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Best Mixing and Mastering Engineers

Updated 2026-09-25

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Mixing balances the parts of a song; mastering makes the finished track sound right on every speaker and streaming service. Most disappointing results come from badly prepared files and vague feedback, not from the engineer. This guide shows you how to send a song that is ready to mix and how to ask for what you hear in your head.

We are finalizing our shortlist for this service. Until then, the guide below walks you through how to evaluate sellers yourself.

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What a good mixing and mastering package includes

Audio gigs are usually priced per song and by the number of tracks in the session. Check that the package states:

Service: mixing, mastering, or both.
Track limit: how many stems are included before extra charges apply.
Vocal work: whether tuning and timing correction are included.
Revisions: how many rounds of changes after the first mix.
Deliverables: WAV master, MP3, and versions such as instrumental or clean.
Delivery time per song.
Rights: confirmation that you keep all rights to your music.

How to prepare your song

Stems: export each track as a separate WAV file from the same start point, at your session's sample rate, with clear names such as "Lead Vocal" or "Kick".
Effects: send stems dry, plus a copy of any effect that is part of the sound, such as a special delay on the vocal.
Your rough mix, so the engineer hears your intended balance.
One or two reference tracks in the same genre, with a note on what you like about their sound.
Tempo and key of the song.
Where it will be released: streaming, video, radio, vinyl or live use.
Notes: anything that must stand out, and anything you are unhappy with.

If your song needs a spoken intro or ad read, our voice over guide covers hiring a voice actor. For a music video, see our video editing guide.

Before sending files, play the stems together once in a new session to check that nothing is missing, silent or out of time. A missing track found halfway through the mix costs everyone a revision round.

What drives the price

number of tracks in the session
mixing and mastering together, or mastering only
vocal tuning, timing correction and noise cleanup
extra versions such as instrumental, clean or stems of the final mix
number of revision rounds
the engineer's experience and credits in your genre, and rush delivery

Red flags

No before-and-after samples, or samples only in a genre far from yours.
Very fast mastering at a very low price with no mention of listening to the song. This often means an automatic preset.
No clear track limit, leading to surprise charges after you send files.
Claims to "guarantee" chart or playlist placement.
Any request to share rights, royalties or credits you did not agree to.

Before you approve the final master, listen on headphones, a phone speaker and a car or home speaker. A good master sounds balanced on all of them.

Quick pre-order checklist

My stems are exported from the same start point and clearly named.
I have a rough mix and at least one reference track.
The package states the track limit, revisions and deliverables.
I keep all rights to my song.
I have listened to before-and-after samples in my genre.

FAQ

What is the difference between mixing and mastering?

Mixing works on the separate tracks: levels, EQ, effects and space for each instrument and voice. Mastering works on the finished stereo mix: overall tone, loudness and consistency across an album or EP. Many engineers offer both as one package.

What are stems and how should I export them?

Stems are separate audio files for each track or group, such as vocals, drums and bass. Export them all from the same start point, at the same sample rate, without effects on the master bus, so they line up when the engineer imports them.

Can I order mastering only?

Yes, if you are happy with your mix. Send a stereo file with some headroom and no limiter on the master. Mastering cannot fix a problem inside the mix, such as a vocal that is too quiet.

Which files will I get back?

Usually a high-resolution WAV master and an MP3. Ask for an instrumental or clean version if you need them, and for separate masters if you plan to release on vinyl or CD.

How should I give feedback?

Be specific and use time stamps, such as 'at 1:12, the vocal gets lost behind the guitars'. Compare with a reference track in the same genre, and listen on several devices before you send notes.