Mastering engineer's request for two mixes, one with drums down?

[jmm55]

Many years ago I read somewhere that (some) mastering engineers request two mixes, one with drums down something on the order of 1.5dB, to give them greater flexibility. It was a very long time ago, so my recollection is dim, but I had the impression this was common in the industry. Can anyone speak to this? Are there mastering engineers that request two mixes, one with drums down? If so, what is the reduction value usually specified?

[James Perrett]

This may happen in specific cases but it isn't something I've ever encountered. The most common reason for multiple mixes is that the vocal level is uncertain. The mix engineer may supply a vocal up and a vocal down mix. I've transferred a number of master tapes where the mix engineer has done different vocal mixes.

This was probably more common in the days before DAWs when it was far harder to repeat a mix on a different day because you would have to ensure that all the settings on the desk and outboard were identical. Nowadays it is much easier to create an alternate mix days or weeks after the original mix so the mastering engineer can simply request another mix if there is a problem.

[Spells]

It's best to get the mix nailed as best you can and leave it at that. The mastering engineer should work on that and that alone. Only if there's a specific issue, might the mastering engineer request an alternate mix.

[jmm55]

Thanks for the replies.

[James Lehmann]

In my decidedly non-pop/mainstream world (I mix mostly jazz, classical and folk) I can't imagine needing to send two different versions of a mix to be mastered.

I do sometimes get asked for a 'drums up' mix by one band I work with a lot, but once they've decided on a version they all agree on then that's the one that goes to be mastered - I'd never send a mix in that hasn't specifically been signed off on by the client.

[James Perrett]

Yes, I think the different versions tend to go to the artist/producer/label and only the preferred version is sent to be mastered.