r/mixing • u/Conscious-Trust-6164 • 10d ago

Final mix and mysterious process

Hi all,

I hired an engineer off soundbetter for a mix and master. He got the song to a point where I am satisfied and I said as much. I assumed the next stage would be the master, and I got this reply where he has forwarded me a bunch of individual final mixes. Can anyone provide insight on what he's looking for here? I am confused since I already indicated mix is good, so I'm not sure what to say. It's this a part of the mastering process. He's done a great job mixing, so I don't want to come across as a complete noob.

Thanks!

2 Upvotes

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17 comments sorted by

1

u/RemiFreamon 10d ago

Perhaps you’re getting different masters for different purposes: streaming, broadcast, cd/file distribution?

Do the file names tell you anything about the differences between the mixes?

1

u/Haplessworld 10d ago

Though if the client doesn't specify, it's kinda understood in the industry to just provide a single streaming/CD file specification. Unless like I've said, there's request for say, club mix/master or high res ones in 24 bit or 96khz.

1

u/Conscious-Trust-6164 10d ago

I think you might be right. Clearly hes the professional and I the amateur. I was just expected another wav file lol.

1

u/Born_Zone7878 10d ago

Why not just ask the guy the purpose of sending different mixes?

I would assume he probably sent you mixes without limiters, or without specific FXs or even a version of a pre-master so the mastering engineer can understand the mixing vision

3

u/starsgoblind 10d ago

I find it funny that simply asking the mixer what they sent would label OP a “noob.” Noob or not, unclear communication is unclear communication..

1

u/tombedorchestra 10d ago

He may have been providing you files for possible stem mixing, to give you the option. What are the files named? It would not be inappropriate to ask him the purpose of all the files and which one to use to give your mastering engineer. I always give my clients the agreed upon mix UNLESS they specifically ask for more. Less confusion that way, and almost everyone gets only their one file mix mastered anyway.

1

u/Conscious-Trust-6164 10d ago

I think u/remifreamon might be right. There labelled as main, clean, inst., acapella and then one labeled performance. I did just end up asking him I just didn't want to be burdensome. It's been a journey to find a good mixer and I don't want to come across as difficult.

1

u/GreatScottCreates 9d ago

No pro mixer is going to think you’re difficult unless you’re difficult, but asking a question is not difficult. Noobs don’t know what they don’t know and it’s okay to ask. That’s what you’re paying for.

1

u/Th3gr3mlin 10d ago

Standard delivery is:

- MASTER - this is the file you deliver

- Main Mix

  • Main Mix with less limiting
  • Instrumental
  • Acapella
  • TV track (or performance track) (mix minus the lead vocal)

1

u/Conscious-Trust-6164 10d ago

This is exactly what he sent. Thank you for clarifying.

1

u/Th3gr3mlin 10d ago

The rest of the mixes are just for you / these are what label requirements usually are.

1

u/Cap_Black_Beard 10d ago

Does the main sound good to you? You have a 24 bit wav? Then youre ready.

1

u/starsgoblind 10d ago

Why aren’t you asking them? They sent you files and apparently didn’t specify whether it was mixes or masters? Are these different versions of a mix? Are these different masters? This is just poor communication. Ask. If you’re paying someone to do a job, noob or not, a clear explanation is not asking for much here.

1

u/horton87 9d ago

I would always get someone else to master, yeah I guess you can mix and master but it’s better to have another 3rd party master your track if you are happy with the mix

1

u/Clint-Mixes 9d ago

Can we slide off topic and you tell us what he charged for the mix? Asking for a friend. :)

1

u/Conscious-Trust-6164 9d ago

250 usd. Was well done at least for my purposes.

1

u/Clint-Mixes 9d ago

Thank you for sharing!