I Paid 4 Mixers to Mix the Same Song... The Difference is Shocking

1 song, 5 mix engineers ranging in price from $75 to $1000...and I'm one of them!
Find out which one came out on top in this blind mix test.
☛ Learn the go-to starting points for EQ and compression in heavy mixes with my FREE Mixing Cheatsheet: mixcheatsheet.com
Thanks to Matthew LeFevers for contributing the song & multitracks! open.spotify.c...
Watch the mastering shootout for this song next: • I Paid 3 Top Mastering...
Music I’ve Worked On: open.spotify.c...
Website: hardcoremusics...
-------------------------
MY FAVORITE GEAR:
Computer / Interface:
Mac M1 Studio Max sweetwater.sjv...
Avid Carbon sweetwater.sjv...
Apogee Duet 3 sweetwater.sjv...
Monitors / Headphones:
Avantone CLA-10a sweetwater.sjv...
Audio Technica ATH-M50 sweetwater.sjv...
Microphones:
Shure SM57 sweetwater.sjv...
AKG D112 sweetwater.sjv...
Sennheiser e604 sweetwater.sjv...
Shure SM7b sweetwater.sjv...
AKG C451b sweetwater.sjv...
Shure SM81 sweetwater.sjv...
Audio Technica AT4050 sweetwater.sjv...
Preamps/Outboard:
API 3124 sweetwater.sjv...
EL8 Distressor sweetwater.sjv...
Favorite Plugins:
BSA Clipper blacksaltaudio...
Escalator blacksaltaudio...
Low Control blacksaltaudio...
Waves SSL Bundle waves.alzt.net...
Waves CLA Compressors waves.alzt.net...
Waves Platinum waves.alzt.net...
Slate Trigger 2 sweetwater.sjv...
SoundToys Rack sweetwater.sjv...
Auto-tune Pro sweetwater.sjv...
Vocalign Project sweetwater.sjv...
Cranesong Phoenix II sweetwater.sjv...
Instruments / Amps:
Ludwig Black Beauty Snare sweetwater.sjv...
Gibson Les Paul sweetwater.sjv...
Evertune Guitars sweetwater.sjv...
Fender Jazz Bass sweetwater.sjv...
Sansamp Bass Driver DI sweetwater.sjv...
EVH 5150 sweetwater.sjv...
Mesa 2x12 cab sweetwater.sjv...

[@abhinavprabhakar455]

Since someone in the comments wanted the timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:15 Mix 1 3:06 Mix 2 6:10 Mix 3 9:13: Mix 4 12:36: Mix 5 16:02 Ranking (2>3>1>5, 4 is Jordan) 25:47: Conclusion

[@DepressedCapitalist]

Mix 2 is, to my ears, by far the best. The scoop works very well and the "lack" of low mids and fat mid range enhances and gives more life to the other frecuencies. It sounds like a very conscious artistic decision. The synth line works wonders. The brightness in the 80's snare is spot on once again. Overall, the clarity and the "openess" of Mix 2 makes it a true winner for me.

[@arlenmead7196]

I agree

[@benfinesilver2250]

Yes, reminded me of Fleetwood Mac.

[@AlbertSirup]

i think no 2 is a very "modern" mix that puts emphasis on clarity on clarity and punch. It's like the mix your average artist would expect in terms of a professional sound - as opposed to adding (or retaining) warmth/midrange which is much more of an explicit aesthetic choice. It makes sense that a newer paramore album had been the reference for the warmer mix because arguably paramore made an effort to sound a bit less all-out-pop and more )for lack of a better term) analog. Overall, I agree with the idea that something in between the two might be the best option.

[@RepentAtNightOfficial]

Mix 2 is great

[@Nanooky]

Mix 4 almost sounded mono in comparison. Mix 2 had a nice stereo separation and placement of the tracks.

[@mansourbethoney]

You should give a shout out to the $75 guy. He's obviously new and could use the plug. I'd hire him

[@capoman1]

Agreed! That mastering engineer said he was busy after after Jordan plugged him.

[@daniellloyd6192]

That $450 priced one is exactly what makes me do it on my own

[@symbioticJ]

Exactly i second that

[@YogaWillDoIT]

LMAO

[@distillednoise]

Agree! Same with masters. Some mastering engineers charge plenty of money to do a shitty job.

[@Meteotrance]

Actualy i know a pro studio with dedicated acoustic room, exclusively design for mix and recording, that practice that kind of Price and fee for 250 half day with all the fancy analog valve compressor you need. Thats the regular price, more than thousand it's for the very busy and kind of rock star sound engineer.

[@4saken404]

The $450 one was so bad it almost hurt to listen to. Sometimes he would switch to it from another version and I would reflexively recoil.

