Listing of Mix Engineers for Smaller Indie Budgets - Recommendations

[Scinx]

I am just finishing up tracking for an album that I will self-release. To reach this goal, a significant portion of time is spent outside of the music itself, ala looking for skilled individuals to do the artwork, mixing, mastering, et. al.

As I have searched Gearslutz, (and perhaps my search skills are equivalent to a braindead gibbon) I haven't been able to come up with any solid threads with recommendations of mix engineers for small indie releases. There seem to be numerous threads on mastering engineers of all levels, and there seems to be threads of great mix engineers (If you could have any engineer track and mix your album, Who?). However, for people (or perhaps "micro-indie" labels) whose pockets perhaps arent deep enough to jump on a CLA or AW-equivalent job, or for those recording at smaller studios in more remote locations, where mix engineer talent is sparse, I would think it helpful if there could be a listing of solid mix engineers who either have time/desire to work on smaller releases, or are trying to strengthen an up-and-coming portfolio. I figure a post on this site would be great as many of you have friends and knowledge within the industry or said people.

And while there are plenty of cats who enjoy tooling around on their computers with some tracks every now and then; I was hoping for a recommendation listing of engineers who do this seriously and professionally - but can do it in-line with a smaller budget. Hopefully that is not too much to ask.

So, without further blabbering, would it be possible some of you to post for me (and other people who are most assuredly in a similar position) some recommendations. They don't need to be Gearslutz - I dont mind a phone number or email address - but any help is greatly appreciated!!

Thanks Again!

[Mattct]

What style of music?

[EngineEars]

I mixed last week's #1 Top Independent Album on the Billboard charts. I work with a lot of indie artist/budgets. PM if you'd like to check out something.

[robmix]

This thread should drum up some responses for you. Just check everyone's credits and references.

[wwittman]

it would also be helpful if you want recommendations (or volunteers!) to say more about the music, the instrumentation, the recording format AND the budget.

an "indie budget" covers a lot of ground

[(DC)]

If you left a budget, how many songs, and how quickly you need it done, that would help to give you a good idea of who to contact.

[seaneldon]

i assure you that almost everyone here is somewhat or entirely qualified to do it. i can also assure you that your private message box will be full by tomorrow night with people telling you that they're the right guy for the job.

[Sirocco]

Originally Posted by seaneldon

i assure you that almost everyone here is somewhat or entirely qualified to do it. i can also assure you that you're private message box will be full by tomorrow night with people telling you that they're the right guy for the job.

haha

im thinking of that commercial where the real estate agents come to the couples house while there in pajamas

[klaukholm]

Fredrik Sarhagen in LA.
PM me for his email
He is one of the top guys in LA and a has an amazing resume in all styles.
If he can't do it he will surely point you to someone very good in your pricerange.

[Scinx]

Originally Posted by Mattct

What style of music?

The style is mostly indie rock with a touch of hiphop. You can check it out at my link in my signature (note I basically just adjusted levels for these ultra-quick mixes on the X.sum...) However - for others who may do a search and come upon this thread - if you mix something else, or know of someone who would fit the profile (but mixes polka or something) - if you post the contact info and the music type they prefer/excel at mixing - that would be appreciated
Thanks!
This is great!

[Scinx]

Originally Posted by wwittman

it would also be helpful if you want recommendations (or volunteers!) to say more about the music, the instrumentation, the recording format AND the budget.

an "indie budget" covers a lot of ground

The instrumentation for the most part is electric guitars, bass (sometimes 1, sometimes 2), strings/brass/pads (using VSTi's), a touch of piano, and programmed drums via the MPC. It is basically alternative hiphop-style beats with indie rock instrumentation (guits, bass, etc.) laid over it...and then, of course, singing.

It was recorded onto hard disk, 48Khz, 24bit. The mix format is wave files, transferable via CD or FTP. The Budget is a harder thing cause I don't know what is a reasonable request. As in, I wouldn't want to walk on a car dealership lot and ask for a brand new BMW 330i, not knowing how cars cost, and say "Hey, I would take it for $1,500" thereby appearing rude/ignorant, etc. So, I don't know what is fair or not - I am hoping to stay within 1-3K. Between manufacturing, artwork, mixing, mastering, equipment, etc. - it definately is an expensive operation for a one-man operation. That said - I am not looking for some cheap, low quality answers on any of the aspects.

