How to Find the Right Mixing Engineer for Your Music?

So you’ve written a great song and your music is finally recorded! You've poured your heart and soul into those tracks, and now you can’t wait to share them with the world. But hold on! There's one crucial step before you do so...Mixing! A skilled mixing engineer can be the secret weapon that elevates your sound recordings into professional sounding masterpieces. However, with a seemingly endless ocean of mixing engineers, how do you navigate the waves and find the perfect match for your project?

1. Aligning Your Vision with Their Sound

Does the engineer have a proven track record in your genre? More importantly, do you like the overall sound of their portfolio? Most engineers showcase their work on websites or platforms like Soundcloud or Spotify. Dive into their samples and full mixes, paying close attention to details like clarity, balance, and how different instruments interact within the mix. Imagine your music in their style – does it feel like a natural fit? Remember too that mixing is also a creative process, giving an engineer freedom to impart a bit of their taste and ideas upon your work generally yields better results. 

2. Finding the Perfect Price Point

Mixing rates can vary wildly depending on the engineer's experience, location, and the complexity of your project. Generally, you get what you pay for as well. So if you see someone offering a full mix and master for $50 - that’s usually a hint their experience or output may be underwhelming. Please be realistic about your budget, and don't hesitate to contact a few engineers for quotes. Some may offer tiered packages or discounts for larger projects. AM Music boasts a variety of music production services, including mixing and mastering, designed to cater to different budgets.

3. Communication is Key 

A good mixing engineer is as skilled a technician as they are a clear communicator. During your initial consultation or email exchanges, feel free to delve deep into your vision for the final mix. Could you share reference tracks of songs you admire and use them as a springboard for discussion? A great engineer will be able to explain their process in a way that resonates with you and be able to answer your questions clearly and concisely. This initial exchange is crucial for building trust and ensuring you're both on the same page. 

4. Reviews and Recommendations

The internet can be a goldmine of information, and online reviews are no exception. Please take some time to explore the engineer's website and social media pages for testimonials from previous clients. Satisfied musicians singing the engineer's praises strongly indicate their skills and work ethic. Also, could you contact fellow musicians or music producers in your network for recommendations? This personal touch can provide valuable insights into the engineer's real-world approach and collaborative style.

5. Revisions: Refining Your Mix to Perfection

A genuinely dedicated mixing engineer understands that achieving your desired sound is collaborative. Don't be afraid to ask for revisions – a sound engineer will welcome your feedback and be willing to make adjustments to get the mix just right. However, remember to be clear and specific in your notes for the revision process to be smooth sailing. Focus on what elements aren't working for you rather than making subjective pronouncements about taste. The more specific you are, the easier the engineer can address your concerns and deliver a mix that transcends your expectations.

The Right Mix for Success

Finding the right mixing engineer may require time and effort, but the payoff is immeasurable. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to achieving a professional mix that elevates your music and allows it to resonate with listeners on a deeper level. It’s great to have a longstanding relationship with a mix engineer because they will come to learn your tastes and be able to create great mixes quickly that you love. AM Music can help you here. We have experienced engineers who share your passion for music and possess the expertise to dramatically enhance your recordings. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you achieve your sonic goals!