Mixing and mastering in Toulouse
A mix that serves the song, then a master that prepares it for every kind of listening: phone, car, streaming, vinyl.
Mixing & mastering
In short
Mixing turns a pile of tracks into a coherent song: levels, the place of each instrument, depth and energy. Mastering comes next: it adjusts the overall sound, makes the songs of a project sit together and prepares the files for each format.
We offer both together, by the same engineer, which avoids back-and-forth between providers. You can also send us a track mixed elsewhere for mastering only.
How it works
Four steps
- 01
Receipt
You send your tracks and one or two references. We check that nothing is missing.
- 02
First mix
A first complete version is sent to you, usually within five working days.
- 03
Revisions
Your notes in one list with timestamps. Two rounds of revisions included.
- 04
Mastering
The approved track is mastered and delivered in the agreed formats.
Preparing your files
Export each track separately as WAV or AIFF, 24-bit, at the original sample rate, all from the same starting point. Switch off effects on the master bus. Keep creative effects that are part of the sound (an intended distortion, a signature delay) and send a dry version too if you are unsure.
Name tracks clearly ("Lead vocal", "Rhythm guitar L") and state the tempo. A rough mix of your demo shows us the intention.
Our approach to mixing
We start by listening to your demo and references to understand what the song is about. Then we build the balance around the main element, often the vocal. Processing serves that balance, never itself.
We check the mix on several monitoring systems, including a small speaker similar to a phone's, so it holds up everywhere.
How revisions work
Listen to the first version on your usual systems, then send your notes in a single list with timestamps: "1:12, vocal too far back", "last chorus: more guitars". Two rounds of revisions are included in the price.
Beyond that, or if a request changes the direction of the mix (new arrangement, new takes), we offer an additional quote before starting. Every version is numbered.
Mastering, step by step
Mastering fixes the last imbalances, adjusts dynamics and level and keeps songs consistent across an EP or album. There is no single ideal loudness: streaming platforms normalise volume, and an over-compressed master is simply turned down on playback.
We choose a level suited to the style and check how it sounds after normalisation. One round of revisions is included for mastering only.
Delivery formats
Depending on your project: a 24-bit WAV master for digital distributors, a 16-bit / 44.1 kHz version for CD manufacturing, a dedicated master for vinyl cutting (mono low end, controlled sibilance, side length checked). ISRC codes and metadata can be embedded if you provide them.
On request: instrumental and a cappella versions and grouped stems (drums, bass, instruments, vocals) for live shows or sync.
Attending the mix
You are welcome to come to the studio for all or part of the mix. Many artists come at the end for the final tweaks, which saves several rounds of e-mails. Attended sessions count towards the time set out in the quote.
Choosing references
A reference is not a model to copy; it is a common point for talking about the same sound. Choose two tracks close to your style that you know well, and say what you like in each: where the vocal sits, the roundness of the bass, the width of the guitars. Avoid references far removed from your recording: a track produced with fifty synth tracks will never sound like an acoustic trio, and that is not the goal.
We listen to the references at the same volume as your track to compare fairly.
EPs and albums
On a multi-track project, we first mix the most representative song, which becomes the basis for the others. Once its sound is approved, the following tracks move faster and stay consistent. Mastering is then done on the whole project: track order, gaps between songs, fades and relative level. For vinyl, we also check the length of each side and the balance between them, which affect how loud the record can be cut.
Mixing remotely
Most mixes are done remotely: you send the tracks through a transfer service, we send each version back by link, and you listen at home, in the car or on headphones. Each version comes with a short note summarising the changes. This works for artists all over France and abroad; only the optional final listening session at the studio requires a trip to Toulouse.
What is included
- Listening to references and demo
- Full mix of the track
- Two rounds of revisions
- Mastering suited to the format
- 24-bit and 16-bit WAV exports
- Session archived for 12 months
Rates
| Service | Included | Excl. VAT | Incl. VAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mixing + mastering | per track, 2 revision rounds | €300 | €360 |
| Mastering only | per track | €60 | €72 |
Prices include 20% VAT. A 30% deposit confirms the booking; it is a deposit ("acompte"), not a forfeitable "arrhes" payment (Article L.214-1 of the French Consumer Code). The written quote is binding. Terms of sale.
FAQ
Questions about mixing & mastering
01What is the maximum number of tracks?
The per-track price covers up to 48 tracks. Beyond that, or for very dense orchestrations, we prepare a specific quote.
02Can you tune a vocal?
Yes, discreet tuning is included. Heavy correction takes time and is quoted in advance; sometimes a new take is faster.
03Do you master tracks mixed elsewhere?
Yes, from €72 incl. VAT per track. Send a mix without a limiter on the master bus, with 3 to 6 dB of headroom.
04How long for a five-track EP?
Usually three to four weeks between receiving the tracks and delivering the masters, depending on how quickly you send feedback.
A project in Toulouse?
Let's talk about your next session
Tell us about your project: reply within one business day with a slot and a written quote, no obligation.