So it’s time to come to making your record, the tracking of each instrument and part is completed. You might be wondering if it makes sense to hire an independent mixing engineer for your project. But does it make sense for your situation? This week’s post is the next in a series of introspective articles on when it makes sense to bring different audio professionals into your project. You may be recording yourself or going to a local studio to get everything done. Either way, the following questions will help you determine if a mix engineer is right for you.

How well-recorded are the parts?

One expression that I wish would die is “fix it in the mix.” This perspective assumes that no matter how bad a part is recorded, a mix engineer should be able to make it sound like a platinum record. I will admit that there are quite a few things to make a bad improved, but the cost of the mix engineer may go up (due to the level of effort) and the end result could have been a lot better.

Before you choose to hire a mix engineer, evaluate the quality of the recordings by themselves. They don’t need to be recorded on super-expensive microphones (a Shure SM-57 can cover a lot of ground) or in pristine environments. However, each track should generally be free of noise (static); avoid bleed from other instruments; should have a good solid signal; be using instruments that are in good condition; with the parts performed well (or edited/tuned appropriately). If you can check all those boxes, a mix engineer can appropriately bring their expertise to your record without herculean efforts.

Does your recording engineer have the right experience / aesthetic

Often times if you are already using a local studio to get everything recorded, the recording engineer may be able to mix your project as well. This can be very convenient and avoid a lot of the hassle of going through multiple people to get a record completed, but you will need to be aware of the product you are getting. If you haven’t already, listen to some other mixes that the recording engineer has already done and note how many releases they show you. Also think about what genres of music they have previously mixed. You may not want to use the engineer if they only have mixed 2 projects and both of them were death metal and you want to make a folk record. The engineer may do a great job at tracking the project, but just has no track record of mixing that kind of performance.

Not all is lost, however. One option if the recording engineer is agreeable is to ask for a test mix of one of the songs that is being produced. This can just be about a minute of audio and include a verse/chorus, but even that can help you decide if the recording engineer has the chops to also do the mix. Keep in mind that getting a free test mix does not mean you hold out on paying for the recording process. Also, if the engineer already has a track record of doing mixes in your genre and can show examples of their work, they may not be interested in doing a test mix. It all depends on the individual, so don’t be offended if they pass on the test mix idea (just like they shouldn’t be offended if you hire a mix engineer).

How will the music be distributed?

This one is fairly straight-forward, but it’s important to consider how your audience will be listening to the music. For example, if you are going to put your record out on Spotify and Apple Music then you will be directly compared to the artists that your music comes before and after. An independent mixer who can get your sound right ensures that your music stacks up in a way that is favorable. However, if you are just posting your music to Soundcloud, you wont run into those comparisons. In that situation it might not make sense to spring for the extra expense of hiring a mixer.

At this point it’s also good to consider what formats of the mix you may want. If sync licensing is something you are interested in, make sure you get a version with the vocals down and another with them removed completely.

Closing thoughts

These are just a couple of items to keep in mind if you think about bringing a mixer onto your project. But regardless of the direction you head with your music, make sure that the direction matches the goals that you have for your music. If you need to save a little more money or fund a crowdfunding campaign to make sure the record sounds the way it should, then take those steps.

Next time we will take a look at the role of the mastering engineer and if you need one for your project.