There are tons of audio engineers around the world that can offer you mixing and mastering services. Almost too many! Some engineers focus on particular genres, while others are very versatile.
Mixing and mastering have a standard that most professionals abide by, but there is still a lot of room for interpretation, creativity, and skill when it comes to being an engineer. For this reason, some engineers are better than others.
One thing most of them have in common is that the service providers are not cheap and often not within the budget of independent music creators.
Getting these services can likely be the most expensive part of your song release process aside from the recording process. This is why many artists and bands choose to release songs without professional mixing and mastering.
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Songs released like this are not the songs that people will add to their playlists. Songs without professional mixing and mastering stick out like a sore thumb and can easily cause your listeners to skip them after a few seconds.
They are likely way less loud than songs that are engineered and sound very unbalanced. It may also be a bit out of tune and out of rhythmic sync without editing.
Some artists and bands opt to mix and master songs on their own by playing around with things to their liking and using automatic mastering services that can be found online.
While this is better than nothing, it will still likely not be enough to make the song sound professional. Songs that don't meet a certain quality standard will not make it far with promotions online, on radio, and streaming platforms.
Mixing is the more extensive side of the coin regarding audio engineering services. The process of mixing involves blending each and every track with minor tweaks and effects added to get a cohesive sound overall.
You want each track to be able to be heard yet mesh with the other instruments and vocals in a way that fits well within the genre of music.
Mixing services require much more time and expertise than mastering services. You want to find someone really skilled in your genre that has a lot of experience under their belt.
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Mastering a song is a strategic and creative way of finalizing the mix in preparation for the final release version of a song.
This can also include effects and tweaks but will take less time and follow more basic audio editing rules without the room for interpretation that mixing has.
One thing you definitely don't want to do is master a song without mixing it first; it would be a bit of a waste. Your hired mastering professional should also be very familiar with your style of music.
Try to give your engineer an idea of the final EQ balance that you're going for if you can.
You can find audio engineers on many sites, including Upwork and Fiverr, where they advertise their work to other artists looking to polish the final release.
The good thing about sites like these is that you can hear plenty of samples of their previous work and read detailed reviews on how it is to work with them for your songs.
I do session work on Fiverr as well, so I thought it would be a great idea to check out one of my fellow audio professional over there that focus on mixing and mastering while I focus on singing and songwriting.
I found many talented engineers for crazy low prices, which shocked me! I use them regularly for my song releases.
I've been able to get my submissions to radio stations, podcasts, Pandora, and several sites that only accept high-quality audio quality.
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There is a good amount of engineers on Fiverr that are available to mix and master your songs. Some focus on certain genres, while others are able to do almost any genre.
I want to share four of the top-rated producers that you should check out, but know that there are plenty of other sellers on Fiverr that are just as great as these guys.
There just happen to be great picks that are top-rated on Fiverr and also show you the ranges in which you could get quality services. I'll list them from low to high in terms of pricing, but they are all quite affordable.
This seller is a great fit for those who are only in need of mastering and have already had the song properly mixed.
I'll just say it once more: don't skip the song's mix! Joe here has endless great reviews from his clients and can work with nearly any genre. He also has affordable pricing for mixing services as well if you need both.
I've used this audio professional many times for my previous releases over the last few years. He is a great choice if you make songs in the genres of hip hop, R&B, house, dance, or afro beats.
I wish I had the skills to be able to do what he does to make my tracks really pop! He works quite fast, with a turnaround time of 2 days if you're in a rush and don't want to sacrifice the quality of your sound.
Check out this seller if you're looking for something that sounds like it was mixed for closer to 1000 bucks.
He goes the extra mile with his mixing process and has a great list of previous clients, including a few celebrities, so you know he's really good.
He's a great choice if you have the money to invest in high-quality sound for each of your songs.
Similar to Byron, Aled can give your song a premium sound quality that rivals the songs released by the top labels in the world.
He also has a stellar previous clientele list, including George Clinton, Terri Nunn, Eminem, Outkast, and Ruben Studdard. Check out his services and reviews if you're looking for an engineer that can take your song to the next level.
Look for an audio engineer who specializes in your genre of music and has a proven track record in delivering high-quality mixes and masters.
Check their portfolio, listen to samples of their previous work, and read client reviews to gauge their expertise and experience.
Effective communication with your audio engineer is crucial for achieving the desired sound for your project.
Ensure that the engineer understands your vision and preferences, and that they are responsive and open to discussing your requirements throughout the process. Clear and timely communication will help you achieve the best possible outcome.
The tools and equipment used by an audio engineer can greatly impact the quality of the final mix and master.
Inquire about the gear and software they use to ensure they have access to professional-grade equipment and the latest industry-standard software. This ensures that they can deliver a polished and competitive sound for your music.
Understanding an engineer's process and workflow is important for determining if it aligns with your needs and expectations.
Ask them about their approach to mixing and mastering, how they handle revisions and feedback, and the average turnaround time for projects. A clear understanding of their process will help you determine if they are a good fit for your project.
While hiring an audio engineer is an investment in the quality of your music, it's essential to consider your budget.
Evaluate the pricing structures of different engineers and compare them based on their experience, reputation, and the value they offer.
Keep in mind that higher prices don't always guarantee better results, so strike a balance between quality and affordability that fits within your budget.
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As a session singer, writer, and producer that has worked with over 300 clients to provide high-quality jingles, singles, and features, Yona spends her time creating and marketing new music and helpful resources for creators. Check out Yona’s latest releases on her Spotify, her Youtube and share if you like it!
If you are in need of singer, songwriter or song producer services, see what Yona Marie can offer you on her services page.
