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audio mixing

audio mixing

You’ve done all the hard work making great recordings, but you can’t seem to get the tracks over the line to feel finished. How do you know when a song is finished? Working on your own music can be hard and often leads to more questions and uncertainty.

This is where a specialist mixer is your best bet. Someone who is impartial and makes decisions that bring the best out in the music without bias or fear.

Drawing on 20 years of experience, Melbourne’s Ginger Studios’ founder James Lloyd-Wyatt’s primary focus has been harnessing and showcasing the best features in artists’ music. James’ primary tuition in mixing came from under the watchful eye of one of the greats, Michael Shipley (Known for recording and mixing Australian and international artists such as Alison Krauss, Maroon 5, Def Leppard, Joni Mitchell, and Greenday). Michael passed the secrets of his trade to James, who has taken those special skills and integrated them into a modern workflow.

Before mixing begins, James will engage with artists over the phone or email to understand the specific requirements for each project. James prefers to mix on a meticulously maintained 48-channel SSL Duality analogue console with full use of an extensive outboard collection and external effects processors, with every detail of your music accurately and confidently addressed through a pair of custom-designed and built Augspurger Tower Monitors.

Give your music its best chance to stand out with a personalised mix from a dedicated professional.

Contact us today, and let’s start bringing your musical dreams to life!

Studio Pricing

Tracking sessions with James engineering

  • Weekdays 9am – 3pm: $880 per day
  • 4 or more weekdays: $770 per day
  • Weekend 9am – 3pm: $1,100 per day
  • Hourly weekday only: $220 per hour
The studio is not available for dry hire.

Mixing

  • Singles to 4 track EPs: $845 per song
  • Tracks 5, 6 and 7: $795 per track
  • Tracks 8 and beyond: $715 per track
All mixes include 2 revisions, stem and instrumental prints. Additional revisions quoted on a case by case basis.

Production

  • Singles to 4 track EPs: $2,500 per song
  • Tracks 5 and beyond: $2,200 per song

Production rates cover 2 days of studio hire, mix and 2 revisions ready for mastering.

 

Video Production

  • If you’d like to use the studio for video shooting, please contact us for a quotation.



    I can accept files from Dropbox or Google Drive, alternatively you can use my secure uploader found here.

    how does the audio mixing process work?

    There are several areas of mixing that Ginger Studios can take care of for you:

    Mix Assessment

    It is especially important to know that what we will be mixing is ready for the process. I like to hear roughs or demos of songs before I begin so that we can discuss any potential hazards or areas for addressing before we commit time to mixing sessions. 

    Mix prep and editing

    Each song will go through a round of clean-up where I will make sure all of the annoying technical issues are prepared for, like fading all regions to avoid clicks and pops, adjusting any errant hits, with your permission and discussion about the creative direction and aesthetic you are trying to stick to I will adjust any tuning issues that I pick up as well in the most transparent way to avoid any “auto-tune” effect artefacts.

    Mix Processing

    I will lay out the multitrack across my console and utilise appropriate outboard effects to dial in an engaging listening experience. This is the most important creative stage for me as a mixer, where I spend the most time finessing compression, equalisation, saturation and, most importantly, automation. With the unique and flexible automation system of the SSL Duality, I can very precisely shift the focus of a listener to highlight areas of the mix that need attention at that moment. Then they can be tucked back neatly once the moment has passed to make way for the next feature; this process creates a dynamic and exciting listening experience.

    Revisions

    After I have mixed your material, I’d like you to listen to it and tell me what changes you’d like made to the mix. Things like “snare drum in the second chorus louder, bass lower, vocals more reverberant, less delay on the guitars” are tasks that I fulfil during the revision process. I offer one revision per song included in the project pricing; if we need to do more than one revision, I’ll quote for you before I do any extra work.

    How Ginger Studios approaches mixing

    Once all tracks have been submitted for a brief assessment I begin the mixing process by having a conversation about any ideas, outcomes or concerns you have for each song. Then I’ll spend a little time doing all of the clean-up editing and tuning work – only if necessary.