[@jonr4651]

Mix 5 sounds like I'm listening through laptop speakers across the room

[@minhuang8848]

I'm sorry, but you're doing laptop speakers wrong by comparing this trash fire to them seriously, I just want to know what happened here

[@basboerboom9328]

@@minhuang8848 I think it is someone older with ear damage, who can barely hear high frequencies. So that why it sounds harsh. And there is no low end because either the speakers have no low end or there is a ton of low build up in the room.

[@daou444]

@@basboerboom9328yeap after 50 you gotta leave mixing

[@adonisfernandez3425]

@@basboerboom9328 It doesn't have to be older. I met a couple of producers who have lost most of their hearing by using headphones while working with raw audio for hours. And I am not talking about one or two, but almost a dozen. Most of them were self taugh and never learn about the risks. Some of them do not admit they have a hearing loss but you can tell by the crappy mix they do.

[@basboerboom9328]

@@adonisfernandez3425 fair enough

[@vadimkozlov3008]

Time stamps my guy

[@bogdanterzic9297]

😂 word!

[@shannonbrowning9592]

Yes, please.

[@korento3000]

Yes please, I think I will keep returning to this video!

[@germilagenor9607]

For real yo lol

[@JoshuaMRichard]

Dude, I just want to thank you. At an ungodly hour last night, I watched this video along with the "mastering engineers" one you did. Something you said completely changed the way I saw this profession. The moment you mentioned that there are people who are making worse mixes than I am and getting paid more - that was when I realized that I am more than capable of making money doing this. Not to mention just doing it for other people at all scared the hell out of me. You inspired me to take a step out into my dream and begin providing mixing services. My perspective radically shifted because of you, in a way that I've never been able to see on my own. Thank you.

[@DavidAlexx]

You got this!!! 🎉😊

[@JoshuaMRichard]

@@DavidAlexx thank you bro 🙏🙏🙏

[@Farvadude]

but if everyone has that same revelation, then the whole profession is dead, because any producer worth a damn should be able to do their own mix and mastering. if they don't, then they were already a noob.

[@audiomez]

The vocal pocket is giving these folks fits. Mid/ Mids as well.

[@JoshuaMRichard]

@@Farvadude not everyone wants to be a producer and not everyone cares enough to try either. Hypothetical scenarios are great but they are only useful if they apply to reality.

[@gdofred]

While Mix 2 gets the nod, I do like your treatment of the bass better and also the intro pianos. Thanks for sharing!

[@Osoch]

For my taste, Mix 2 is perfect. I've always liked slightly scooped mixes more

[@officialWWM]

Me too! I thought it was the best.

[@SecretMetalFromAbyss]

Glad to see an old friend here. :D Mix 2 definitely suited that song and the feel of it perfectly.

[@ferienambalkon]

Same here!

[@realonethreesevens3640]

What do you mean by “scooped?”

[@officialWWM]

@@realonethreesevens3640 more bass and treble, less midrange.

[@djzardonic]

Listening to these mixes on a well treated room, a pair of Quested v2108 as main speakers and a pair of PMC result6 as secondary nearfields. Without a shadow of a doubt, version 4 is the best of all of them. It's not just that Version 2 has a brighter snare. Version 4 simply sounds radio ready. Very round mix, jumps out of the speaker, and sounds like the band is in front of me. Mix number 2 had a funny curve and an emptiness in the lower mids, plus that snare was jumping out WAY too much. So, yes. You get what you pay for. Sorry if that ruins the party, but there's definitely a reason that mix costed $1000. It sounds exactly like what a $1000 mix should sound like, and I know engineers who charge more than that for a similar result. EDIT: I just literally saw that YOU'RE the $1000 mix. Hot damn. Massive respect for this genius piece of marketing 😂👏👏

[@williamfaith6007]

Mix 2 for me. The low end punch coupled with the top end sheen made it a clear winner. I also liked his kick drum sound, which felt appropriate to the style. Nice!

[@CodyBarnette-GNARK]

mix 2 just had a great balance of the kick and vocals. i also really liked how nice the presence was on the ears. i think because of those few thing id choose mix 2.

[@jessegrisham]

I preferred Mix 2 slightly, but the difference between yours and Mix 2 is honestly really down to artist preference - do you like it darker/warmer or slightly more energetic? We can't forget, we are serving the artist's needs when we mix.

[@ErikSeverinson]

You did a great job planning and presenting this. There were a thousand ways to mess it up, or do it unfairly, and you navigated it super well!

[@thomjohn98]

Mix 2 sounds great.. vocals sit in the mix correctly, and the use of effects is spot on..

[@neighbourhoodmusician]

I felt like the vocals could have done with more body after the chorus or second half or the verse kicked in. They felt a little telephone-like.