12 tracks, with track sheets. Also, I would do as much as I could to simplify the engineers life/job. I would prefer someone who "feels" the music, and would have an enjoyable time working with my project, rather than someone who just needs the cash/hours.

[Fletcher]

Originally Posted by Scinx

I would prefer someone who "feels" the music, and would have an enjoyable time working with my project, rather than someone who just needs the cash/hours.

Therein lies your problem... when you have someone who understands "feel" as well as how to run the tools [and has a significant capital investment in the purchase and installation of those tools] and get you a great feeling mix along with excellent audio... you have someone who generally charges out the ass for their time and effort.

You're asking for brain surgery for the price of a vasectomy. It could happen, it's just not bloody likely. I did a couple of 'spec mixes' last week [as in I don't 'spec' to ever get paid for them], but that was because I was checking out some new monitor speakers and don't charge people when I'm using their music for my experimentation purposes. The mixes were "OK", certainly not my best work but definitely not my worst... which is neither here nor there in your reality.

If your budget is $1-3k to mix the entire album I would suggest you find a local $25-30/hr. studio and block out some days. Work the the local engineer at the local studio while referencing other CD's and playing the mixes in your car. I dare say you'll get a lot better results from that kind of working relationship than walking into a bordello and asking who gives the best head on the cheap [which is pretty much what you've done by asking about a mix engineer on this forum... we're almost all "mix engineers" and can pretty much all do the job].

The unfortunate irony of your inquiry is that the people who respond will be the ones you pretty much don't want working on your project and the folks that don't respond are the ones you do want working on your project. As for me, I'm busier than a one-armed paper hanger with the crabs so I officially take my hat out of the ring... plus, your $1-3k for an entire album will hardly cover the requisite food and beverage budget for me and my crew to mix an entire album [the assistant alone would end up getting paid more than your budget!!!].

Best of luck with your search... but I sincerely suggest you search the local music papers rather than an international engineering forum.

Peace.

[DrDeltaM]

Seems a small budget indeed. Even I ask like a 100/song already

[joelpatterson]

Fletch: If you ever tire of the paper-hanging, you could turn to bugle-playing?

[klaukholm]

That budget would definately exclude Fredrik.

[bobby yarrow]

$3K isn't impossibly low for mixing only, but as noted you're looking for somebody who's into the project and is good, not somebody who's famous. Even the bigger little joints -- I'm thinking of tiny telephone in SF, just listened to a record from there -- would only give you 5 days for $3K. For some people, 5 days might be enough time, but not for me.

There's also always the potential for the after-hours, "I won't be a dick" discount.

For what it's worth, assuming the tracks are in shape, around $3k is what I'd estimate to mix 10 songs, thinking around 10 hours per song at $35/hour.

[Scinx]

Dear Fletcher & company,
I am not deadset in my range - I am merely inexperienced at the market rates. We are falling into my BMW example - and even though I threw a disclaimer in there, it seems to have been ignored.

Do I need someone to "feel" the music? No, I do not. That is what being a professional engineer is about - being able to put out a good product without necessarily "feeling" it. I was merely saying I would "prefer" such. I did not say I would "demand" such.

May I ask, what should my budget run about? Would $5K be more suitable? $7k, $10k?

I'm just learning here. I've been learning for years now, and I apologize if I am not good enough to be posting within this circle.

[DrDeltaM]

Originally Posted by Scinx

Easy there Fletcher & company.

Dunno if that's aimed at me ;-) Didn't mean to say it's impossible, just that you'd have to look for people of my level rather then 'bigger' guys if you want to stay within that budget.

[robmix]

At $5000 you're starting to get serious. Most decent engineers in L.A. have a day rate of $1000. 2 mixes a day, 5 days - done. You'll just need someone to throw in the studio for free of cheap

[Scinx]

Thanks much to all.
I guess a good way for me to put it was - I am trying to get a solid engineer without having to pay for a brandname. I don't care much about what the name is on the record, but the music on the record itself.

I appreciate the honest remarks/posts/etc.

Just trying to figure things out. And, not to sound like GWBush, but getting help from all of you has been very helpful.

Thanks

[godcity]

how about you read the liner notes of records you like, then get on google and find those people and ask what they'd charge?

[Power Supply]

Check out Rich Feaster at the Castle in Nashville.
He did some killer mixes of Devendra Banhart,
Bunny Brains and the band Jeff (Be Your Own Pet members)
as well as a few others. He's real good, not too
expensive and "gets" the feel real well for songs
fast.

