FAQ
1. What is the difference between recording, mixing, and mastering?
- Recording: capturing performances with instruments or vocals.
- Mixing: balancing levels, equalization, compression, effects, and stereo placement to make the track sound cohesive.
- Mastering: the final polish to optimize your track for all platforms. Like volume, clarity, and consistency.
2. How does your recording service work?
You can send your current project: a voice memo, a demo, a rough instrumental, or an a cappella. I will help you build it into a full song.
I can offer a complete arrangement based on your style and vision, which may include:
- Electric and acoustic guitars
- Drums (triggered or acoustic)
- Bass guitar
- Synths and keys
- Strings and orchestral layers
- Backing vocals
- Percussion
- Trumpet, saxophone, flutes, or other session instruments via my network. Ask for the options.
After the arrangement is complete, you can record your final vocals (or send me updated takes), and I will mix everything into a finished track. You can also request vocal tuning or editing. I may also guide you to record the best vocals, or find a place to record them professionally.
3. How does your mixing and mastering service work?
- We start with an introductory conversation by email or video call to discuss your goals and the sound you are aiming for.
- We make clear agreements on what the service will include.
- You send me the stems.
- I mix or master the track and send you the first version.
- You share your feedback by email or a quick video call.
- I revise your music (up to three revisions included).
- Once approved, I finalize the song.
- I deliver the final files.
4. How does your coaching service work?
We begin by defining a clear goal and identifying the challenges you currently face. Together, we break these down into manageable parts and work through them step by step. At the end of the session, you will walk away with practical tools, mindset strategies, and actionable steps that you can immediately apply to your own music or workflow.
5. How does your mix feedback service work?
You send me your mix (WAV or MP3) along with any questions or specific concerns. I will listen critically and provide feedback on topics such as:
- Balance and dynamics
- Space and stereo image
- Overall technical and musical quality
You will receive a written report with clear feedback and actions to help you improve your mix.
6. Can I get an instrumental or a backing track version of my mix?
Yes, I can provide alternate versions such as instrumentals, radio edits, or performance tracks. Please mention this when placing your order. Additional charges may apply depending on the request.
7. Can you help me fix timing or pitch issues?
Yes, I offer services such as vocal tuning, audio repair, and timing correction for instruments like drums and bass. Please let me know in advance so I can include it in the quote.
8. How should I prepare my stems for mixing and mastering?
- Save a backup version of your current mix for your own reference.
- Remove all processing such as equalization, compression, limiters and reverbs. This gives me the most flexibility during mixing and mastering. If you would like to keep your current settings, you can send both wet (with effects) and dry (without effects) versions.
- For bass guitar, please send both the DI track and the mic’d amp track as separate files
- Pan all tracks to the center
- Label each stem clearly, for example: “Lead Vocals 1.”
- Make sure all stems start at the same point in the timeline (0:00).
- Leave enough headroom, ideally around -6 dB peak level.
- Disable all plugins on your master bus.
- Export your stems in WAV format, 24-bit and 48 kHz.
- Place the tracks in a zipped folder.
- Provide BPM and Key in the title of the folder
- Send the zipped folder using WeTransfer.com and email me the download link (info@kelverttimmer.com).
9. How much headroom should I leave before mastering?
Please leave around -6 dB of headroom on the master output. Please turn off all processing (like limiting or compression) on the master bus, as this helps preserve dynamics and allows for better mastering results.
10. What file formats do you deliver in?
Standard delivery format is WAV, 24-bit, 48 kHz.
11. What do your services cost?
Prices depend on the complexity of the project, the number of tracks, and the scope of the work. Please contact me via the contact form to receive a quote.
12. How many revisions are included?
Each project includes up to three revisions. Additional changes may involve an extra fee.
