

I do not associate myself with perpetually late clients. I will end my services and release you as my client if you consistently arrive late for your appointments or miss them without telling me twice in a row.

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. If an artist or musician needs to rerecord any material that was previously recorded in my studio, including verses, choruses (hooks), pre-choruses (bridges), intros, etc., there will be a re-recording fee. It does not cover the price of the original mixing and recording. Should you choose to combine both sessions, the re-recording fee will be added to your regular recording session. Remember that re-recording sessions are not a substitute for initial recording sessions.

MISCELLANEOUS

How long will you hold onto my session files?

It is not my place to keep your projects for safekeeping, so please consider this. But it is my responsibility to have them when they are prepared for completion. Until then, regardless of completion, your records will be kept for four to five months. If, after five months, you do not request that your session files be exported, I will, without further explanation, discard them. There are no refunds for any records.

CAN I USE THE DAW FILES AFTER YOU MIXED/MASTERED THEM?

Since every project is drastically different from the others, I am afraid I am unable to accomplish that. Therefore, the mixing strategies and configurations designed to provide a great mix for the project cannot be applied to every project in the same way. It will sound unappealing. Furthermore, I cannot claim that my studio is like other studios because every studio has a different setup and method. It is not in my nature to divulge any of my secrets to any competitor or customer because that would be bad business conduct from a professional perspective.

CAN I CREATE MY OWN BUNDLE?

I am afraid I cannot allow that because I cannot combine all of my services. Maintaining business ties with each of my clients would be both my preference and an injustice to my other clients in the same industry. The "mix + master packages" are designed to be an online service for those who have already recorded their music and are ready for mixing and mastering, not for in-studio recording sessions. For recording vocals and instruments, only in-studio sessions are offered. Since time is of the essence, we cannot be sure when the music production process—which includes vocal recording, mixing, and mastering—will be finished before continuing on. It could therefore take a lot longer than anticipated.

DO YOU OFFER CONTRACTS?

I do provide contracts (either hard copies or digital copies) that will apply to both of us, provided you agree to the conditions I have listed on my website. These conditions, which will also be included in hard copies, must be formally agreed upon BEFORE any work is done by the engineer and the client(s). It is also necessary to include a completion date for the project. If you accept my terms of service, the contract needs to be signed. A breach of contract will occur if I provide services that are defective or misused on your behalf. For more information, please read my terms of services page.

CAN YOU SAMPLE BEATS?

You must provide me with precise instructions so that I can make sure your beat is produced the way you desire. I will be happy to comply. If 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 need to get clearance first.

CAN YOU SEND ME THE DAW FILES AFTER YOU MIXED/MASTERED THEM?

CAN I USE TRACKS THAT WERE MASTERED INDIVIDUALLY FOR A PROJECT RATHER THAN AS A WHOLE?

borrowing audio/music from youtube?

You could, but I would not suggest it because it is better to master every track at once rather than mastering each one separately and then putting them together for an album. Mastering is an essential step in making sure every track is consistently and loudly optimized, in addition to making sure your music sounds its best. To put it differently, you want to make sure that no track is audibly louder or quieter than the others.

A small mastering fee is charged for in-studio sessions because some artists want their track(s) to be mastered and released immediately after recording. However, I believe that recording your album first and mastering it as a whole after each track has been expertly mixed makes more sense. This makes it clear why I charge more for mixtape, EP, and album mastering than for in-studio mastering because it will improve the overall cohesiveness of the project. An album cannot be holistic unless it contains "the whole."