FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Recording
Recording servicesDo you record to tape?
Yes, as long as the studio has a working tape machine. Expect a fee for tape reels.
Do you travel outside Los Angeles?
Yes. I take sessions across Southern California.
What does a recording day cost?
$1,500 per day for my time — a ten-hour minimum at $150 per hour. You book and pay for the room separately.
Mixing
Mixing servicesWhat do you need from me to start a mix?
Multitracks, your rough mix, and one or two reference tracks. Name the tracks clearly, add tempo and key if you have them, and flag anything already printed into the rough that needs to stay.
How many revisions are included?
Three rounds on a mix, and three on a master. Every note is addressed and the revision goes back up for approval.
How long does a mix take?
One to three days for a song, from the day the project starts. Rush delivery is 24 hours, on request.
Can I sit in on a mix or master?
No — both run remote, which saves time and money.
What files do I get back?
Main mix, instrumental and grouped stems, delivered together. Alt mixes such as a TV mix or radio edit can be added at booking or requested later.
What does a mix cost?
$1,000 per song. That covers the main mix, instrumental and grouped stems, and three revision rounds.
Mastering
Mastering servicesCan you master a record you didn't mix?
Yes. Send the final mix plus the references you want it measured against.
Should I take the limiting off my mix?
No. If compression or limiting is part of how the song sounds, leave it. Send the mix as you want it heard.
Do you take stem mastering?
No. Final mixes only.
Do you master for vinyl?
No — the cutting engineer decides how to fit the album onto a lacquer, which is cut at a facility of your choice.
What does mastering cost?
$150 per song. That covers three revision rounds, 24-bit WAV masters and MP3 references.
Booking
Do you take single songs or only albums?
Singles, EPs and albums. Bulk rates are applied automatically at booking — from three songs the per-song rate drops, on mixing and mastering both. For a full record, get in touch before booking and we’ll map out the schedule.
How does booking and payment work?
Everything runs through EngineEars, which holds payment in escrow. You start the project and pay in the same place, and completing payment releases the files. Recording is booked as a day; you book and pay for the studio yourself.
Why book through EngineEars instead of emailing files?
Everything stays in one place: versions, notes, and payment held in escrow until you approve. Email is for scope, label and sync work, or anything that isn’t a session yet — not the file handoff.
What’s your EngineEars rating?
5.0 from 282 completed projects.
Send the session.
Files, notes and payment in one place. Free account to upload.
A short form — what the project is, how many songs, a link to hear it. Personal reply within one business day.
For questions about project scope, label and sync work, or anything that isn't a session yet.