Thanks for entrusting your creations with me.

     If you're reading this, you are most likely the primary contact of a client of mine and have recently been given audio for review. I realize it is tempting to share these creations with close friends as soon as you get them but I encourage you to hang tight for a bit and try to follow these guidelines to help you make the most of the revision process by being thorough and concise with your communication and decisions.

GUIDELINES

  1. FILTER FEEDBACK - You are the primary contact so please filter feedback from other parties through you so I, the producer/engineer, don't receive contradictory messages. I do encourage bands to listen together so they may voice their opinions out loud and so that everyone is sure to have the same reference. Differences in opinions and feelings about mixes are normal but decisions will need to be made at some point so it is best to entrust one person with this job. We'll make it sound great in the end so don't worry.
  2. USE MULTIPLE ENVIRONMENTS - Make sure you have multiple listening environments that are familiar to you. It is good practice to listen to the mixes more than once, on separate occasions, in different places, with different speakers or headphones. I suggest using at least two environments such as your regular listening location in your home and your best pair of headphones. You may also listen on your phone or computer speakers to see what the track may sound like but please don't give feedback based on these playback systems.
  3. TAKE NOTES - Write about things you feel and anything that seems great, odd, missing, just right, or anything that comes to mind. You can use these notes after you have done multiple listens to filter out things that may be from your listening environment from real issues that should be communicated.
  4. BE DETAILED - Once you have information you would like to communicate, please be as detailed as possible about the topic. If you really like how an instrument sounds you may want to say something like, "I really like the guitar tone on this version BECAUSE there is more bass and a little more delay." If you really like the overall feel of a mix you could try to explain why by saying this: "I love the feel of this version of the song BECAUSE it has more space and high end with a solid low end."
  5. BE REALISTIC - Realize that it is not always possible to combine your favorite instrument sounds from various records into one mix. There are limitations to the amount of room between the speakers and most of the limitations are imposed by the performance, the music arrangement, and the recordings. Sometimes there are also hardware limitations but thankfully with digital technology we can do more than ever.
  6. AVOID PERFECTIONISM - Once you have submitted your feedback we will go through the process again with the changes you communicated until we reach a more ideal outcome. However, please don't be unreasonable by falling into the trap of perfectionism at the end of the process. I honestly believe it is better to have a clear and refined version of your hard work than to put off completing the project until a later date. Remember what compelled you to put in the work, organize things, record it, and get this far. I want you to get back there as quickly as possible and your fans do too!
  7. ASK QUESTIONS - If at any time you are not sure about something, feel I have made a mistake, or would simply like my advice, you may call me or send me a message about the situation and I will do my best to explain it or help you however I can. I aim to make your project the best yet.