The idea for this website came about because I saw a change in the way artists were making music, and a need for quality during that process. Let’s face it. The major labels are not so major any more, and most artists are struggling to produce and release songs on their own, or with very little help from their independent label partners.
At the same time, I noticed that there are more and more audio trade schools pushing out more and more graduates every semester, and those newly graduated “engineers” are offering to mix everyone’s records for next to nothing. When I came up, there was a process to becoming a mix engineer.
- First you would intern.
- Then you would assist under established engineers.
- Eventually, after years of practice, you would get to start recording.
- After many more years gaining experience as a recording engineer, then and only then would you get the opportunity to mix a record.
It was an honor, and a privilege, to join that rank of mix engineers.
Today, you simply graduate from a trade school, and start offering to mix projects for free or dirt cheap. Do you see the problem?
If you are searching for a mix engineer to mix your record, let me tell you that you have a big decision in front of you. Always remember,
when it comes to mixing, you get what you pay for. Please check out the information on this site. Look at my
credits. Listen to my
mixes. If you like what you see, I would love to discuss your project with you and see how we can build a long lasting working relationship.
And above all, whether or not you choose to hire me,
do your research so you don’t end up spending money on a mix that you are not 100% happy with. At the end of the day, it’s your name on the record. You need to love it 100%, and that’s the most important thing.
Once your tracks are recorded, we will arrange for you to get me the session files. You can use my direct upload link, or any one of a number of online services for this, such as
wetransfer.com. If you have an account with another file sharing service, that's fine too. You can even mail me a DVD (although that will take longer).
Once I receive the files, I will check to make sure everything is in place, the session loads up properly and there are no missing files.
During this time, we can discuss your vision for the song, any references you have, rough mixes or other songs that you want to emulate, etc. I don't always use references, but if you have something specific that you want to achieve, I'm happy to go over those with you.
Once we have a good idea of where the mix should go, I will perform a mix on your song, using all the tools at my disposal (see my
studio link) as well as my 25+ years of experience in the recording industry. During the mix, you can have as little or as much involvement as you like. You can either leave it to me and let me "do my thing," or we can send rough drafts back and forth. Whatever is most comfortable for you.
When I have a mix ready, I will send you a high quality reference file for you to listen to in your own, familiar listening environment. Most artists and producers actually prefer this, rather than attending a mix session in a studio where they are unfamiliar with the monitoring environment.
Now is your opportunity to give me your feedback. Any suggestions or comments you have about the mix will be addressed and a new version will be sent to you.
The important thing to note is,
I'm not happy until you are happy. The mix will not be considered "finished" until you sign off 100%. That means you won't be charged for revisions, and I will work until you are not only satisfied, but thrilled with your mix. (The only exception is if you decide to add or change parts once the mix has already been approved. In this case, we can discuss a nominal additional charge).
Once the mix is completed, I will print 24 bit WAV files at an optimal level ready for mastering. I highly recommend using a separate mastering facility for best results. Anyone who mixes and masters at the same time is doing you a disservice, because they are very different techniques requiring different equipment and toolsets. And it's actually better to get a fresh set of ears on your project for the mastering phase. (I'm happy to recommend a fantastic mastering facility that I work with on a regular basis).
These are some basic guidelines to help you prepare your session for a successful mix. They aren't steadfast requirements, but it would be helpful so that I can spend my time mixing your song, rather than fixing things that weren't done correctly. Session format I use Pro Tools HDX to mix. If you are using Pro Tools, in any version or format, you can simply send me your session and I will be able to load it without further changes. Bounce your tracks If you are using another DAW, such as Logic, Cubase, etc. then you will need to bounce out your individual tracks as WAV or AIFF files. I prefer 24 bit WAV, but if you are already using another format, that's fine. Consult the user documentation for your DAW for explicit instructions for bouncing tracks.
When you bounce your tracks, please bring the faders to unity gain (0). If your faders are very low, the resulting bounced files will also have a very low volume. Also, please remove any effects such as reverbs or delays. The only exception to this is if it is an effect that is an integral part of the sound (for example a sweeping filter on a synth). When in question, just bounce two copies of the sound, one with the effect and one without.
Most importantly, make sure each audio file is bounced from the beginning of the session, even if that means there is blank space. This way, everything will line up correctly when I import the files into Pro Tools. Send me the session files Once we book your mix, I can send you a dedicated upload link to send me your files. If you have another method you prefer to use, that's fine too.
My mixes include every aspect of the mix, based on what the song needs. I provide whatever is necessary to get the mix done, in best service to the song. The vocals need tuning? No problem. The drums need editing or tightening? No problem. It's all part of what I do, and I won't stop until it's 100% perfect.
My basic mix package consists of the following mixes:
- Main mix
- Instrumental
- A capella
- Performance (TV) track
If there are any other mixes you need, no problem. I also sometimes do a vocal up mix if I feel it's necessary, but usually mastering engineers prefer my main mix.
I also guarantee my work, with the motto
I'm not happy until you're happy. In other words, I will continue working on your mix until you are not only satisfied, but completely thrilled with your mix. Usually this happens within a couple short revisions. But if it takes longer, rest assured that I will continue working for you until you are 100% satisfied and approve the mix.
This is all included at no extra charge, as revisions are free. The only exception to this is if you were to add new parts after the mix has been approved, but if that situation arises, we can work out a small additional fee.
Ok, I know I have a "Rates" tab in the menu, but I can't actually advertise my prices online. I will say this: my rates are what would be considered "mid-range." Although I have mixed for major label artists with major label budgets, I have created this website in order to bring that same quality and experience to artists who are working with a more realistic budget.
Please
REQUEST A QUOTE by filling out the form, giving me as much information as possible about your project. I will then contact you ASAP and we can work together to devise a plan that meets your needs and budget.
Whether or not you hire me, there is one thing I would like to offer as a word of advice. There are engineers out there who will offer to mix your songs for free, or will quote bargain basement prices. Be wary, because when it comes to mixing,
you get what you pay for. I say this only because I have been contacted more times than I can count over the years, by people who have paid $50 or $100 to have a mix done, and the end result was that they were not happy with the mix. Then they are already in the hole, and have to find a way to come up with more money to get the mix redone by someone else.
When you are shopping for a mix engineer, do your research. Check their credits. If they list a bunch of credits and you don't recognize a single name, that should raise a red flag. Listen to examples of their mixes. If they don't have any posted, there's something wrong. You can check out my
credits and examples of my
mixes on this site.
At the end of the day, I'm willing to help any way I can. If you have questions but aren't ready to start your project yet, you can still fill out the
REQUEST A QUOTE form to get in touch. If I can help steer you in the right direction now, it could help save you time and money in the long run.