    I like to spend about a day mixing per song, sometimes a mix happens faster, and sometimes it takes a little longer, but as I own the studio and don’t rent the space from someone else, I can take as long as I feel is necessary for the song to be at its best. After I have a first automated pass of the mix, I will send it to you, or if you are close by, you may come into the studio at the end of the day to give any initial feedback. Then I would ask that you take home the mixes to really listen to them carefully and then give me more feedback so that I can complete any revisions for each track you might have.

    Once the revisions are done, with your approval, I will send the music to a mastering engineer of your choosing, or I’m happy to make a local Melbourne-based recommendation. Then, you’ll be ready to release your music into the world!



    music we have worked on

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    watch SILT record live in our studio

    Audio Mixing FAQs

    What is mixing?

    Mixing is the process of combining multiple audio tracks into a single engaging listening experience. It balances levels, adjusts tones, and applies effects to ensure that each element has its own space within a finished production.

    How do I prepare my tracks for mixing at Ginger Studios?

    To prepare your tracks, ensure they are recorded cleanly and free of unwanted noise. Provide all individual tracks in high-quality formats and include any notes or reference tracks that help to explain the sonic outcome you’re going for.
    If there are specific effects that you would like to keep from the tracking phase of your record, make sure to print these separately.
    Ensure all track exports start at the same time.
    If you work in Pro Tools you can just send over the whole session folder.

    What is the typical turnaround time for mixing a project?

    Turnaround time varies based on the complexity of the project and my current schedule. Mixes that require additional editing or vocal tuning may attract a higher fee and longer turnaround times. Generally, I aim to complete a mix within 1 to 2 weeks.
    If you’re against the clock, contact me via the enquiry form or on 0438172808 to discuss expedited options.

    Do you offer attended mixing sessions?

    Absolutely! An artist who can be present for the mixing sessions is always welcome, if you’re not local to Melbourne or your schedule doesn’t allow for your attendance I can arrange to have you call in to hear a mix before printing to make the most of your revisions.

    Do you offer mastering services in addition to mixing?

    Yes, I offer mastering services as well. Mastering audio is a separate service and not included in mixing rates.

    What genres do you specialise in mixing?

    I have been mixing for 2 decades and am well versed in a range of styles and genres. Have a listen to the Spotify playlist with a selection of mixes and productions I’ve been a part of.

    How much does mixing cost at Ginger Studios?

    Here is a breakdown of mixing costs:
    Singles: $845 per song
    4 or more tracks: $795 per track
    7 or more tracks: $715 per track

    What file formats do you accept for mixing?

    Please ensure your files are at least 24-bit/44.1kHz WAV to maintain the best audio fidelity during mixing.

    What equipment and software do you use for mixing?

    I use Pro Tools as my DAW and run my mixes through an SSL Duality analogue console. My studio is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment from Tube Tech, Manley, Retro Instruments, SPL, TC Electronic and Eventide. Everything is monitored on custom built Augspurger Tower Series monitors to provide precise and creative mixing.

    Can I send in my track for evaluation before starting mixing?

    Yes, I’m more than happy to provide feedback or help you through the process of preparing your music for mixing.

    What would you like to know about the artist before starting?

    The more information you can give me, the better. Details on musical vision, the story behind the song, any specific effects or sounds you want, reference tracks, and any other ideas you have for the music really help me get the most out of your song.

    How many revisions are included in mixing process?

    I offer two revisions as part of a mix fee. If you have additional changes after those two revisions, I will provide a quote for the extra work before starting on it.

    What are the deliverables from mixing?

    Each mix will be delivered to you with:
    1 stereo file ready for mastering/release
    Stems of each instrument group: Drums, Percussion, Bass, Guitars, Vocals, etc.
    One instrumental mix.

    What are the deliverables from mixing?

    I can accept files from Dropbox or Google Drive. Alternatively, you can use my secure audio uploader.