[@rodolpheseror7501]

I found the voice was too bright, almost changed the voice of the singer but great mix overall

[@cobejuelomiguel6104]

2

[@kitchenspider]

Man, mix 2 was perfection. That snare was killer. The stereo field was so airy and open, it just had this clarity to it. Hearing this comparison made me realize how much I like that crisp, open sound, particularly on conventional/vintage/rock instrumentation. Honestly, I think you can really only have one or two low-mid/mid-forward elements and even then, those lower bands need to duck a little for kick/bass and maybe even for a low-tuned snare in sections where you want a little more rhythmic groove or movement. I'm thinking like a deadmau5 type sidechain for edm or djenty chug guitars for harder rock and metal.

[@jorgenlandhaug663]

Mix 2 for me. It was the one i thought suited and served the song best, in my humble opinion:)

[@fanusamurai]

Nice one! I mix and master for my living; been doing it full-time for 10 years now. (My biggest client is John Summit and I work with similar styles daily; also other styles, a lot of loud bassy stuff) I can say reference songs are very important especially when finding out one's style and sound, if they don't know it yet. A wrong choice can lead to bad results, obviously. I've also tried to learn to say it early if I think the client has picked bad refs to work against (this definitely does happen sometimes). I assume that is part of my job, too, and there have been times while client has insisted on somethng Ive said isnt going to fit and I've had to say "told you so"...heh. Mastering included, I've prob handled around 4 thousand songs in the past 10 years (I have 32 years of music-making history behind me), and the only times I feel I've failed is when I've stuck to the bad refs (against my gut feeling) and in the end, neither of us is happy, and we're just frustrated....luckily this hasn't happened for a while, and if someone has a crazy/unfitting ref, I may have pass up on the job in the end. One reason why prices vary - in freelance biz in general - is that some people are busier than others. The guy who has less work will have lower rates, while the more booked guy will be more expensive. Then again if you are good, if you will be busy in the end; in this field, word goes in the grapevine instead of ads (I've never really paid for ads myself).

[@tylermcneil5239]

Howdy, fellow Junglist. I just randomly clicked on this video. fancy seeing you here. That's why I pay guys like you. I just don't have the space to do it atm.

[@timbelgarde1752]

As soon as I heard Mix 2, I said, "That sounds like something from the radio. Boom." It just has THAT sound (whatever that magical sound is). The clear winner but yours is very close.

[@yourunemployedfriendat2pm]

That magical sound is multi-band compression

[@balaclava__music]

​@@yourunemployedfriendat2pmOn the master?

[@knight808.]

@@balaclava__musicEverything

[@JordanBlue1]

@@yourunemployedfriendat2pm I'd argue it's more about their use of effects on the vocals. Mix 3 made the vocals so dry. Mix 2 is so bright with reverb and delay used tastefully.

[@nathanksimpson]

27:18 also comes down to some creative choices and whether or not that’s what the artist is going for. I think mix 2 captured the era/style the song seems to be emulating the best. (Late 90’s or early 2000s pop balads.)

[@loganunknown]

I would like to see a studio room vs vocal booth vs closet filled with clothes and whatever else out there for us budget guys to see if you can notice any difference when vocals are compressed. Sm58 or sm57 mic?

[@Rhuggins]

@HardcoreMusicStudio - longtime viewer and viewer of the mixing community on YT. I dont think this has been done, certainly not recently by anyone. Its a fantastic idea. Would you be open to making this happen?

[@EthanRom]

Those videos exist already

[@Rhuggins]

@keithbranch9871 to me its about the character of the vocal and the tone, rather than background noise specifically. That stuff always leaves artifacts too, but throw it in the mix just to see- you never know!

[@philippgrunert8776]

Maybe with that GOYO vocal separator plugin... Which is free... Would be interesting. But yes, the character is a mayor difference. Yet again, so many great songs have been recorded with a sm58... IST must not always be a U87

[@AnthonyGreenMountain]

58 and 57 shares the same capsule. Of course the 58 is ore suitable for vocals, it has a sponge inside its grill that works as a anti-pop.

[@n67637]

2,3,4,1,5. Yes, 4 sounds tonally more balanced than 3, but the staging makes 3 more interesting than 4 and even 2. The guitar and piano are placed very well, add a lot of color and make an impact. I was actually close to picking 3 over 2. The drum fill before the chorus, I hear 3's toms go across left to right evenly 7:39 whereas 2's first two toms stay in roughly same spot before ending on the right 3:48 It's a shame the bass guitar on 3 is so thin. I don't mind the vocals up front. Adding fullness to the bass might even out the vocals in the mix.

[@germanruiz3161]

Mix 3 is my favorite

[@benjamenkovalev2259]

Mix 2 for sure, it's not just the brighter top end, but it also sounds way more open stereo image wise. Great video!

[@jaamman]

Mix 2.

