Mixing
Mixing is a simple concept, but hard to execute. Simply put, it’s the process of combining all of the individual elements in a song–each instrument and sound–into a cohesive and balanced whole. It’s not really about being able to hear every instrument all of the time. A good mix goes far beyond that, enhancing the emotion and character of the song and – most importantly – the way it affects the listener.
Whether you’re local or overseas, I can work with you to bring new life to your songs. My fees are a flat rate per song, so I spend my time focusing on your music and not the ticking of the clock. You’re hiring me for my ears and experience at delivering a great mix. And, as any professional mixer will tell you, it’s not about the where the mix is done, the gear or the studio, it’s about who is doing the mix.
A bit about the process…
Prepare your song.
It doesn’t matter what recording software you use. Just send me whole, raw audio files. Unless it’s a special effect track or sound that you want used in the mix, leave the recorded tracks as they are.
All tracks must be consolidated, with no edits and the same start time.
That way, when I import the files into Pro Tools HD, everything lines up and I get to mixing right away. Have any questions? Contact me now!
Send me your song(s).
There are several ways to send along your files…
- Burn your files onto a CD or DVD and drop it in the mail, FedEx, or DHL.
- Ship me a hard drive (I’ll ship it back when we’re done)
- Transfer over Internet via YouSendIt, Sendspace, FTP or similar…
- Carrier pigeon
File security and discretion is very important to me. When I send your mixes over the internet I use a secure server and can even provide a password-protected page you can share with other people at your discretion.
Tell me what you want to hear.
Before I get started on a mix, I want to know your vision for the song. What’s the story in the lyric? What are you trying to capture? What do you think of the rough mix? Is it close or missing something? How does it feel?
Mix on.
I’ll do the mix and send you the result either electronically or via snail mail on a DVD. We can also arrange for me to deliver the mix files directly to the mastering studio. The first recall and changes of a mix are free. Deliverables include:
- Main mix pass
- TV mix (no lead vocal)
- Instrumental mix
- Vocal Up (if requested)
- Vocal Down (if requested)
- A cappella (if requested)
Remote E-Mixing – Out of town clients…
Need a remote online mix engineer? If you’re across town or across the country, you can get a great mix and stay involved with the process just as if you were in the studio with me.
I communicate with clients via whatever means are fast and easy. Phone, text, email, iChat, AIM, and Skype have all been used in the past!
If we schedule the mix session for a time that works for you, I can stream your mix live over the Internet on a private internet radio station/stream as a 256k Mp3. You can listen to the mix from the comfort of your home or studio while we make changes in real time! I’ve done numerous mixes this way and it’s phenomenally fast.
Send me a sample!
I’d love to hear what you’re working on! Send me a rough mix if you want comments, thoughts or a quote. Remote mixing can be really affordable, with flat rates for singles, EP’s and full-length records alike! Contact me here.