Mixing, which is done before mastering, is the process of blending all of the sounds in a song into one cohesive result. It requires tasks such as balancing sounds to make sure they are each at the perfect volume; panning tracks to create depth and space in the song; EQ (equalization) to make sure each sound has space to shine in the frequency spectrum; dynamics processing, such as compression, which helps to reduce the difference between the loud and quiet parts of a piece of audio, so that the overall volume becomes more consistent; and creative effects such as delays, reverbs, modulations, to create excitement and interest in your song.

Mastering is performed after mixing, and helps to polish your track, getting it ready for streaming services, and making sure that your song sounds excellent across all listening devices. Mastering is usually executed working on 1 mixed file, and involves technicalities including further equalization and sometimes resonance suppression to balance the frequencies of the mix and adjust any harsh frequencies; light compression to smooth out the song; and limiting to make sure your track is as loud as it can be without distorting. With an album, mastering also helps to ensure consistent quality and style across the whole tracklist.

For all jobs: write a detailed brief, send your demo file/s if you have one, and provide at least 2 reference tracks (these can include your own previous songs).

Mixing: send each individual track/stem/multitrack of your song without mastering chain effects in WAV format at 44.1kHz and in 24 bit. Include the stylistic effects on the song turned on when exporting, such as any FX modulations. Do not include effects on the vocals, unless it is stylistic (e.g. vocoder, special FX). Name your tracks/stems/multitracks clearly and concisely, for example "Vocal Lead", "Vocal Left", "Synth Ambient" etc (do not include any unnecessary information in these track file names, such as the name of the song or your artist name), and group them into a folder which is titled with the song name, your artist name, key and BPM. Make sure your tracks are aligned and are exported to be the same length as each other (i.e. if a sound only starts mid-way through your song, it should still have blank space at the beginning of the audio file, so I can make sure all tracks start at the intended point when mixing). If the files you send me are not aligned, additional charges may apply.

Mastering: send your mixed file in WAV format at 44.1kHz and in 24 bit. Make sure your file does not exceed 0dB or is distorted/clipping.

Production and custom instrumentals: Provide a detailed brief along with reference tracks, and we can work from there. If you have a starting piece of audio, such as a melody, that you would like me to build on, send this over too.

Vocal tuning: send the raw vocal file/s on their own without effects in WAV format at 44.1kHz and in 24 bit.

Editing: provide all necessary files needed for editing in WAV format at 44.1kHz and in 24 bit.

Custom samples: send multiple reference melodies you like.

Singing: send the lyrics (if you have them) with punctuation and any annotations.

Note: if you send me the wrong files, or want to send an updated version, and I have already started work, charges will apply for replacements.

I am generally flexible and hope to accommodate your project's needs. The timeframe will depend on the work needed and will be agreed at the start of the project - for example, mixing and mastering jobs will usually be delivered in 2-10 days, while full song compositions/productions tend to be worked on over multiple weeks.

Mixing and/or mastering: WAV format at 44.1kHz and in 24 bit and high quality MP3. I can provide other audio resolutions - just ask!

Custom instrumental, composition/production, tuning/editing, and/or singing: the above plus WAV stems of the instrumental/vocals/relevant files (upon request).

My preferred way of working is through the well regarded hiring platform, SoundBetter. Founded in 2012, SoundBetter is the leading music production service marketplace. You can find me here.

Payment is agreed and made in advance of me starting work. I offer 2 free detailed revisions in every package. If you need more revisions, further charges may apply. For full song production, composition and beatmaking services, I am happy to share drafts as I work with you on your project to ensure what I create matches your vision for the song. I do not offer refunds unless in exceptional circumstances (if you are refunded, all files I have sent you must be deleted). Cancellations with full refunds may only be made prior to starting work. If I have already started work, charges based on the time I have spent will apply. I watermark all files with my voice tag until the job is agreed as complete - I will then untag the files and send the final version.

I require credit for all services.

For production: in the description and producer credits of all places you upload to, for example "Produced by Sam Gracie Tillbrook".

For mixing and mastering: in the description and producer credits of all places you upload to, for example "Mixed and mastered by Sam Gracie Tillbrook".

For other services: similar types of credit will be applicable.

For custom exclusive instrumentals/beats, full production services, lyrics, and singing features, I ask for a small cut of your net royalties (including performance, mechanical and digital). This amount will be negotiated prior to starting work, and will be between 5% and 20%, depending on the upfront fee agreed.

For mixing, mastering and editing, you retain copyright.

For work involving composition and songwriting, I retain copyright for the elements I have created. However, upon payment/completion of the project, you will be granted the exclusive right to use the work I make.

I work in my home studio, and below is a list of my equipment and setup highlights:

MAIN GEAR:
Computer - MacBook M1 Pro
Audio Interface - RME Fireface UCX II
Monitors - Hedd Type 05 MK2
Headphones - Sennheiser HD 490 Pro (Open Back) and Sennheiser HD 280 Pro (Closed Back)
MIDI Keyboards - Yamaha Arius YDP-142 and M-audio Keystation 49 Mk3
Microphone - Aston Spirit
Guitar (Classical) - Alhambra Model 4P
Guitar (Electric) - Fender Stratocaster
Guitar Amplifier - Fender Mustang LT25
Cajón - Thomann
Field Recorder (for my sound design work) - Zoom H5

MAIN SOFTWARE/PLUGINS:
Logic Pro 11
Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2
Arturia Analog Lab 4 & V
Vital
XLN Audio Addictive Keys
Output Exhale
Fabfilter Pro C2, Q3, L2 & MB
Plugin Alliance Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor
UAD Pultec EQs
UAD Studer A800
oeksound Soothe 2
Yum Audio Crispy Clip
Celemony Melodyne Studio
Valhalla Vintage Verb
Output Portal
SugarBytes Effectrix

Do not hesitate to contact me, and I will be more than happy to help!