TORONTO MIXING & MASTERING SERVICES

Mixing is the art of blending together and balancing multiple recorded tracks using a mixing console or Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software. It involves using equalization, compression, and a variety of other harmonic tools to best balance how the sounds fit together. The end result is a two-channel, stereo performance. We can also enhance, reduce noise, mix and edit files that were pre-recorded by you or by another studio. After recording your tracks, mixing is the most important step in making a song.

Mastering refers to the process of taking an audio mix and preparing it for distribution. The goal of mastering is to correct mix balance issues and enhance particular sonic characteristics. A good mix is taken (usually in the form of a stereo file) and final touches are put on it. This can involve adjusting levels and general “sweetening” of the mix, including the use of various filters. If you think of mixing as building up the layers of a cake, then mastering is the icing on top.

A vocal mix is where the instrumental or beat is already mixed and you have a single audio file for it (either .mp3 or .wav). This means you would be providing us with a single file for the beat and multiple audio files for your vocals. This is often the case if you purchased a pre-mixed beat or instrumental lease from a producer. A full mix is where you have separate audio files (tracks) for your beat or instrumentals and your vocals. So your instrumental might consist of guitar, bass, drums, keys, all of which have their own audio tracks that need to get mixed together.

Yes, absolutely. We use both Antares AutoTune and Melodyne to manually edit your tracks to perfection. Our engineers skillfully and patiently go through the structure of your vocals to ensure the best sound possible. You can select this in the order form as an additional option for each vocal track.

Exact methods will vary depending on the DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) you are using. Generally, you want to export your files in a .wav format, 16 to 24 bit, 48 to 192 kHz resolution. Include rough mixes and reference mixes. To export, render your tracks from the start of your song (all files must be of the same duration). Separate sounds into one instrument per track. Archive all tracks into .zip or .rar files. For full details on how to prepare your songs to be mixed, you can read our blog article here. If you need one-on-one help to prepare your tracks and files, please call at (647) 848-7351 us to arrange for this remote service. We can connect with you by video conference and directly control your computer by remote desktop connection.

Yes, absolutely. You’re welcome to provide a rough mix or a commercially released reference song, as these will be useful as guides for the mixing engineer (this also won’t be counted as an additional track).

It’s not the best idea. We ask that you please supply multi-track files dry, without reverb or effects. If you feel that a specific effect, processing or creative element (filter sweeps, delays etc.) is an important part of the sound, include it. Provide us with a labelled “dry safety” version of your track with-in your “Reference Audio Folder” when you submit your project (any audio in this folder won’t count as a track).

Your track will be uploaded to you via Dropbox transfer for download or sent by email. We can also send you a final CD by post mail, or you can arrange a time to come into our studio for pick up.

Not every engineer wants people in the room as they are mixing. Distractions slow down the mixing process and can often result in a worse-off sounding mix. Instead, we recommend being as detailed as possible in your order notes and upload rough mixes and song references. If you feel like you need to sit in on the session, let us know in advance and we can try to accommodate you, but an extra charge will apply. This will usually be billed at an hourly rate.

Yes, absolutely! Our recording studio is located in midtown Toronto. We are a boutique studio so our facility can hold roughly 8 people sitting and 20 people standing comfortably. Catering can also be arranged. Contact studio management at (647) 848-7351 for more details.