FAQ
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is Mixing and Mastering?
Mixing is when you take all your individual tracks and blend them together using compression, EQ, reverb, delay, and a host of other effects to make it sound as one cohesive piece. This is also the time you would pitch correct and line up vocals.
Mastering is the final stage of the song making process. This is where you add the final sparkle to the mix and make sure it will stand up comparably in quality and loudness to commercially released music.
Do I need mixing and mastering?
Yes! Have you ever heard the saying you only get one shot? Well in the music business these days that has never been more true. With so many people making music now you need your music to stand out from the crowd. When I Mix and Master your song, you are getting a radio ready product that will compete against anything the major labels put out. With all the time and effort you put into your music, don’t short change yourself and skip on the most vital step of the record process.
How do I send my song for mixing?
If your using Pro Tools or Studio One you can send the session file. (please included all audio files) The only thing you must do is convert any midi or virtual instrument tracks to audio because I don’t always have the same synths or sound banks.
For all other DAW’s you have two options:
- If you have a rough mix that you have been working on and somewhat like, I would rather start mixing where you left off. So in that case I ask you send one set of stems “wet” with effects, compression, eq, etc. left on (minus any mix bus limiting) and one set dry with no effects or eq or compression. (If you have autotune or any other pitch plugins you like the sound of, you can leave them on the dry stems as well.
- If you have a really basic ruff mix, and we are mixing the song from scratch you can just send the stems dry.
In both cases just make sure each file starts at bar one and plays to the end of the song. Please include a ruff mix in the folder as well. When ready to send zip the folders and title it with your order name and email. Next pick the package you wish to purchase, and once you have received the conformation email with the upload link, you can upload your zip file.
NOTE: We have Logic and Garageband at the studio as well, so if you have issues send the stems we can sometimes arrange to export them here.
How do I send my song for mastering?
When sending your two-track mix for mastering, please send as a 24 or 16 bit .WAV file. Turn off all compression, EQ and limiting on the master fader. MP3 files are not acceptable for high quality mastering, and converting them in itunes will not change this. You must bounce or export directly from your mixing software to achieve a true 24bit WAV file. When your ready, make payment and you will receive a link to upload.
How long will it take to get my song back?
For single song mixes, and mastering projects we return songs in 3-4 business days. For full albums it will take about a week or week and half depending on how intensive the tracks are. If you are in a rush, please let me know and we can find a way to expedite the process for a small fee.
Do you use analog or digital gear?
I mix completly in the box, using the best plugins from UAD, Waves, Slate, FabFilter, Soundtoys and more. For mastering I use a handcrafted analog mastering chain by TKaudio in Sweden to give the digital mixes some warmth and character. I also use a analog litter from Pendulum Audio going through our mastering grade converters from Antelope Audio and Prism Sound. For monitoring I use Barefoot MM45 speakers along with my trusty auratone’s to get the mixes sounding the best they can in any environment
How do I export from Logic?
Please watch video below for step by step instructions on how to send files from Ableton.
How do I Export from Garageband?
Please watch video below for step by step instructions on how to send files from Ableton.
How do I Export for Ableton?
Please watch video below for step by step instructions on how to send files from Ableton.
How do I Export from FL Studio?
Please watch video below for step by step instructions on how to send files from FL Studio.
How do I Export from Reason?
Please watch video below for step by step instructions on how to send files from Reason.
How do I Export from Adobe Audition?
Please watch video below for step by step instructions on how to send files from Adobe Audition.
How do I Export from Cubase?
Please watch video below for step by step instructions on how to send files from Cubase.