How does the free sample work?

If it’s our first time working together, you are eligible for a free mix OR master sample on one of your tracks. Think of it as a free trial. As an artist myself, I know the best way to get a quality record is to shop around and see which studios and engineers are a best fit for you at each phase of the process. My goal is and will always be to help you get the best quality record possible, whether that includes me or not. Of course, I hope it does, but I know several things have to line up for there to be a good fit.

The process is generally:

1. You enter your contact info and we have an email or phone/video chat about your project and goals and get to know each other a bit.

2. If you’d like to proceed with the free trial, I’ll send you a link with detailed instructions for how to send me your project and the info I need to do my best work for you.

3. In 3-5 business days, I’ll send you a private listening link to evaluate the sample. If you like it, you will be able to immediately pay for and download the .wav file. The rate will be determined from my general rates. If you don’t like it or have feedback notes, let me know at dave@daveransom.com. I will be happy to address feedback if you decide to hire me!

4. You decide what happens next. If you decide to hire me, we’ll work out a custom quote for the remainder of your project. If not, that’s OK and I hope you’ll think of me for a future project!

What’s the best way to communicate with you?

I prefer email so everything is in one place and clearly documented. You can always reach me at dave@daveransom.com. Please use the same email address each time you send or respond to an email - it makes a huge difference throughout the lifespan of a project.

What is the turnaround time on a project?

This will depend on the type, size, complexity, communication responsiveness, and number and duration of feedback cycles of the project. Mastering projects of 5-10 songs can generally be completed in 3-5 business days. Mixing projects of a similar size can take 7-10 business days.

On a related note, my working hours are 9am - 5pm M-F (Mountain Time), excluding U.S. holidays and school holidays. As a husband and parent to two young kids, I am motivated to keep work activities within working hours, including responding to emails. I find these boundaries also allow me to do my best work for you!

What is and isn’t included in “mixing”?

Mixing is a collaborative part of the creative process and includes organizing tracks, gain staging, blending and balancing tracks, automation, and applying processing and effects to regions, individual, grouped, bussed, and master tracks. It does not include re-recording or recording additional parts, arranging, editing, comping, or mastering. I am happy to work with artists and/or designated points of contacts such as a producer or recording engineer.

How many feedback cycles do I get on a project?

By default, feedback cycles are limited to 3 back-and-forths per song in order to keep things moving unless otherwise negotiated.

How do we send files back and forth?

Because audio files and projects can get quite large, I use https://wetransfer.com. Please don’t send files over email or text message, as version control can become a real challenge.