Mixing in the session vs Flat rate mixing
How much does it cost to mix a song?
Half art and half science, the actual craft of mixing music is often misunderstood.
Mixing is the process of blending and balancing all of the individual of a song . This involves adjusting the volume, panning, and EQ of each track, so that all the sounds complement each other and work together. At its core however it is much more than a technical exercise or combination of plugins. Ultimately goal of mixing is to create a sound that brings out the best from the musical performances and to amplify the emotional impact of the music. A good mix should satisfy the creative aspirations of artist while simultaneously meeting the listener’s expectations.
Hourly Rate Mixing vs. Flat Rate Mixing
There are two main ways to pay for mixing services: hourly rate and flat rate.
Hourly rate mixing is common in home studios, where the engineer charges by the hour for their time. This can be a good option for clients who have a limited budget, as they can only pay for as much time as they need. It can also be good for artists who desire a high level of detailed input during the mixing process.
It is important to note that hourly rate mixing can be unpredictable in several ways. The quality of the final mix at hourly rate is dependent upon the budget set by the artist and the speed of the engineer. For example an artist who books 10 hours of time over several sessions to mix a full pop arrangement will get be getting a much better sound than another artist who records and mixes a song within an hour or two of a single session. An engineer may be able to achieve an acceptable mix for an artist in a short time but struggle to achieve the same quality in the same time for another song in a different style.
Flat rate mixing is the industry standard method for mixing services. With flat rate mixing, the engineer charges a set fee per song. This method allows the engineer to work freely without a time constraint. This can be a good for artists who want to know the final cost of mixing upfront and have a high level of trust in their engineer. Flat rate mixing can also be a good option for clients who have complex songs that require more time.
It’s important to note that communication between the artist is still very important to achieving a great mix. Unlike hourly mixing where the artist can offer their input at any point during the mixing process, the flat rate option requires more deliberate and intentional communication prior to starting the mix and throughout the revision process.
Pros and Cons of Hourly Rate Mixing
Pros:
Can be more affordable for clients with a limited budget
Client can pay for as much time as they need
Cons:
Final cost and quality can be unpredictable
Engineer may be rushed to complete the mix within the allotted time
Pros and Cons of Flat Rate Mixing
Pros:
Client knows the final cost of mixing upfront
Engineer has more time to mix the song, resulting in a higher quality mix
Client still has input on the final mix
Cons:
Can be more expensive than hourly rate mixing for simple songs
Client may have to wait longer for the final mix
Which Option is Right for You?
The best way to decide which mixing option is right for you is to consider your budget and needs. If you are on a tight budget, hourly rate mixing may be a good option for you. However, if you are looking for the highest quality mix possible, flat rate mixing is the better option.
If you are still unsure which option to choose, it is always a good idea to talk to your engineer. Drop us a line and we can help you to choose the best option for your needs and budget.
