How would you resolve a dispute over the final mix and mastering of a song?

The right mix is one that was approved by the people with the authority to do so. Most often, this is the artist, and rightfully so - their name will be associated with the song forever, so the ideal mix should fulfill their vision of the work. If there's a producer on the project, their opinion is crucial, and in some cases, it can overrule the artist's. Other stakeholders like the label's A&R rep or the artist's manager may also chime in, and those opinions matter as well. These challenges are why mixing credits are important - they demonstrate that a mixer was able to successfully finish and deliver the project. It's also why top mixers are paid so well - great mixes silence dissenting voices.

The engineer should revist the mix or master if they or the artist feel that the current version is not the final one. The artist should provide specific feedback on what needs improvement. The engineer should know how to implement the artist's feedback and provide an estimate of the time needed for the changes. Also, the engineer should be able to identify requests that are unreasonable be able to explain why they're unreasonable. (For example, try to make poorly recorded and performed vocals sound exactly like A-list pop vocals.)

I know we’ve hit a snag with the final mix and mastering, and I appreciate everyone’s passion for getting it right. Let’s all listen to the current version together in the same space, then go around and share our thoughts. We’ll pinpoint the main issues and, if needed, get a neutral expert to weigh in. Our goal is to reach a compromise that respects everyone’s input and makes the track the best it can be. After making the adjustments, we’ll do a final review to ensure we’re all on board. I believe in this team, and I know we can nail this. Thanks, Timmy

Get some opinions from credible sources. Play your ideal mix for them along with your associates version. Then Come back with results and THEN make a decision.

Self-mastering is like self-dentistry: it's only viable if no one else is available. For a project that will have an audience, you owe it to your client and to yourself to have it mastered professionally. They can (and will) save you from yourself, and in the hands of a seasoned mastering engineer, your mixes will be elevated to the best version possible. Once you develop a rapport with a mastering engineer, send them your in-progress mixes for review. They can help you identify and correct issues while the mix still on the board.

In addition to the excellent advice already given regarding any disputes involving the final mix and mastering of a song, I would add that most self mastered projects are “mastered” in the same room that the project was mixed in. Any acoustic or gear discrepancies in the control room are going to be exacerbated. This can make an impartial judgement and resolution of any dispute even more difficult. Professional mastering engineers can a fresh perspective as well as sonic enhancement. If you can’t afford a pro mastering engineer (which should be part of your budget) then find someone with fresh ears, with hopefully some sort of mastering experience in the genre you are working in, and evaluate the mix(es) and hopefully settle any disputes.

-I won’t master my own music. It’s too slow of a climb up the hill. I’ve already spent countless hours working on the mix. What can I achieve by mastering my own music? -I am eager to master other peoples music as I feel like I can provide a fresh perspective that the mix engineer or producer might not have expected or heard yet. -Either way always get an additional set of ears to listen to your mix before sending to mastering. A good mastering engineer will push back on your mixes to help make them better

An objective perspective not only ensures a balanced evaluation but also encourages creative solutions that might not have been considered initially. This collaborative approach can lead to a consensus on what changes, if any, need to be made to the final mix and mastering of the song, ultimately enhancing the overall quality and appeal of the track. Engaging with diverse opinions can elevate your music to new heights, ensuring it resonates well with a broader audience.

I strongly value the external opinion of one that is more experienced in the field than I am. As a self taught audio engineer, I mix and master all of my own work. It’s important for me to seek out professionals that can give me solid feedback about what I can do to improve the overall sound. However, we should be cautious in this area, of anyone who exerts their feedback as gospel. Audio is one of the few fields where I feel there are no rules, aside from the most important one: “trust your ears” Be wary of those who seek to assert their advice as objective.

Prioritising effectively can save time and resources, allowing the team to concentrate on enhancing the song’s core elements. Additionally, this approach allows for a more organised workflow, reducing stress and making the final stages of production more efficient and enjoyable.

It’s so easy to get caught up in details focus on the big picture and try to hear the song as if from the audiences perspective

This is a very important task, especially when it comes to mix & master revisions. A lot of artists may not know how to prioritize certain revisions they request. That’s where we as the audio professionals can step in and comb through the notes to create our own list of which revisions should be prioritized over others. It is possible that resolving one issue in the mix notes resolves several other notes! ??

I don’t always agree with this. Often times compromise leads to a compromised product; one that might lack artistic integrity. If it’s neither artist’s choice and somewhere in the middle it might be watered down. Pick a lane and go for it. Whoever disagrees with the decision can make the next one!

I don’t always agree with this. Often times compromise leads to a compromised product; one that might lack artistic integrity. If it’s neither artist’s choice and somewhere in the middle it might be watered down. Pick a lane and go for it. Whoever disagrees with the decision can make the next one!

In any collaboration, compromise is sometimes necessary. When faced with a dispute over the mix and mastering, consider proposing solutions that meet halfway. This might involve adjusting certain levels or effects that are points of contention while maintaining other aspects that are important to another party. By demonstrating a willingness to give and take, you foster a collaborative spirit that can often lead to a resolution that, while not perfect for any one individual, is acceptable to all involved.

This is where my take about the mixing and/or mastering engineer providing guidance comes into play. The client could be calling for a revision that’s likely to taint the sound of the overall record. This is where, as a professional mixing/mastering engineer, you can professionally assert your opinion. “If we raise the high end any further on the guitars, it can begin to clash with the vocals or cymbals of the drums” Then, if the client still insists on performing the change, I think it’s important to make two copies here: The revision they’ve requested, the revision you know will solve the actual issue they have with the mix Then present both. Many times, if this is done in a polite & professional way, the client understands. ??

It’s not about you, and it’s not about me. We are creating this art SO THAT _________(fill in the blank). While a vision and mission are needed it’s also key to discover your so that.