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If you’ve recorded some songs and aren’t sure you possess the sound engineering skills to mix them properly, there are websites that offer professional mixing and mastering services.
We should begin with an explanation of a couple of terms:
- Mixing. After a song has been recorded, the individual instrument and vocal tracks must be blended and mixed down to a single stereo music file.
- Mastering. Also called “audio post production”, mastering is the process of optimizing the sound of the mixed stereo music file by means of equalization, compression, level adjustment, etc.
Online music mixing sites
To be honest, I was skeptical when I first heard of the existence of music mixing web sites. I would prefer to be present while my songs are being mixed, and in my experience, qualified sound mixers are already present at the recording studio or in the area.
I'm still skeptical, but after researching the net, I’ve decided that responsible sites may have something to offer a certain clientele of musicians and producers. Just be careful whom you use!
Most of the sites do both mixing and mastering. Some also offer duplication and other various services.
The process
In general, the process works like this: For mixing, you send your individually recorded tracks to the website, either by uploading them to their FTP server, sending them via large file programs like yousendit.com, or mailing a CD of the tracks. The engineers mix and master the tracks and send you the final, mastered files.
In the case of mastering only, you send your mixed stereo files, which they master and return.
Some tips
- Prices are generally set on a per-song or per-CD basis. If the site requires money up front, don’t use them. Some mixing/mastering sites claim that if you’re not happy with the work, you don’t pay. I would insist on hearing at least one mastered song before paying any money.
- Research the individuals involved. Check out their track records. Whenever possible, listen to their work. See if you can contact one or two of their past clients for their comments. Google their names and check their reputations.
My opinion
I’ve been in the recording business a long time, and I’m the first to admit that I’m old school. I would be nervous about sending my tracks to someone I don’t know.
There are red flags everywhere here. For instance, if the tracks are poorly recorded, no amount of mixing and mastering prowess will save them. As far as I’ve seen (and I have not been to every site), the mixing sites accept everything sent to them.
But I know that things are constantly changing in this business, and I believe that a legitimate and honest company could be of help in some situations. A professional sound engineer’s ear is critical in the outcome of your song project.
Still, I recommend that you scout for a qualified sound engineer in your area before hiring an online site. Compare prices and credentials, then make a decision. If you mix locally you'll have more control and you can be at the mixing session to make your own suggestions.
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