Mixing
Giving every instrument its place, the voice its presence and the song its impact, without betraying what you recorded.
Overview
Audio mixing in Lyon or remotely
Mixing turns a collection of tracks into a coherent song. It is the stage where you decide what the listener hears first, how deep the stereo image is, how much energy a chorus carries. A good mix does not draw attention to itself: it lets the song speak.
We mix in our control room on Genelec 8351 and Yamaha NS-10M monitors, with regular checks on headphones and small speakers to make sure it translates to everyday listening systems. We combine analog processing (preamps and compressors) with digital tools, depending on what each source needs.
You can attend the mix at the studio, or send us your files and receive versions to listen to at home. Either way, the same engineer follows the song from start to finish.
How it works
Step by step
Reference listening
You send your tracks plus two or three reference songs whose sound you like. We talk them through to set a direction.
First mix
We deliver a first version within 3 to 5 business days, with a note explaining the choices made.
Revisions
Two revision rounds are included. Your comments, even vague ones ("warmer", "vocal further forward"), are translated into settings.
Delivery
Final mix as 24-bit WAV, instrumental version, a cappella version and stems on request.
Preparing your files
To get off to a smooth start, send us all tracks exported from the same start point, as 24-bit WAV files at the session's sample rate. Name them clearly ("Lead vocal", "Verse guitar"…) and note the tempo. Remove mastering processing from the master bus; keep effects that are part of the intended sound, ideally supplying a version with and without.
Our article Preparing stems for mixing covers these points with a checklist.
Our approach
We always start by listening to the song without touching anything, then build the balance around the central element, often the vocal. We work in layers: levels and panning first, then EQ, dynamics, space, and finally the automation that makes the song evolve.
We avoid over-processing. If a track sounds good as recorded, we leave it alone. We prefer a natural, intelligible vocal to a bright one that becomes tiring to listen to.
Revisions and communication
Two revision rounds are included per track. A round groups all your comments on one version; send them in one go, with timings if possible. Beyond that, each extra round is charged by the hour, on quote, and only with your agreement.
We answer every comment, including when we think a request may weaken the song: we explain why, then we do what you decide. It is your music.
Delivered formats
The final mix is delivered as a 24-bit WAV at the session's sample rate, with enough peak headroom for mastering. On request, at no extra cost, we supply an instrumental, an a cappella and a TV version (no lead vocal), useful for live shows, sync or remixes.
Stems (track groups: drums, bass, instruments, vocals) can be delivered for stem mastering or distribution needs. If you have the track mastered with us, we offer a combined rate stated in the quote.
How the revision rounds work
Once we receive the tracks, we check they are complete and aligned, then send you a first full mix, usually within five business days for one song. Listen on your usual systems (headphones, car, speakers) and send your notes back in a single list, ideally with timestamps: "1:12, vocal too far back", "final chorus: more guitars".
Two rounds of revisions are included in the per-song rate. Beyond that, or if the request changes the direction of the mix (new arrangement, new takes), we propose an additional quote before starting. Each version is numbered to avoid any confusion.
What you get on delivery
The final mix is delivered as a 24-bit WAV at the original sample rate, with no limiter on the master bus to leave headroom for mastering, together with a louder reference version for listening. On request, we provide an instrumental, an a cappella and grouped stems (drums, bass, instruments, vocals) for live shows or sync.
We keep the mix session archived for the period stated in the quote, so a detail can be revisited later without starting over.
What is included
- Up to 48 tracks per song
- First version within 3 to 5 business days
- 2 revision rounds
- Instrumental and a cappella versions
- Checks on several listening systems
- Stems on request
Rates
| Option | Included | Excl. VAT | Incl. VAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mixing — per track | up to 48 tracks, 2 revision rounds | €280 | €336 |
| Mixing — 4-track EP | 4 tracks, 2 revision rounds per track | €1,000 | €1,200 |
All rates: Rates page. Booking, cancellation and withdrawal terms: Terms of service.
Frequently asked questions
Mixing
Can I attend the mix?
Yes, at the studio, for all or part of the mixing time. Many artists come at the end for the final tweaks.
What if my song has more than 48 tracks?
We say so in the quote. Often it is enough to group some tracks (backing vocals, percussion) before sending.
Do you also master?
Yes, see the Mastering page. Some people prefer a different pair of ears for mastering: that is good practice, and we then deliver a mix ready for mastering.
How long does a mix take?
Between half a day and a day and a half of actual work per song, depending on track count and complexity. The first version is delivered within 3 to 5 business days.
A project to record in Lyon?
Tell us about your project: we get back to you with a proposed slot and a written quote, with no obligation, within one business day.