Mixing and mastering: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What mixing and mastering is

A mixing and mastering engineer balances the recorded tracks in a mix, then polishes the final stereo file in mastering so it sounds consistent and loud enough across playback systems. Mixing shapes the song, and mastering prepares the finished file for release.

Signs you need it

  • Your recording is finished, but the vocals are buried or the drums are too loud compared with the rest.
  • You have a mix that sounds good on your headphones and poor on other speakers.
  • Your songs sound quieter or thinner than the releases you listen to.
  • You have several tracks from one project that do not sound like they belong together.
  • You need a master file that meets the specifications of a streaming platform, a broadcaster or a physical release.
  • You have a mix you are happy with, and want an outside ear to finish it before release.

What the pro does

  • Listens to your tracks and your reference songs, and agrees the sound you want for the mix.
  • Balances the levels, the panning and the tone of each track so every part can be heard clearly.
  • Adds effects, such as reverb or compression, where they help the song, and removes problems such as harsh sounds.
  • Masters the final stereo file, adjusting the overall tone, dynamics and loudness so it translates across systems.
  • Delivers the mix and the master in the formats you need, with a set of alternate versions if agreed.

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Number of tracks in the mix and the number of songs.
  • Condition of the recording, such as noise, timing problems or uneven performances.
  • Amount of editing and fixing needed before mixing.
  • Number of mix versions, such as an instrumental, a radio edit or a stems mix.
  • Mastering for one final file or for several formats and versions.
  • Number of revision rounds and the deadline for delivery.

What a written quote should spell out

  • The number of songs, the tracks in each mix, and the versions delivered.
  • Whether mastering is included, and the formats it is delivered in.
  • The number of revision rounds for the mix and the master.
  • Any editing or fixing included before mixing.
  • Who owns the mix and master files, and whether the engineer may use them as examples.

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Can you share a before and after of a mix you worked on?
  • How will you know the sound I want, and what reference tracks should I send?
  • Will you master the file for the platform I need?
  • How many revision rounds are included, and how do I give feedback?
  • Can you deliver stems or alternate versions for future use?
  • What happens if the recording itself has problems I did not expect?

Red flags

  • Makes every mix sound the same, loud and compressed, regardless of the song.
  • Promises that the track will be released or played on a particular station.
  • Will not share a before and after or explain its mixing approach.
  • Asks for full payment before the mix and master are agreed.
  • Keeps the project files without saying so in writing.

What you can do yourself

You can check your mix on several sets of headphones and a phone speaker, and compare it with a commercial track of a similar style at the same level. Hire a mixing and mastering engineer when the song must sound finished for release, when the mix has problems you cannot hear, or when the master must meet a platform's specification.

Licenses and permits

Mixing and mastering is not commonly licensed, so a license is usually not required for this work. Check with your state or local licensing agency about business rules that apply to you, and ask the engineer for a before and after of a mix you have worked on as proof of skill.

Mixing and mastering questions

What is the difference between mixing and mastering?

Mixing balances the separate tracks of a song into one stereo mix. Mastering works on that stereo file to make it consistent and ready for release. Some projects need both, and some need only one.

Why does my song sound quiet compared with others?

Loudness depends on the mix and the master, and on how the platform plays the file. A good engineer sets the level to suit the release without distorting the song. Ask them to explain the approach for your release.

Should I send the engineer my session files?

Ask for the engineer's requirements. Many can work from a stereo mix or from the separate tracks, and the second option gives more control but costs more time.

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