Preparing your tracks
A mix depends heavily on how the files are prepared. Export each track as WAV, from the very start of the song, at the project's sample rate, with no mastering effects on the main bus. Name the tracks clearly: "Lead vocal", "Chorus BVs", "Rhythm guitar left". If an effect is part of the intended sound, a guitar distortion or a creative delay on the vocal, export the track with and without it.
Include a reference mix, even a rough one: it shows us the balance you had in mind. Add two or three commercial songs whose sound you like. We check everything on arrival and warn you about any missing track, offset or clipping at recording.
Our method
We start with a static balance, without processing, to understand the song. Then come track cleaning, equalisation so each instrument finds its place, compression to control dynamics, and finally spatial effects. The vocal gets special attention: intelligibility, presence, sibilance control, level automation phrase by phrase.
We work on an analogue console and a workstation, combining the best of both. Every decision is checked on the main monitors, on small speakers and on headphones, so the mix holds up in a car as well as in earbuds.
Revisions
Two rounds of revisions are included in the price. To make them effective, listen on several systems at a moderate volume and group your notes into a single list. The most useful comments are precise and timestamped: "vocal too low in the second verse, at 1:12", "snare too harsh in the bridge". One round corresponds to one list of notes handled in one go.
Beyond two rounds, extra revisions are charged for the time spent, on prior quote. Changes that amount to redoing the mix in a different artistic direction are treated as a new mix; we always tell you before.
Attending the mix or working remotely
You can attend all or part of the mix in the control room. Many artists come for the last hour, once the direction is set and fine-tuning remains. Remotely, we send each version by listening and download link; discussions take place by email or phone.
If you work with a producer or label, we can talk to them directly, provided you tell us who signs off the final version. This avoids conflicting instructions and pointless back-and-forth.
Delivery and next steps
You receive the final mix as a 24-bit WAV at the project's sample rate, with headroom left for mastering, plus an instrumental version. On request we export an a cappella, a TV version (instrumental with backing vocals) and stems, useful for stem mastering, sync to picture or live shows.
If we master, we prepare the files directly. If mastering is done elsewhere, we deliver a clean file and follow the mastering engineer's instructions. The rights in the recordings remain yours: mixing is a technical service that gives us no rights in your songs.
Rates and turnaround
Mixing costs €190 including VAT per track, with two rounds of revisions. For an EP or album we draw up an overall quote and schedule. A first version is usually delivered within five working days of receiving complete files; working days are Monday to Friday, excluding Alsace-Moselle public holidays.
What makes a good brief
The clearer your request, the closer the first version will be to what you want. A good brief fits in a few lines: the overall mood, the elements that must stand out, what you dislike in your demo, references and the main playback medium. If you are unsure, a ten-minute call before mixing often clears things up.
What is included
- Full mix on console and workstation
- Checks on several playback systems
- 2 rounds of revisions
- Instrumental version
- Stems or a cappella on request
- Direct contact with your producer or label