Can you explain your approach to mixing, mastering and finishing tracks?
My approach centres around the fact that mixing starts way before the “mixing” stage. The way the sounds are treated during the production phase has a huge impact on the end result in electronic music - the mix is started when the track is.
The other key element to my approach is having a shared understanding. We begin with a factfinding session to understand your intent for the track. From this I’ll review your mix and your references and develop a plan to help get your track finished.
I offer ongoing support and guidance as you tweak any elements of production, becoming a second set of ears, giving you feedback and through regular check-ins ensure you stay on track.
Finally, using high-quality analogue and digital gear, I carry out the final mix and master, ensuring your track sounds amazing in the club, on monitors, headphones, in the car and on earbuds.
What is involved in the factfinding session?
The factfinding session is a crucial step where we dive deep into understanding your artist's goals, influences, and aspirations for the track. We’ll review where the track is now, and the reference tracks you have and what you like about them. Via a screenshare, we’ll look through your track and check out your processing choices and how the track is constructed.
How do you develop a plan for each track?
Following the factfinding session I’ll put together a plan for getting the track ready for mixing, analysing the track's strengths and areas for improvement. I’ll identify anything in your processing, that could be changed to improve the final mix, I’ll suggest any tweaks to the sound sources and provide ideas for taking it to the next level, aligned with your intent for the track.
The timeframe for the plan will depend on the amount of work we agree is needed, and where you are in your production process.
The plan includes deadlines to help keep you on track and motivated, ensuring you get the finished mix when you need it, helping you keep up the momentum of your release schedule.
What kind of ongoing support do you provide during the production and pre-mixing phase?
I offer personalised support as you finish the production of your track, becoming that trusted second set of ears, giving you feedback on your work.
Support includes diarised catchup sessions to provide guidance, feedback, and encouragement as well as written feedback on your track on a regular basis. My goal is to keep you motivated and focused, ensuring a smooth workflow leading up to the final mix.
What equipment do you use for mixing and mastering?
I have a hybrid studio, making the most of analogue and digital worlds. My equipment includes analogue summing, compression and EQ (SSL, Elysia, Heritage Audio, Pheonix Audio, Drawmer), industry-standard software (UAD, FabFilter, SoundToys, Logic Pro etc), premium audio interfaces (Universal Audio), and precision monitoring system in a bespoke treated and tuned mixing room at the bottom of my garden.
What deliverables do you provide after completing a project?
We’ll agree the deliverables at the start of the project, and once you’ve signed off the mix as a minimum I’ll provide a master and an unlimited mix in case you want to get it mastered elsewhere. For some projects I’ll also provide an instrumental and stems for remixing.
How important is the production phase in achieving a great mix?
The production phase lays the foundation for a successful mix, making it crucial to get right from the start. Certain processing decisions in the production phase can make the mix harder to get right, for example if you’ve cut off the low end from a track it’s pretty hard for me to put it back. By focusing on processing, sound selection, and source audio during production, we set the stage for a better final mix.
What sets your approach apart from other engineers or AI options?
My approach is rooted in a relationship-based ethos that starts before most other engineers get involved. For me, getting to understand what you want, and helping you ensure the track is in the best state possible makes the mixing process easier and more enjoyable.
Unlike AI options, I offer human expertise, creativity, and a deep understanding of musical nuances, tailoring my work to each track, based on what I’ve learned from the first phase. I’m interested in building up relationships with artists and producers over time, becoming a trusted collaborator.
Of course, it is possible to get a great mix without the discussion and review process I offer in the lead up, but my approach brings more certainty and gives you a greater confidence that we understand each other.
How do you handle revisions or feedback during the mixing process?
I welcome and encourage feedback throughout the mixing process – it’s your music after all! I’ll send you mixes through Filepass.com where you can leave time-stamped comments that I’ll work through.
I don’t cap the number of revisions either, I only ask that we keep the project moving and that you send me feedback on each mix within a week. Most projects are signed off within 2-3 rounds of revisions.
What is your turnaround time for completing a project?
We’ll have agreed a start date for the mixing phase, and my usual approach is to get the first mix back within 5 days. Once I’ve got all your files I’ll let you know when to expect the first mix, and I’ll meet that deadline.
The length of the support phase depends on how far through the production you are, and is something we’ll agree during the factfinding session, ranging from a few weeks to a few months.
What are your rates and payment options?
My rates are competitive and tailored to fit the specific needs of each project. Payments are usually made by debit/credit card, and I offer flexible payment options including monthly subscriptions. Please get in touch to discuss your project and how I can help you finish your music.