How to Find and Hire the Perfect Mixing Engineer for Your Tracks

As a mixing and mastering engineer, my role in the music production process is both practical and creative. I take raw recordings and work on them to bring out the best in each track. This involves balancing levels, adjusting panning, EQ, compression, and adding effects where needed. It’s a bit like being a chef in a kitchen, taking various ingredients and combining them to create a dish that’s more than the sum of its parts.

Learning to mix is possible, but there’s a noticeable difference between amateur and professional work. My experience and the quality of my equipment play a big part in this. I’ve spent years honing my skills, which helps me to achieve a polished sound that stands up well against major label releases.

Hiring a professional like me does require an investment. Rates can vary, typically ranging from $100 to over $1000 per song, depending on the project’s complexity and the engineer’s experience. The process isn’t quick either; I often spend a good amount of time on each track to get it just right.

In this guide, I’ll share insights on how to find the right mixing engineer for your project, aiming for a result that you’ll be thrilled with.

Determine Your Goals

Before hiring a mixing engineer, take some time to determine exactly what you want to accomplish with the mix and set some clear goals. This will help guide the mixing process and set expectations with the engineer. Some common mixing goals include:

1. Get the sound you want for your genre/style

One of the first things I always discuss with my clients is the overall sonic aesthetic they’re aiming for based on their musical style or genre. It’s crucial for me to understand whether they’re looking for an intimate, close-up sound or something that feels huge and expansive. Each choice dramatically influences the approach I take in the mixing process.

For instance, if a client wants a bright and crisp sound, typical of many pop productions, I focus on clarity and presence in the higher frequencies, ensuring that each element shines through. On the other hand, if the goal is a darker, moodier vibe, often found in genres like ambient or certain types of rock, I’ll work more with the lower frequencies and create a denser texture.

I also consider the space and depth in the mix. Do they want it to sound like it’s being played in a small room or a large hall? Reverb and delay settings play a big role here. For a more intimate feel, I might use shorter, warmer reverbs, whereas a grand, cinematic sound would call for longer, more expansive reverb and delay effects.

It’s not just about the technical aspects, though. Understanding the emotion and the story behind the music is key. I always try to get into the artist’s or band’s headspace to capture the essence of what they’re trying to convey. This emotional connection is what turns a technically good mix into a great one that resonates with listeners.

So, when working with a mixing and or mastering engineer, I encourage artists to be as descriptive as possible about the sound they’re envisioning. It’s a collaborative process, and my goal is always to bring their artistic vision to life in the most authentic and impactful way possible.

2. Fix issues in the raw tracks

I often work with artists who have recorded their own tracks. It’s quite common to encounter various issues in these recordings, such as performance inconsistencies, tuning problems, or excessive room noise. When you’re preparing to hand over your tracks over, it’s really helpful if you can point out any specific issues you’re aware of. This way, the engineer can focus on these areas to ensure the final mix meets your expectations.

Performance inconsistencies, for example, can range from timing issues to variations in vocal or instrument intensity. Addressing these requires a careful ear and a nuanced approach to ensure the performance feels cohesive without losing its natural feel. Tuning problems, especially with vocals or stringed instruments, are another common challenge. With today’s technology, The mixer can make subtle corrections that maintain the integrity of the original performance while ensuring the track is harmonically aligned.

Room noise is another factor that can impact the quality of a recording. Whether it’s a slight echo from recording in a less-than-ideal space or background noises that were picked up during the session, I have techniques to minimize these distractions. This might involve using noise reduction tools or applying EQ adjustments to reduce the prominence of unwanted frequencies.

Communicating these issues helps the engineer understand not just the technical aspects that need attention but also the desired effect you’re aiming for in your music. As a mixing engineer, my goal is to enhance and polish your tracks while preserving the unique qualities that make your music yours. By working together and sharing this information, we can ensure that the final mix truly represents your vision and resonates with your audience.

3. Prepare tracks for distribution

When you’re looking for a professional mixing and mastering engineer, it’s essential to find someone who understands the importance of broadcast-ready loudness and clarity, especially if you’re planning to release your music on streaming platforms. A good mixing engineer will ensure the right headroom and EQ balancing, so your music translates well across different systems.

