Mixing Engineer, Melbourne
A mixer’s job is to make a song connect with the listener. Nobody should have to imagine how good your song could sound; they either feel it or they don’t. A good mix makes them feel it.
Not in Melbourne? Most mixes are done remotely: see online mixing for artists anywhere in Australia.
The Importance of Mixing
Mixing is very important to the success of your song. A great mix can unlock energy and emotion in a recording. Conversely, an average mix can lose energy and trap emotion. Have you ever listened to a recording and thought “We sound better live?”. The mixing can play a big part in the translation from recording to playback.
In a world of truly incredible DIY, there’s one common thing that I notice: Indie home grown production & composition is very impressive, but impact is often lost during the mixing stage.
Watch the video and have a listen to the difference professional mixing can make to a recording. The before versions were mixed in home studios, and while they sound great, and are nicely balanced, there is quite a difference.
Keep in mind the difference you are hearing is from the mixing alone. Each version was mixed from the same recording.
Mixing arguably affects the overall sound of a track more so than mastering. You can read more about the mastering process.
The Process
The key to hitting targets is to have a plan and a process. I start by understanding your goals, assessing the recording & production, importing the files into my hybrid analogue system, and then the fun begins!
Discuss your project
I start by asking about your project, existing production, and your end goals. When I have understood the outcome you want, and addressed any production concerns, we can move on.
Provide tracks for mixing
When raw files are delivered in a neat and consistent way, I have more time to spend on the creative process. I provide details of how to prepare files for mixing. I can also assist with the process.
Complete mix and revisions
Once the mix and revisions are complete, I prepare the assets for delivery. Then, you upload it to the world and slowly take over, right!?
Mixing Stages
Brief
Discussing the mixThe first step is learning about your goals, any production challenges that may affect the mix and listening to the rough mixes.
File Preparation
Exporting your productionNext, the files must be exported from the software used to record, and consolidated into linear files that will be used for mixing. Instructions will be provided. Simon’s assistant is also available to help.
Mix Prep
Preparing to mixThe raw files are assessed, imported into Pro Tools, colour coded, labelled, gain-adjusted for analogue mixing, and routed through hardware.
Mixing
Let the fun beginSimon will now mix the song, based on the brief, and referencing the rough mix when applicable. A ‘Mix Version 0’ arrives through a private link, ready for your feedback.
Revisions
Making changesOnce you’ve had time to reflect on the mix, and make comments, Simon will make the changes. This is best done in realtime either live streamed, or, in person where suitable.
Asset Preparation
The final filesOnce the mixes have been approved, Simon will prepare the assets. This typically includes a mix, and instrumental, lead vocal and backing vocal stems. Any combination of stems can be requested, but may incur a fee, as with analogue mixing, every stem has to be exported in real-time, and it can take days for an album.
Asset Delivery
Ready for downloadThe last stage is uploading the final assets for delivery. You’ll be sent a private link where you can download your assets directly from the project.
What artists say
Absolutely loved the new mix, we’re so happy with the overall vibe and feel. Simon took our original track that was recorded on a laptop and turned the home recorded song into a professionally sounding piece of work, while still staying true to the emotion and honesty in the original.
Thank you so much for your help on the single (among all of the advice along the way). I couldn't be happier that I decided to work with you and how the song ultimately turned out. I'm grateful for how responsive and open you were throughout the whole project while still remaining positive and invested, despite my chopping and changing. I highly recommend any artist to work with Simon at any stage of their project.
Simon is an absolute legend. He really goes the extra mile to understand you as an artist and where you've come from. It really helps him deliver exactly what you have in mind. I've found in the past with other producers the end product has often strayed away from my interpretation. That was never the case with Simon. I consider him a close friend now. To help me bring to life my EP was a very emotional journey for me and I'm glad I went on it with him.
Questions people ask
How much does mixing cost?
Mixing is $699 per song plus $399 for the studio day, so 99% of the time a song is $1098 all in, excluding GST. That includes one or two revisions and the final assets: the mix, instrumental, acapella and backing vocal stems. Extra revisions or extra stems are $99 an hour including studio hire.
What do I send a mixing engineer?
Consolidated linear files of every track, exported from the software you recorded in, all starting from the same point, plus your rough mix and a reference track or two. I send instructions for preparing files once we have talked about the song, and my assistant can help if you get stuck.
How many revisions are included?
One or two rounds, which is typically enough to make the track perfect. Revisions are best done in real time, live streamed or in person where that suits, so we can make changes together. Further rounds are charged at the hourly rate.