PM me and I'll get you his e-mail or just call the Castle.

[quincyg]

I am looking for a similar thing for a hip hop project with fairly full instrumentation. rather than mess up your thread i will start a new one.

[khp]

I might have shared the opportunity for a mix on spec in Feb. but I choose my projects and there will be no hip hop or hint of such going through my gear.

[Meriphew]

I'd try to find a good local up and coming engineer who has just hit their stride, but who hasn't cracked the big leagues yet. Perhaps someone who's done some smaller, popular, indie band. There's a few of those guys up here in Seattle.

[vtone]

I was just thinking the other day that I'd like to work with a mix engineer who is really good at the parallel compression technique ala michael brauer. I'm working on a record that normally I would mix myself, but I think it would benefit from that technique (if properly executed, with the right compressors). my humble studio isn't equipped for that kind of work so I've been considering mixing at an indie studio. I have one person in mind but I wish I had more options to choose from. I guess it's just a matter of keeping your eyes peeled for the right person.

[PhilE]

Last year it occured to me that all I was hireing studios for was the console when it came to mixing as I had already built up racks of the gear I like to use and lugged them round with me the whole time!- so I bought a big console and converted some of my house... I have my own mix room that saves me hireing the studios for mixing... a studio near me that I like to track in is refurbing and have offered to convert some space they have for me to move into which I may well do but the point is more that many guys are reducing their costs by doing this and a by-product is that you can take on work that you fancy doing at really low rates if you feel like it... OK your bills still need paying and on these sessions but every now and again you can do it for way less than previously concieveable... I'm wondering if the same is not true in the US? Are the majority of you guys still freelancing in the traditional sense of hired topgun in hired studio?

[nlc201]

Originally Posted by vtone

I was just thinking the other day that I'd like to work with a mix engineer who is really good at the parallel compression technique ala michael brauer. I'm working on a record that normally I would mix myself, but I think it would benefit from that technique (if properly executed, with the right compressors). my humble studio isn't equipped for that kind of work so I've been considering mixing at an indie studio. I have one person in mind but I wish I had more options to choose from. I guess it's just a matter of keeping your eyes peeled for the right person.

I think it's a bit of folly to choose an engineer based on techniques they use. You oughta hire someone whose work you like and whom you have a good rapport with (even at the initial meeting if he/she is new to you). Who gives a crap whether they use parallel compression or not? It's just a technique that some people use. If you think that you're going to get Michael Brauer sounding mixes based simply on the fact that the engineer might use some similar techniques, you're in for a reality check. You could even book the same room and get all the same gear, it still wouldn't be the same at all. If you want it to sound like a MB mix, hire MB. It's that simple. Too expensive? Sorry. There's a reason why he gets paid top dollar. That's NOT to say that you can't find another GREAT mix engineer who doesen't charge those kind of rates. I'm sure you can actually. But hiring based on some essentially meaningless techniques is a ******** idea. Find someone whose work you like, who you like working with, who fits your budget and timeframe and let them do their thing. Maybe they'll end up using parallel EXPANSION on everything. Who cares? If it sounds good and right to you, it doesen't matter. Techniques are meaningless without a musical ear to back them up. And THAT is what you pay for.

Not to be egocentric but I love it when a client says, "Wow. I love what you did on the mix! I never thought of some of the ideas you threw in mix-wise but it really makes the song better!" That's what they pay us for. No one has ever said, "Wow. I love the apt use of multi-buss parallel compression." They just say they like how the drums sound. It makes me feel even more validated taking there money although I would take it regardless.

[soundeq]

3k to mix an album is not much $$$$ sorry i woudln't do it unless you give up some back end? (no, not what you people with dirty minds are thinking!) I'll mix a project for free if I feel its going to go GANGBUSTERS, and I get a percentage of the backend... Perhaps thats an angle you want to try?

~Andrew

[Firefox]

I'd suggest you try Ronan Chris Murphy. He usually works with big shot artists on big projects, but I know he can also be a bit of a miracle worker.... making the mixes sound awesome for small budgets that are short on time and cash. He's got his own studio in LA and he's the real deal. Nice analog console and gear.... not some hack with only a PT rig and some plugs. A pal of mine did a project with him a while back and was totally, totally happy with what he brought to the table. I heard the end result - totally slammmin'. Cool guy too from what I heard - easy to work with.

I just googled his name to find his website...... check him out at www.venetowest.com

yo