Look for a mixing engineer who emphasizes the importance of managing headroom effectively. This is crucial for maintaining dynamic range and avoiding digital clipping, which can lead to distortion. The right engineer will know how to make your track loud enough to stand out, while still preserving its dynamic qualities.

EQ balancing is another critical skill your mixing engineer should possess. They should be adept at adjusting the frequency spectrum of your track to ensure it sounds clear and balanced, whether it’s played on high-end stereo systems, car radios, or smartphone speakers. Each listening environment has its nuances, and a skilled engineer will have the experience to tweak the EQ for optimal translation across these various platforms.

In professional mastering, the goal isn’t just to make your music louder but to ensure it’s sonically cohesive and polished. This requires a combination of technical expertise and creative judgment. When choosing a mixing engineer, look for someone with a proven track record and the ability to make informed decisions that enhance the overall quality of your music. With the right professional, you can be confident that your tracks will sound their best, no matter where or how your audience listens to them.

Set Your Budget

When hiring a mixing engineer, setting a realistic budget upfront is important. Mixing rates can vary greatly depending on the engineer’s experience level and demand. Here are some typical price ranges:

– Entry-level/bedroom mixer: $50-150 per song

– Mid-level professional mixer: $150-250 per song

– High-end mixer: $250-4000+ per song

Rates are also commonly quoted by the hour, especially for larger projects like full albums. Expect to pay $50-100 per hour for entry-level engineers up to $200+ per hour for top mixers.

The total budget will depend on factors like:

– Number of tracks/songs being mixed

– Complexity of the arrangements

– Amount of editing/processing needed

– Analog outboard gear rental

– Experience level of the engineer

Keep in mind mixing is usually just one stage in the production process. You’ll also need to budget for mastering, which runs $50-300+ per song.

Aim to set aside at least 10-15% of your total production budget for mixing/mastering. The better your recordings going into mixing, the less time and polish they’ll need.

Setting realistic expectations upfront will help you identify an engineer that best fits your budget and project goals.

Find Mixing Engineers

There are several ways to find qualified mixing engineers for your project:

**Online Directories and Job Boards**

Look for mixing engineers on platforms like SoundBetter, AirGigs, and MixandMasterMySong. On these sites, you can view portfolios, reviews, and rates. Post your project and invite applications or browse profiles and directly contact promising options.

**Social Media and Industry Connections**
Use your existing networks on sites like Facebook, Instagram, and music industry forums to ask for referrals to great mixing engineers. People you know and trust can provide recommendations. You can also search relevant hashtags and groups to find active professionals.

**Recommendations from Colleagues**
Talk to your bandmates, producers, and fellow musicians. Ask who they’ve worked with for mixing and if they recommend anyone. Word-of-mouth referrals from those familiar with your sound needs can help surface suitable mixing engineers.

**Check Portfolios and Client Lists**
When evaluating potential mixing engineers, listen to samples of their work in their online portfolios. Also, look at past client lists to see if they have mixed for artists similar to your style and needs. This can help assess their fit. Make sure to check out our playlist here

Compare Mix Engineers

Choosing the right mixing engineer for your track is crucial. Here are some tips on comparing potential mixers:

– **Listen to samples of past work:** Listen to the mixing engineer’s portfolio and samples of previous work in your genre. This gives you a sense of their sound, mixing style, and technical skills. Try to find recent examples that match the vibe you’re going for.

– **Look for experience in your genre:** Seek out a mixing engineer with lots of experience in your specific musical genre. Mixing rock is very different from mixing hip-hop or electronic music. You want someone familiar with the conventions and techniques for your style.

– **Communication and collaboration style:** Make sure your work styles mesh. A mixer who is communicative, open to feedback, and easy to work with will make the process smoother.

– **Check reviews and testimonials:** Read reviews from past clients. Reputation and word-of-mouth recommendations from other musicians can reveal a lot. An experienced mixer with shining reviews is likely a strong choice.

Thoroughly comparing the expertise, technical skills, and work style of potential mixing engineers will help you make the best choice for your project. Take time finding the right sonic match.

Book Your Choice Mix Engineer

Once you’ve compared the portfolio, rates, and references of a few potential mix engineers, it’s time to book the one you feel is the best fit for your project.

Reach out to your top choice engineer and have an initial discussion about your project. Provide details about the type of music, number of tracks, and your goals for the final mix. Discuss the project scope and make sure you are both on the same page about what will be delivered.

