Mixing and Mastering Blog
Tutorials, tips, and industry insights from a professional mixing and mastering engineer.
How Long Does It Take to Master a Song?
After nearly two decades of mixing and mastering tracks for Billboard-charting artists like Travis Barker, Kelly Clarkson, and A$AP Rocky, I’ve learned that the question “How long will it take to master my song?” doesn’t have a simple answer. Every…
Why Top 40 Hits Crush Spotify’s -14 LUFS Rule – 4 Tips for Loud, Competitive Masters
Why Top 40 Hits Crush Spotify’s -14 LUFS Rule – 4 Tips for Loud, Competitive Masters If you’re just getting into music production, you’ve probably heard this advice floating around: “Spotify wants your masters at -14 LUFS, so that’s where…
iZotope FXEQ Review – A Creative Game-Changer for Mixing and Mastering
iZotope FXEQ Review – A Creative Game-Changer for Mixing and Mastering Every now and then, a plugin drops that makes you stop what you’re doing, lean in, and say, “OK… that’s new.” iZotope’s FXEQ is one of those. This…
Is Online Mixing and Mastering Worth It in 2026?
If you want to skip the article and hire a professional, check out my online mixing and mastering services. “Can I really trust someone online to mix or master my music?” That’s the question a lot of artists are asking…
From Demo to Radio Ready: How I Transformed Rhea Raj’s “Venom”
It always starts with an idea. A rough demo. A voice note. A beat that sparks something. That’s exactly how Venom by Rhea Raj began — raw, emotional, and full of potential. But getting from that first spark to a…
How Much Does Mixing and Mastering Services Cost?
Typical Price Ranges in 2026 One of the most common questions I get from new clients is: “How much does it cost to get a song mixed and mastered?” And the honest answer is—it depends. Now before…
What Is Gain in Audio? (And Why It’s the Key to Great Sound)
When I first started mixing, I used to think gain was just another word for volume. I’d turn up a knob, things would get louder, and I’d think, “Cool, that’s gain.” But what I didn’t understand is that gain isn’t…
Mixing a Song with the Waves Free Plugin Pack
Setting Up the Session with the Waves Free Plugin Pack A few days ago, I got an email from Waves saying they were releasing a new Waves Free Plugin Pack—nine plugins available to download at no cost. I’ve used…
How to Release Music on Spotify
How to Release Music on Spotify: A Real-World Guide for Independent Artists Releasing your music on Spotify isn’t just about uploading a file and hoping for the best. It’s a process—a launch, really—that combines creative intent with technical precision and…
Kiive Audio Kstrip Review
Introduction: Classic Console DNA, Modern Plugin Mindset In today’s saturated plugin market, standing out requires more than just emulating vintage gear; it demands innovation that aligns with contemporary mixing workflows. Kiive Audio’s K-Strip achieves this by integrating elements from three…