Finding a mixer / masterer?

[discospring]

I’m looking for advice on finding people to mix / master tracks. Or links to previous threads and articles - there must be lots but the search terms are tricky here.

I’ve used Fiverr to find musicians and I see mix/master people selling there. Where else should I be looking? How much should I be spending?

Thanks

[The Elf]

There's a huge difference between asking someone to mix a guitar/vocal song, versus a prog-rock epic with 80 overdubbed keyboard parts.

Plenty of us here have proven track records, so maybe let us hear some roughs of what you have and we can advise better.

[sonics]

... versus a prog-rock epic with 80 overdubbed keyboard parts.

I'm in!!


But as The Elf says, how long is your piece of string?

Prices will vary a lot depending on reputation, experience, and what you're asking the person to mix/master!

[James Perrett]

It may also be worth saying that it is usually better to use one person for mixing and another for mastering. Yes, even reputable people will do both if you push them but I think most would prefer to pass work through two pairs of ears.

[MarkOne]

… a prog-rock epic with 80 overdubbed keyboard parts.

You’ve been taking a look at my current project folder again haven’t you?

[discospring]

Thanks. Didn’t realise price would differ with complexity. Asking so I can budget for what I make in the next two years. 80s synth pop, bossa easy listening, country pastiche, spoken word over soundscape. Basic stuff. Drumdrops samples, bits of VSL, guitars, piano, vocals. Half great samples, half my probably compromised recordings.

It’s too easy to start producing alongside the writing and end up just fiddling. Also wary of using friend-of-friends, local places or online services who might have the gear but not the ears for genres outside theirs, then end up doing it myself anyway. So I’m curious what the level above that is, and how much that costs.

[The Elf]

Thanks. Didn’t realise price would differ with complexity.

It's simply about time. I would charge less for a two hour mix than for an 8-hour mix.

If it's a straight-forward pop song then I would typically expect to turn it around in 4 hours, with maybe one amended mix after the artist returns their feedback. This assumes, of course, that a fairly basic level of corrective work is required - not re-tuning every vocal note!

What I typically do for a new client is agree a one-off fee for the first mix, then we both have an idea of what's involved for future work. I may lose out initially, but it sets the scene for everyone.

[R_A]

Look for guys who are working from studios and working for established artists eg:

https://www.hackney-road.com/engineers-hr

I'm always very happy to recommend Shuta.

Provide as much info about track count, length etc and provide a current rough mix (if possible) in your opening email. So they can give a sensible quote.

[discospring]