Send over the raw, unmixed tracks along with any demo or reference mixes you have. This allows the engineer to assess the project and provide an accurate quote. Make sure to clarify which parts are final takes versus just demo placeholders.

Agree on a delivery schedule and payment terms upfront. Most mixers require 50% of the quoted fee before starting work and 50% upon delivery. Some may allow smaller incremental payments. Be clear on expected turnaround time and have a schedule in writing that fits your release plans.

Before booking, make sure to request references from past clients and listen to examples of the engineer’s mixes in your genre. Once you’ve vetted their work and agreed on project details, sign a basic services contract or letter of agreement to protect both parties.

Booking the right mixing engineer is key to achieving the sound you want. Do your research but also trust your instincts on finding the best creative fit. The mixer will shape the tone and enhance the emotions of your music, so take care in selecting the right set of “ears” for your project.

Send Files and References

Once you’ve booked your choice of a mixing engineer, the next step is to send over all the necessary files and materials for them to start the mixing process. This includes:

– **Final raw multitrack session files** – These are the unmixed tracks from your recording session, often sent as a consolidated session file from your DAW of choice. Make sure these files are organized properly named and that you include any virtual instruments, edits, busses, etc.

– **Marked notes on changes needed.** – It’s helpful to provide marked-up notes on any changes, fixes, or adjustments you need to make to the raw tracks before mixing. This includes things like tuning vocals, editing out bad takes, adjusting timing, etc.

– **Reference mixes and examples** – Providing reference mixes gives your engineer an idea of the overall sound, vibe, and direction you’re aiming for. This could include rough mixes you’ve done, as well as commercial references from other songs.

– **Project notes and context** – Give additional details and background, such as the genre, overall vision, intent, instrumentation, and any creative direction. Providing context helps the engineer craft the mix to suit your goals.

Giving your mixing engineer all these materials upfront ensures they have everything they need to dive into mixing your music. It also helps get you aligned on the desired results, minimizing revisions and back-and-forth down the road. With files in hand, your engineer can start applying their skills to take your tracks to the next level.

Give Feedback

Giving constructive feedback to your mixing engineer is a key part of the process. As the client, you want to guide the overall direction and make sure the final mix matches your vision. However, avoid overnitpicking small details or making excessive requests. The mixing engineer is the expert in their craft, so respect their skills and experience.

When providing notes, be timely. Give feedback within a day or two of receiving an initial mix or revisions. Quickly pinpoint areas that need work or revisions based on your goals for the song. Be as clear and specific as possible. For example, say “The lead vocal sounds muffled in the chorus. Can we brighten it up?” instead of “I don’t like the lead vocal.”

Focus on the most important elements first before addressing smaller tweaks. You likely won’t get every detail perfect, so prioritize the core aspects like overall tone, balance of instruments, vocal clarity, emotion, and energy. It helps to compare your mix to reference tracks in the same genre. Explain what you like about the reference that yours is missing.

While you should voice your wishes, also remain open-minded. The mixing engineer may have insightful solutions you didn’t consider. Collaborate with them, but avoid dictating every move. Trust in their expertise while providing your creative direction. Giving thoughtful feedback sets your mixing relationship up for success.

Get the Final Mix

Once the mixing engineer has sent you the final mixed tracks, there are a few final steps:

– Get all mixed track stems and files from the engineer. This should include the final stereo mix, as well as any stem tracks or individual files you may have requested.

– Listen carefully and confirm your satisfaction. Make sure the mix is exactly how you envisioned it, with the right balance, effects, and polish. If you requested any changes or revisions, ensure those were implemented properly.

– If you are fully satisfied, pay the remaining invoice balance promptly. Most engineers will provide the final files only once paid in full. Make sure to pay on time per your agreement.

– Consider giving a recommendation or positive review if you had a great experience. This helps the engineer’s reputation and benefits fellow musicians searching for mixers. Even a brief written recommendation or positive rating on a freelance platform can go a long way.

– With the mixing complete, you can move forward with the next steps of your project, whether that’s mastering, releasing, promoting or something else. The final mixed tracks are now ready to share with your listeners!

I hope you found this article helpful if you need mixing and mastering services, please feel free to reach out.