Question 1

What services do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer full production mixing (can include tuning/editing), mix-finishing, stem mastering and stereo mastering services.

We also offer production mentoring or consultation sessions.

Here is a quick breakdown of each stage:
Full production mixing -- mixing a production from scratch
Mix-finishing -- You have the mix 80% there, but it needs some adjustments. The level of adjustments needs to be made to individual elements.
Stem-mastering -- You have the mix 80% there, but it needs some adjustments. The level of adjustments only needs to be made to instrument groups.
Stereo Mastering -- Optimising a finished mix for release.

With all options, we deliver a release-ready product, at a competitive loudness level for the style/genre.

For mixing/mix-finishing, we can deliver an additional unlimited / headroom mix for outsourced mastering for no additional charge.

Question 2

How does payment work?

Accepted Answer

We offer different ways to pay for projects:

- For first-time projects, full payment is due upon completion and delivery of files
- For all projects thereafter, payment is either due upfront, or half upfront/half upon delivery for larger projects

We offer different payment methods such as:

- Bank transfer
- Card checkout via Stripe
- Klarna
- PayPal

Question 3

What is full production mixing and what do I need to provide?

Accepted Answer

This refers to mixing a production from scratch.

We will need your full multitracks from the recording session, sent dry.
Wet versions (if you have a demo mix) are sometimes useful.

Please ensure all files are clearly, and consistently labelled with the name of the instrument first, followed by any descriptors.

Example:
Bass_Cab
Bass_DI
Vox_Lead_1
Vox_Lead_2

Please export WAV files in the native sample rate of your recording and at 24-bit or 32-bit.

A demo mix is useful if available.

Question 4

What is mix-finishing and what do I need to provide?

Accepted Answer

This refers to working from an existing mix that is nearly at the finish line.

We will need your full multitracks from the recording session, sent wet (with your effects and processing).

This can be a bit more of a delicate process in which certain processes need to be removed or changed upstream, or possibly recreated downstream, including mixbus processing. We usually figure this out during project onboarding.

Please ensure all files are clearly, and consistently labelled with the name of the instrument first, followed by any descriptors.

Example:
Bass_Cab
Bass_DI
Vox_Lead_1
Vox_Lead_2

Please export WAV files in the native sample rate of your recording and at 24-bit or 32-bit.

A demo mix is useful, and also a few references for inspiration.

Question 5

How does it work?

Accepted Answer

Generally speaking, upon submitting an enquiry, I'll get in touch to find out more about the project.
We'll either chat via email or arrange a call/video call to discuss.

I'll then set out the plan for the project, including the overall cost.

For standard mixing or mastering projects, I'll share my current rates. 
For more complex projects including elements of music production, this will be determined on an individual basis.

We'll then get started. I'll keep you updated as the work progresses, sharing drafts or versions for your feedback (if desired).

Once completed and signed off, the project deliverables (final files) will be made available for you to download at your convenience.

I will guarantee these files (and the session) is backed up for up to 6 months from sign off date.

Question 6

What if I want revisions?

Accepted Answer

My projects are 'all-in'. Any and all revisions are included in the fee, within reason.

This is a big part of my approach, as I believe keeping things fluid in this way aids the end result.
Ultimately I want you to walk away with a record you are 100% in love with and if a mix needs a bit of tweaking to get there, that's okay.

Question 7

What if I want alternate versions?

Accepted Answer

I'm happy to provide up to 2 alternate versions included in the basic fee. This could include Acapella version, instrumental version, clean version etc.

For more than 2 additional versions, there will be a small surcharge added to the total fee.

Question 8

What if I want stems printed seperately?

Accepted Answer

There's no additional fee for this, if requested before the project has finished.

Question 9

How to present my project for mixing?

Accepted Answer

I prefer to receive printed multitracks for the project as opposed to a project file - unless previously discussed and agreed. I use Cubase Pro or Reaper.

Files should be delivered as WAV in whatever sample rate you have recorded/produced in.

Depending on the current state of the project/mix, I may request you to leave on all processing for export. Or to send completely dry tracks with no effects.

I also advise you to send a demo for reference.

Question 10

Why does music need mastering?

Accepted Answer

Initially, mastering was the process of transferring a final mixdown from the recording medium onto the distribution medium, AKA reel-to-reel tape to vinyl records.

This was more of an exact process, ensuring the fidelity of the audio was preserved with minimum degradation during the transfer process.

But as the music industry has developed, so has the needs of the mastering engineer. For one, there are many more mediums today. But also more ways to listen to music. Therefore, compatibility and translation are some of the biggest concerns of the modern mastering engineer.

A modern mastering engineer is also a specialist in finishing music productions, both in a technical sense - preparing it for different formats, but also a creative one - ensuring the music has impact and fits into the desired contexts.

All mixes/releases benefit from the mastering process, because the mastering process is quality control by an independent, experienced perspective. Sometimes, a mastering engineer won't need to do much to a mix to get it finished, but either way the artist/client will feel confident their music is ready for release, does translate across systems, and does sound its best.

Question 11

When is my mix ready for mastering?

Accepted Answer

When the mix is finished and the artist/label is generally happy with the overall sound and style of the production.

On a technical level, your mix should not peaking over 0dBFS.

Ideally the mix will be well-balanced, with appropriately dialed in compression, eq and effects.  Alternatively the mix may have a few issues that need resolving before we take it to mastering.

These can be communicated to me at the start of the mastering process, where I'll be able to advise on the best course of action for the production, either to be fixed during mastering, or sent back to the mix phase with notes.

Finally, the mix should be exported as a lossless WAV file, in the native sample rate and at least 24 bit audio.

L I G H T S W I T C H

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