In service of my clients…
I titled this page "Services" because I view my job as a service profession. As such, I put client satisfaction at the forefront. In my work, I rely on my experience and creativity but I leave my ego out of it. The focus remains on the client's vision and what's best for the song. My overarching mindset is: How can I help? I want to be your partner in making your music sound its absolute best, whether I'm mixing, mastering, or just offering advice and tips. A big part of my job is simply to make your life easier.Take a look at these testimonials and read what past clients have said about working with me.
Mixing
Mixing is a complex task with a lot of minutiae, so I find it helpful to keep a broad goal in mind. For me, mixing is about identifying what is most special in a collection of recorded tracks, emphasizing those special qualities, and combining all those tracks into a cohesive song. Mixing is about guiding a listener's focus when they hear that song and taking the listener on a journey. In short, mixing is presenting the song. I always keep this broader goal in mind. My decisions all hinge on my emotional reactions to what I'm hearing. When the music stirs me more, I know I'm on the right path.The whole process starts first with a conversation, in order to understand the song and the vision of the artist or producer. Actual mixing work is done with a hybrid analog/digital setup. I choose my analog gear carefully for characteristics that cannot be found in the digital world, thereby offering something unique. Since the "brain" of the studio is digital, recalls are still quick and easy. It's the best of both worlds. Read more about my studio here.
I offer mixing on a flat-rate basis per song, which includes:
- Up to 3 revisions
- Editing, noise reduction, and click removal as needed
- Vocal and/or instrument tuning (Melodyne or Autotune)
- Basic mastering*
Discounts may be possible for mixing an EP or LP. Please get in touch with details of your project to discuss a complete quote.
*Hiring a separate mastering engineer is almost always a good idea and I'm happy to suggest quality mastering engineers for projects that I mix.
Mastering
Mastering can mean anything from a straight transfer of the mix to the desired format, to a complete reimagining of the tonal landscape of the mix, though usually it's something in between. The first step is a conversation with the client to understand what is wanted out of mastering.My approach to mastering is guided by the precept to "do no harm." I respect the vision of the mix and only make changes when I am confident of an improvement. And while mastering can involve minute changes, I still prioritize emotional impact. It can be surprising how subtle adjustments can mean big changes to the feel and impact of a song. As in all my work, I let my emotional reactions guide my decisions.
- Mix evaluation with tips to make the mix as good as possible prior to mastering
- Up to 4 revisions
- High resolution master at 24 bit and 96k sample rate (great for vinyl and/or high res digital releases)
- CD quality master at 16 bit and 44.1k sample rate
- AAC file for a exceptional sounding compressed file (better than MP3)
- Masters prepped for vinyl available upon request. Referrals to cutting engineers and pressing plants available.
- DDPi for CD manufacturing available upon request
- Neon Audio is recognized as an Apple Digital Masters Provider
Please get in touch with details of your project to discuss a complete quote.