I felt compelled to answer this question after
receiving this email from a reader who is starting to charge for their services:
“I bought your book “Step by Step Mixing: How To Create Great Mixes Using Only 5 Plug-ins” and became amazed by the power and simplicity of the framework you described there. In particular, the 2nd chapter, “Mixing with no
plugins,” blew my mind because we often are led to think that having plugin X, Y, or Z is “the way” to a great mix, and by thinking that we neglect the importance of organizing our work and plan our sessions. That was a paradigm shift for me, and it made me immediately more productive and much more effective in the sessions.
This boost was so big that I landed my first “paid” gig as a
Mixing Engineer. I started to make the mixing to the tracks of a guy I know who likes to write songs but does not know how to mix well. I am now working on my fifth song with him. When I used “commas” before on the “paid” part was because he “paid” me a 5-string bass that he was not using and that I needed for my tracks. He gave the bass in exchange for four mixed tracks.
The next mixes I’ll do
for him, I’ll have to charge him. Also, he knows someone else who needs a Mixing Engineer. And this leads me to my question to you: what are the ways that Mixing Engineers usually work in terms of charging?
Should I define an hourly rate and estimate the number of hours I will take to do the work?
Should I have
a fixed value for the project? (eg.: “Mixing & Mastering a track will cost you X euros”)
If you can help me by quickly giving me an insight into what can be a good approach or the industry standard, I will be grateful!”
It’s an elusive question, and a complicated one to answer. It’s different for everyone based on a variety of
factors.
But don’t worry; in this brand-new post on the blog, you'll discover everything you need to know to find the right price that works for you.
Enjoy!
Björgvin
P.S.
No matter how much you charge, using templates to speed up your workflow is an invaluable way to save time so that you can mix faster and make more money in the studio.
If you're ready to upgrade your workflow, discover the Easy Mix Approach right here.