How long does a mix take?
Depending on the project, mixing times can range from two hours to ten hours per song.
What determines how long a mix takes?
Various factors can determine the time of a mix:
- The number of tracks
- The density of the arrangement
- The quality of the recorded tracks
(they may require some pre EQing and compression prior to the actual “mix”) If there is any submixing required.
What isn’t mixing?
Mixing is a specific set of tasks that is less defined in the digital age. With the advent of home recording DAWs (Pro Tools etc) in many cases recording projects are not sent the to the mix engineer in a “mix ready” state. New or inexperienced artists don’t realize what isn’t mixing.
The tasks that are not mixing are:
- Tuning vocals or any pitch correction
- Fixing the time and /or feel of any track (time correction)
- Editing of any kind
- Cleaning clicks, pops, noises and dead space in tracks
- Printing your efx & plug ins
- Audio Maid” services (see below)
What should be done before I send the tracks?
Most songs recorded in home studios, or pro rooms while working on a budget, require cleaning. Cleaning involves checking each track individually (solo) for clicks and pops, musical considerations and then adding cross fades.
- Ends of audio regions require trimming and fades.
- All tracks with open noise or blank space should be erased.
- A one-measure click (four quarter notes) should be printed on every track in the event of a timing error so all the track can be lined up correctly.
- Clean tracks should be consolidated into one continuous file starting at bar one, beat one or start time of 1:00:00:00
- All essential (i.e. special effect) plug-ins should be printed to another track.
- Rename all audio files appropriately (Drums, Bass, E Gtr 1, BVGs, L Vox etc).
- Please do not send files named “audio 1, audio 2” etc.
- Pro Tools sessions are welcomed. All audio files should be treated as above.
- Any submixed tracks (gtrs, background vocals etc) should be included. If in Pro Tools left inactive.
- Include Bpm-tempo information.
- A rough mix is essential for a general idea of the direction of the song and indication of the direction of the completed mix. This is essential.
This cleaning can take up to three hours per song depending on the arrangement. “Audio Maid” services are essential – but NOT MIXING. For artists that are not comfortable with these tasks, we can perform them for an additional hourly fee.
What happens after I send my clean tracks to you?
Analog Warming & Premixing
Most tracks have been recorded digitally and may need some sonic warming up in the pre mixing stage. This stage involves treating each track with our high end analog, tube vintage gear and plug ins. This step begins to raise the bar to a professional level. After the premix stage is completed the mixer’s job actually begins.
What type of files do I get from you and how do I get them?
Clients will receive an 88.2 24bit .wav file. Each client receives a link to download their file from our FTP site or if they prefer CD via USPS. MP3s will be sent via email for audition and mix tweaks.
What are the costs?
We are musicians who specialize in working with artists, we’ll do our best to work out a package to suit your online mixing budget. We deal with major labels, television and indie artists and can price accordingly. Fill out our request form and we can send you a price quote.
How long does an online guitar session take?
Depending on the project, tracking can range from three hours to five hours per song.
What determines how long an online guitar session takes?
In a pro guitar arrangement usually there are four – ten guitar tracks per song, many are doubled, and different guitars and amps are used for each.
What should be done before I send the tracks?
In many cases I play to a stereo submix of the song. It is best to send stems of the song, i.e.- drums & perc w efx L&R, bass, keys w efx L&R, lead vocal w efx, background vocal L&R w efx.
Please start the downbeat (beginning) of the song at bar three or later so I have some room at the top for a gliss in or pickup.
Tracks should be consolidated into one continuous file starting at bar one, beat one. Include bpm-tempo information. If there are meter changes please include.
A list of tracks by other artists that establish the direction of the song can really help.
A pdf or text file of the chords, chart etc.
What happens after I send my tracks to you?
I will do a basic sketch of my interpretation and send an mp3, after your feedback I will complete my tracking and send another mp3 when you are satisfied you can paypal the fee and I will send the completed separate consolidated guitar tracks.
What type of files do I get from you and how do I get them?
Each guitar part will be a separate file starting at the top of the song continuous to the end. I usually work at 88.2 or 96k. Clients receive a link to download their files from our ftp site.
What are the costs?
We are musicians who specialize in working with artists, we’ll do our best to work out a package to suit your budget if you have multiple songs.
It is best if you complete the online form and we can arrange to hear your track and also get an idea of the direction you would like, then we can give you an estimate on the costs.
How does the process work ?
There are two packages a demo or master.
Demo:
Send a recording ( any quality most phone apps are fine ), of your vocal accompanied by a guitar or piano include the lyrics and chords if possible. A few links of any songs you would like to emulate their sound production etc should also be included. We’ll review it, then email any questions and suggestions. When we are clear on direction and arrangement, a deposit should be sent, then we build your track.
If you don’t have the song yet just lyrics, or maybe only a title – no problem, we’ll co write and provide you the track.
Master:
The master process begins like demo, then prior to building your track we’ll send you our demo of just click and guitar or piano, you will need to sing a reference vocal over this demo.
Once we receive your reference box we’ll build a track around your vocal, hiring any additional musicians needed. You’ll receive this file and get to a pro studio in your area ( or come to us ) and track your vocal. We’ll comp and tune your takes crafting a great vocal performance, then if necessary add professional background singers. We’ll then mix and master your song.
What if I just write and can’t sing the lead vocal?
We have some of the finest session musicians and singers on our team, we’ll hire one for you
What are the costs?
Demo:
- $ 400 for 2 – 4 guitar tracks, bass & drums
- $ 300 additional for keyboards
- $ 300 additional for lead vocalist
Master:
- $ 950 guitars, keys, bass, drums whatever the song needs – including mixing and mastering
- $ 300 additional for lead vocalist
- $ 400 additional for two background vocalist
How does payment work?
Demo:
When we are clear on the direction and arrangement, a 50% deposit should be sent upon completion of the song – before files are delivered the balance is due.
Master:
When we are clear on the direction and arrangement, a 35 % deposit should be sent. After tracking is complete prior to vocals an additional 35 % payment should be made. Upon completion of the mix – before files are delivered the balance is due.
How are payments made?
All payments should be made through PayPal. We will invoice you and then you can send payments.