Dream Track Records · Phoenix, AZ · Mixing · Mastering · Recording
How Much Does Mixing and Mastering Cost? Everything Artists Need to Know Before Booking
Every project is different. Every artist is different. That’s why Mario Perez at Dream Track Records quotes every project individually — so you only pay for exactly what your music needs, and you work directly with a real engineer from start to finish.
By Mario Perez — Recording & Mixing Engineer · Dream Track Records · Phoenix, AZ · DreamTrackRecords.com
If you’ve been searching for mixing and mastering prices, you’ve probably landed on a dozen different numbers that don’t add up. That’s because there is no single answer — and any engineer who gives you a flat rate before hearing your project is guessing.
My name is Mario Perez. I’m a Recording & Mixing Engineer based in Phoenix, Arizona, and I run Dream Track Records. I work with artists across all genres — remotely from anywhere in the world, in-studio here in Phoenix, and on location at studios across the US and internationally. Below I answer every major question artists ask before booking, so you know exactly what to expect when you work with me.
Mixing and mastering cost
How much does mixing and mastering cost?
The honest answer: it depends on your project. The number of tracks, the complexity of the arrangement, the amount of editing needed, turnaround time, and the level of revision required all shape the price. I quote every project individually after understanding exactly what your music needs — there are no hidden fees and no surprises. Reach out at DreamTrackRecords.com and I’ll put together a custom quote built specifically around your work.
Why does mixing and mastering cost vary so much from project to project?
A simple two-track acoustic song and a 48-track hip-hop production require completely different amounts of time, skill, and tools. Factors like stem count, audio quality, revision rounds, genre-specific processing, and your deadline all shape the scope of the work. A custom quote means you’re paying for what your project actually requires — nothing more, nothing less. That’s how I’ve always done it at Dream Track Records.
Is it worth paying for professional mixing and mastering, or can I do it myself?
For demos and rough ideas, DIY can work. But for any release you’re actually putting into the world — a single, EP, or album — professional mixing and mastering is one of the highest-value investments you can make. As an engineer, I bring objectivity, calibrated monitoring, professional tools, and genre experience that translate your music to every speaker, platform, and listener environment. My job isn’t to change your vision — it’s to make sure the world hears it exactly the way you intended.
Should I use the same engineer for mixing and mastering, or hire two separate people?
Using the same engineer for both is almost always the better choice. When I mix and master your project, I already know how every element was built — your vocal preferences, your low-end decisions, the feel you’re going for. There’s no translation gap, no conflicting opinions, and it typically costs less than booking separately. At Dream Track Records, I handle both, which means full continuity from your first stem to your final master.
What’s the difference between stem mixing and a 2-track mix, and does it affect price?
Stem mixing means you send me separated tracks — drums, bass, vocals, guitars, synths, effects — giving me full creative control over every element. A 2-track mix means sending a stereo file with limited ability to adjust individual parts. Stem mixing takes significantly more time and produces better results, so yes — it affects the quote. When you reach out, just tell me what you have and I’ll guide you from there.
How many revisions are included when I hire a mixing engineer?
It depends on the project, and it’s one of the most important things to clarify before you book anyone. When you work with me at Dream Track Records, revision expectations are discussed upfront as part of your custom quote — no surprises. I communicate clearly, stay collaborative throughout, and keep things open so your final mix actually sounds the way you want it, not just “done.”
How do I know if a mixing engineer is actually good?
Ask to hear their previous work — specifically in a genre close to yours. Listen for clarity, balance, how the low end translates, and whether the overall sound feels professional without losing the character of the music. A great engineer asks questions about your vision before they start, not after. I’m happy to share examples of past work at DreamTrackRecords.com.
Sending your tracks to me remotely
You don’t have to be in Phoenix — or even in the same country — to work with me. I accept remote mixing and mastering submissions from artists and labels nationwide and globally. The process is straightforward, and I stay hands-on with every project regardless of where you are.
How do I send my music to a professional mixing and mastering engineer?
Start by reaching out at DreamTrackRecords.com with a brief description of your project — genre, number of tracks, timeline, and your goals for the final sound. I’ll guide you through exactly how to prepare and deliver your files. Remote sessions work just like in-person ones: you stay involved, give feedback, and I refine until it’s right.
How do I prepare my tracks before sending them to a mixing engineer?
Organization and headroom are the two most important things. Export each instrument and vocal as its own labeled audio file, make sure nothing is clipping, and leave adequate headroom on your master fader. Turn off any limiters or heavy processing on your master bus before bouncing — that’s my job. Include a rough mix and reference tracks that represent the sound you’re going for. I’ll walk you through my exact file prep process when you reach out.
How long does it take to get a song mixed and mastered professionally?
Turnaround depends on project complexity and revision rounds needed. I discuss your timeline upfront as part of every quote so you can plan your release without guessing. If you have a hard deadline — a release date, a label submission — tell me when you reach out and I’ll let you know what’s possible.
Can I hire a mixing and mastering engineer online without going to a studio?
Yes. I work with artists remotely all over the United States and internationally through Dream Track Records. You send your recorded tracks, I apply the same professional engineering process I use in every session, and you receive your finished platform-ready files. Remote clients get the same level of attention as in-person sessions — you’re always working directly with me.
Recording in Phoenix — or wherever you are
Is there a professional recording studio in Phoenix, Arizona?
Yes. I’m based in Phoenix, AZ and offer in-studio recording sessions at Dream Track Records for artists across all genres. Whether you need a full production session, a vocal recording, or a live tracking date, you get hands-on engineering from me personally. Reach out at DreamTrackRecords.com to book your time.
What should I bring to a professional recording session?
Know your material cold before you arrive. Well-rehearsed artists spend less time on takes and more time on creative decisions. Bring any instrument-specific gear you need, have reference tracks ready, and come prepared to communicate your vision. Before every session at Dream Track Records, I’ll ask the right questions so both of us show up prepared and focused.
Can I hire a recording engineer to come to a studio near me?
Yes — and this is one of my favorite ways to work. I travel to clients across the United States and internationally. If you have a preferred studio or venue in your city, I’ll bring my engineering expertise directly to that space. Travel availability and costs are factored into your custom quote — reach out at DreamTrackRecords.com with your location and dates.
What to expect when you work with Mario Perez at Dream Track Records
Every project starts with a conversation. I want to understand your music, your vision, and what you need before anything else. When you book with Dream Track Records, you’re working directly with me, Mario Perez, on every step of your project.
- Remote Mixing — Send your stems from anywhere in the world. I mix, you approve, we refine together.
- Remote Mastering — Streaming-ready masters for Spotify, Apple Music, radio, and physical media.
- In-Studio Recording — Book time at Dream Track Records in Phoenix, AZ with me engineering every session.
- On-Location Recording — I travel to you — any studio, any city, anywhere in the US or internationally.
How do I get a quote from Mario Perez at Dream Track Records?
Visit DreamTrackRecords.com and get in touch. Tell me about your project — what you’re working on, how many songs, your timeline, and any reference tracks that capture the sound you’re going for. I’ll come back to you with a custom quote built specifically around your music. No forms. No algorithms. Just me — a real engineer who wants to hear what you’re making.
Ready to work with Mario Perez at Dream Track Records?
Remote mixing and mastering available worldwide. In-studio sessions in Phoenix, AZ. On-location recording anywhere you need me.