Frequently 
Asked
Questions

Mixing is the process of combining and balancing all of the tracks/parts of an audio production into a single stereo presentation of the song that is artful and compelling.  Mixing requires both technical skill and creativity to achieve a great result that emotionally captures the vision of the artist for the song.

You can send files using any file-sharing service that you prefer such as Google Drive, WeTransfer, Dropbox, etc. The most important thing is that each track is exported from the same starting point in your session (usually the beginning) as a full-quality WAV file, maintaining the original bit depth and sample rate (not a compressed format like MP3). This ensures that the tracks stay in sync when I load them into my mixing software. Once you book a project, I’ll send over specific instructions for mix preparation and file delivery.

When it comes to achieving a specific sound, my first question is usually, "Does your music already sound like the artist you're referencing?" The way you produce, arrange, and record your songs has a significant impact on how the final mix will turn out. Ideally, every part of the process should align with the artist's vision, and my job as a mixer is to creatively sculpt and enhance what’s already there into the best version of that vision. That said, if you're open to making production adjustments during the mixing stage, there's still plenty of room to move your track closer to your desired sound.

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I encourage artists to dig deeper than just naming a band or song they like. Take time to analyze what specifically about those references resonates with you. If you can pinpoint and communicate those details, it will help me understand exactly what you love about another artist's work, and we can work to bring that element into your music in a fresh, original way—not just as an imitation.

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If that feels overwhelming, don’t worry. Mixing is an ongoing collaboration, and I’ll guide you through the process, asking questions along the way to help you find exactly what you're looking for.

I don’t believe in putting a limit on revisions because I want you to love your mix before we sign off on it. Typically, most mixes are completed around version 3, but every project is unique. Here's how the process usually flows:

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-Mix 1 is my initial take, shaped by my fresh perspective on the music, along with any references or insights we’ve discussed before starting.  You may hear some changes/additions to your tracks that I felt helped capture the emotion of the song.

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-Mix 2 is where our collaboration really kicks in. All band members/label reps have discussed the first mix and together we will identify the elements that match your vision, and adjust anything that needs tweaking stated by your mix notes from Mix V1.

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-Mix 3 is often just fine-tuning, making small changes to capture every last detail.

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Ultimately, I won’t be satisfied until you're thrilled with the final result. It’s all about getting the sound that works for you!

For most of my career as a mixer, all of the tweaks would happen with the artist in the room with me, or sent via a long email or text thread that could easily get mis-interpreted.  But now with the help of technology, I use a platform called Samply.  Samply is a file sharing platform that I use to send my mixes through.  I can email/text an embedded link that you can use to stream the mixes wherever you are, no need to create an account of your own.  The best part about this service is that you are able to add comments, and time stamp them on the audio file itself.  So all band members can add their own comments, and everybody can see what each other has said to avoid repetition, or to prompt discussion to choose the direction you all agree on. 

For all mixes that are currently in progress, I will be sending an mp3 of the mix via Samply (being smaller than a WAV file it allows for easier/faster streaming).

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Once all the mix is approved and the project has been paid in full, I will send a new folder that holds the final mixes to be mastered, as well as any alternate versions that you request such as Instrumental, Clean, A Cappella, Vocal Up, TV Mix or anything else you need.  These will all be delivered as WAV files, and I can accommodate any levels that we decide on together.

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For a small additional fee, I can provide stems of individual tracks (or grouped tracks to save time). This is often requested for live performances or by remixers.

Although I generally think it is best for all editing to be handled by the producer or engineer in the recording phase, I do offer drum editing, vocal tuning, and other small editing/time-correcting tasks for an additional fee.

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As a producer and songwriter, I can also offer another set of ears and guidance throughout the writing process. If you're looking for creative input or assistance with developing your music, I’d be happy to help you shape your ideas and bring them to life.

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Not everyone has access to a professional recording studio, and it can be incredibly frustrating trying to make the most of the gear you have. With experience working in a variety of recording environments, from small to large studios, I can provide guidance on how to record effectively, including microphone choices, placement, setting levels, and preparing your project to ensure it's as strong as possible before it reaches the mixing stage. And if you're in the Minneapolis area, we can explore recording options in my home studio or at one of the many larger studios I’ve collaborated with throughout my career.

Whenever possible, I prefer not to master my own mixes. I believe in the power of collaboration and the value of a fresh set of experienced ears. Mastering is a subtle process, often involving adjustments in half-decibel increments (or even finer), and a fresh perspective is essential for making these precise tweaks.

I have a few trusted mastering engineers that I work with regularly, and I'd be happy to connect you with them to ensure your mix gets the attention it deserves. If there is truly no extra money in the budget, I am able to deliver a version of the mix at a commercial volume level for distribution. But I strongly caution every artist - don't spend all of the time, money, sweat, and tears to get through the mixing process and give up on the last part! A properly mastered record is a worthwhile investment that you won't regret.

I have experience working with both analog-hybrid and ITB (In The Box) mixing, and I have access to both methods. Each approach has its own unique strengths, however I am generally 95% in the box. This is what allows me to work on many different projects at once and turnaround revisions so quickly.  But it's also amazing to be able to run a snare drum or a vocal through my pedalboard to create truly unique sounds to give the song that little extra something.  That said, the most important aspect of any mix is how it sounds and how effectively it communicates the song to the listener. Whether working ITB or with analog gear, I believe that beautiful results can be achieved, as long as the focus is on the song and its emotional impact.

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