MIXING
“Analogue or digital, we’ve got you covered”
Mixing Services
Audio Post Production
Here at ARC Recording Studios in Oxfordshire, we are experts in mixing and post-production audio. With a world-class SSL 4000 G+ console and highly experienced mix engineers, we provide professional audio mixing for a broad range of productions.
Audio mixing is an integral part of the production process, as a means of ensuring each element of the recording binds to form the final sonic experience, for the format required
The Process
Upload
We will send you a link by email where you can upload your files to the ARC Cloud. We prefer Pro-Tools or Logic session files or .wav files.
2. Mixing
Your song will then be prepped to mix on our SSL 4000 G+ Console. Turnaround time varies depending on schedule, but expect around 2 to 3 days.
3. Download
Once the mix is completed, we will send you a link to download a high quality audio file of your mix.
4. Review
Give feedback for any revisions. Usually it takes just a couple of rounds of notes before the final mix is reached.
5. Finalise
When you approve the mix, final mix passes will then be printed. The mix passes include the following; Streaming, CD, TV/Radio, Movie
6. Delivery
We will save all your files indefinitely on the ARC Cloud for you to be able to download or share. Of course if requested we can securely delete everything once you have downloaded your final mixes.
What Does Audio Mixing Entail?
As defined, audio mixing is a process in which sounds are combined into channels. Here, dynamics, frequency, and other aspects are altered, and certain effects may be added to enhance the sound. While this could sound like some simple manipulation, the audio mixing process actually calls for extremely focused work. Audio mixing is used to achieve an appealing sound for listeners whether the are listening to Spotify, a podcast, watching Youtube, a movie on Netflix or a live performance.
Typically, audio mixing is the second step in the physical recording process, which is essentially the first step in audio post-production. Unless the artist specially requests otherwise, the sound engineer will first edit or ‘clean’ the recordings to expel background noise, and remove any extraneous or unwanted sounds. Then each recording, or sound, is output through separate tracks on the SSL mix console and mixed to ensure each track has the clarity it deserves. From here, the track is mastered to ensure that clarity is maintained across all playback devices and the audio can be enjoyed either through cinema systems or earbuds.
Importance and Benefits of Quality Audio Mixing
Quality mixing is essential to the end product of your production. When the sound quality of anything is poor, it reflects on the rest of the production. This is why audio mixing is such an integral part of the professional production process. Poor sound will distract viewers and listeners, and will have a negative impact on their experience of the entire production.
When you do achieve high quality sound through audio mixing, the results can be extraordinary. Especially in film, when the viewer does not even notice the carefully crafted soundscape they are absorbed into. In addition to having a great production complemented with exceptional sound, you’ll keep viewers and listeners engaged.
FAQs
How much does it cost?
Every project is unique, so rather than giving an arbitrary figure, we’d much rather that you get in touch to discuss your project. We’ll put together package that meets all your needs and fits your budget.
How long will it take?
Normally, 3 - 4 days. However this depends on the complexity of the project. Exact timings will be confirmed on booking.
Do you master?
Yes, we do. As standard, we deliver masters as WAV and MP3 / AAC files, as well as a DDP image ready for CD Manufacture.
Read more about our Mastering Services.
What genres do you specialise in?
We can cater for all genres. Our engineers are very diverse, and have a wealth of experience between them, from Pop, Rock, Indie, Folk, World, EDM, Country.
Who will be mixing my tracks?
Any of our team. You can also specify a particular engineer, at no extra cost. Please be aware that this may lead to a longer wait time, as this is subject to their availability.
What format should I send my files in?
You should send your files as WAVs, at the same sample rate as you recorded them. Please make sure STEMS have the same starting point (bar 1, beat 1).
We’ve created a Check List for you to download.
If you are using ProTools or Logic, you can just send the session file and we’ll organise it to our template.
How many revisions do I get?
We are very mindful of the fact it’s your record, not ours. Therefore, we don’t give a set amount of revisions and say ‘that’s it, on your bike’. Instead, we will work tirelessly with you, to push your project so it exceeds your own expectations.
Should I bounce my audio files with no effects or compression on them?
If possible, no. However if it is creative sound design choice, that is integral to the song, then we’ll discuss with you the best way to do this.