Questions, answered
Everything people usually ask before sending a track. If yours isn't here, just ask.
Getting started
How do I start a project with you?
Send an email with a link to the track, your release date, and one or two reference tracks. I'll reply with what the track needs and realistic timing.
How much does mixing or mastering cost?
Every project is quoted individually, based on the number of tracks, whether it's mixing, mastering or both, and your timeline. Send me the track and I'll come back with a quote before any work starts.
Do you work on demos and unreleased tracks?
Yes. Most of what I work on is unreleased. Everything you send stays private.
Do you only work with clients in Berlin?
No, most of my clients are remote. See online mixing and mastering.
Which genres do you work in?
Techno, house and melodic techno, plus pop and hip hop. See techno and house and hip hop and pop.
Files and preparation
What sample rate should I export at?
Your session's native rate. Don't convert it up or down before sending.
Should I limit or normalize my mix before sending?
No. Take the limiter off the master bus and don't normalize. Details in the preparation checklist.
How much headroom should I leave?
Peaks somewhere around -3 to -6 dBFS is a safe range. More important: no limiter, and nothing touching 0 dBFS.
How do I export stems?
Same start point, same length, 24 bit WAV, clearly labelled. Full guide: how to export stems.
Should I send reference tracks?
Yes, one or two. They tell me more about where you want to land than any description.
Mastering
What does mastering actually do?
It sets the final tone and loudness, makes the track translate on every system, and delivers release ready files. Read what mastering is.
How loud should my master be?
It depends on the genre and where it's going. Streaming platforms normalize to around -14 LUFS. See LUFS for Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube.
What is a DDP image?
The standard delivery format for CD manufacturing. It contains the audio, the track order, gaps and metadata in one package.
Stem mastering or stereo mastering?
Stereo if your mix is balanced, stems if one or two elements need adjusting. See which one you need.
Process
How long does it take?
Mixing usually takes 3 to 5 business days per track. Mastering depends on format and complexity. Tell me your release date and I'll be straight about it.
What if I'm on a tight deadline?
Tell me upfront. I'll say honestly whether it's doable before you send anything.
How many revisions are included?
Up to two rounds for mixing, one for mastering.