Choosing the right online mixing and mastering engineer can feel overwhelming, especially with so many services claiming they’ll make your song “radio ready” overnight. I’ve been working with artists for over 20 years and running my online studio for the past decade, and I’ve heard just about every story imaginable — from great experiences to flat-out horror stories.
Your music deserves someone who treats it with care, communicates clearly, and actually knows how to elevate a mix. Whether you hire me or someone else, these are the questions every artist should be asking before they trust someone with their song.
Do They Have a Fair Refund or Satisfaction Policy?
Online mixing and mastering takes time, so many engineers avoid offering any kind of refund or guarantee. I get it — we can’t control how the song was recorded or what the client’s expectations might be.
But from the artist’s perspective, handing over hard-earned money to someone you’ve never met online is a big leap of faith. A fair policy shows confidence, professionalism, and respect for the client. That’s why I offer a unlimited revisons for first time clients — I want artists to feel protected, not trapped.
When you’re comparing services, look for transparency. If a site refuses to say anything about refunds, revisions, or satisfaction, that’s usually a red flag.
Who Is Actually Mixing and Mastering Your Song?
This is a big one. Some online services clearly show who’s behind the console — you’ll see the engineer’s face, credits, room, gear, and portfolio. Others… not so much.
When you have no idea who’s touching your music, you’re basically sending your song into a black box.
A good online service should tell you exactly who you’ll be working with and give you the chance to communicate with them directly. Mixing is a collaborative process. If you can’t talk to the actual engineer, you’re not hiring a professional — you’re hiring a system.
The best results come from working with someone who listens, asks questions, and actually understands your vision.
Where Are They Mixing and Mastering?
Here’s the truth: I’ve heard some incredible mixes come out of bedroom studios. Great ears beat great gear every time.
That said, the room and monitoring setup still matter. Knowing where your song is being mixed gives you insight into the engineer’s experience level and seriousness. I work in a professionally designed room with world-class monitoring because I need to know exactly what I’m hearing. It’s not about being flashy — it’s about accuracy and consistency.
You don’t have to choose someone with a million-dollar setup, but you should choose someone who understands why the space matters and can show you where they work.
How Many Revisions Are Included?
Almost no one loves the very first version of their mix. Revisions are part of the process, and any professional should expect them. The number of revisions included can tell you a lot about how a service handles communication and collaboration.
Some engineers offer none. Others offer unlimited. Most fall somewhere in the middle.
I include 2–3 revisions with the option for more if needed, because it keeps the process focused while still giving clients room to refine the details. If you’re someone who knows you’ll want to tweak every nuance, consider that when choosing your package or engineer.
Are There Before/After Samples You Can Trust?
In 2025, anyone can throw a “professional” badge on their website. What actually matters is hearing real work.
Look for:
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Before/after examples
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Genre-specific mixes
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Recent projects (not just work from 10 years ago)
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Testimonials from actual artists
And don’t just listen for loudness — listen for tone, depth, vocal placement, balance, and overall vibe. A real professional will show the work upfront without hiding behind marketing language.
If they don’t have samples you can easily find, that’s another red flag.
Do They Specialize in Your Style of Music?
A great engineer can work across multiple genres, but most have strengths. If you make pop or R&B, look for someone who consistently works with artists in those styles. The mix decisions, vocal treatment, low-end balance, and spatial effects vary drastically between genres.
When in doubt, ask the engineer, “What type of music do you mix most often?”
The answer will tell you what to expect.
Final Thoughts
Hiring an online mixing and mastering engineer shouldn’t feel like gambling. With the right questions, you can weed out the generic services and find someone who treats your music with the care it deserves.
If you ever want help, or even just want advice before choosing an engineer, you’re welcome to reach out. And if you’d like to hear what’s possible for your own music, you can send your song through my site — I offer 3–5 business day turnaround, unlimited revisions on your first project, and 10% off with the MYFIRSTMIX code.
Your music should sound exactly the way you imagine it. I’m here to help you get there.