[@TimHense-m5k]

Yeah, It also doesn't have the typical radio sound, which is also because of the brightness. I also liked the one which was put on place 3, because it had the old school raw style. I miss mixes that sound like they were recorded in the garage or in a fabric hall.

[@B.M.Skyforest]

A thousand for a mix is way too expensive for me, but I'm from a third world country. Like, it's two months worth of salary here. So prices also depend on that.

[@KDRusha]

That’s crazy. I’m in the US and I make 1000 a week but I’m still broke 😭🤣

[@strayingwill]

I like the vocals on your mix better but the energy and top end on Mix 2 really get me going. I was really vibing to that. Mix 2 for me, although yours certainly makes it clear that Mix 2 could be better.

[@chazchoo99]

As a bass player, I vibed to mix 4 the most. But mix 2 was also really good! I think like you said, if they came together and met in the middle, that'd be perfect.

[@MakePopMusic]

For my personal taste, I'd split the difference of top end between 2 and 4. But I would add some low mids back into the vocals because in both 2 and 4 and take a little of that 1.5-2k hz out, the vocal feels a little thin and they almost have that telephonic bandpass effect happening. Overall, 2 solid mixes, 1 that could be solid with a few tweaks, and 1 that feels like it wasn't mixed at all, and 1 that feels like it was mixed to be worse than the raw multis 😂

[@MakePopMusic]

Good job on your mix!

[@AllgoodAsylum]

we are a band using old skool analog mixing and recording. love this video. It helps a lot to show the guitar players how and where the guitar and bass fits in the mix. we also have the issue of sounding like a blanket is over the entire mix. we write, record, mix and master all our on songs. got some good audio info from this video instead of trying to explain in engineer's terms. it was like "guys" just listen to this video maybe he can explain it better. thanks and just subscribed.

[@RocketToSleep]

Mix 2 vs your mix is tough. My ear, personally, would like a top end somewhere in between. Your mixes are always very warm and inviting. The brightness on mix 2, although very nice and articulate, is a bit much for my ear. Both great mixes and lots of similarities. Thank you for taking the time to make your content and share with us all. Your presentations and tutorials are always helpful! Cheers!

[@Schaddn]

this exactly

[@barnabasjthomas9983]

I'd love to hear Mix 2 on the verses with the warmer, 'bigger' Mix 4 on the chorus - I think that would be the golden zone. Also this is just a personal preference but the kick drum in 4 speaks to my soul.

[@1soundart]

Mix 2 gets my vote. This is a good training video for those who are learning track mixing for sure. Thanks for sharing

[@francoisparent6478]

I like how balanced yours is. Going between #2 and yours there’s a big noticeable difference in the snare. The snare in yours is more prominent. And I love that!

[@thefamilyman4667]

450 bucks were like needles stabbing my eardrums and when my eardrums recovered it stabbed back again

[@hardcoremusicstudio]

Grab your free Mixing Cheatsheet to learn the go-to starting points for EQ and compression in heavy mixes: www.mixcheatsheet.com

[@liemisenkeittiossa]

Hi! Could you reveal the mixers names on this video? Thnx

[@liemisenkeittiossa]

hey there, 349 comments and you haven't replied to a single one?

[@MattyShreds]

Love these type of videos! I agree with you that a hybrid of Mix 2 & yours would be a great middle ground. That's the beauty of music / production! Always can learn cool little tricks when reverse engineering other producers styles! Love it!

[@martijnvanbeek4387]

I like the second mix the best: there's more clarity and headroom in the mix. Very good delays also like yours.

[@majorredbeard]

1:14 Mix #1 3:07 Mix #2 6:10 Mix #3 9:14 Mix #4 12:37 Mix #5 14:00 Comparison of sounds 19:12 Judging the mixes

[@alittleblackcircle3628]

Commenting so more can see.

[@malmsey1541]

Mix 2 sounds more classic, like it's from the past; and as this is a song I could never imagine listening to if it wasn't for nostalgia, I prefer it.

[@aaaha-vd4kp]

3rd mix has actually the best vocals. Sounding most natural, without all those annoying effects. If I had to choose I'll take it always instead of those overworked versions.

[@djvoid1]

#2 was the winner for me. Just had more gloss, a nicer sense of space and that '2000s soft pop radio' vibe that suited the song perfectly, and it grooved harder.

[@Audio_Simon]

To me, the issue with your mix is too much compression. Streaming platforms have volume normalisation, no need to squash everything to pulp anymore 😊 Mix 2 is not only brighter, it's dynamic. Kudos to whoever made that.

[@Ruben.R]

Lord have mercy on me $450 for that god awful mix i loved mix 2 and your mix was spot on just do a mix between them and that is 100% the best version of this song.

[@rome8180]

I preferred #2, but I did like Jordan's treatment of the bass guitar better.

[@airwavv7054]

Videos like this are great to listen to and watch considering that we are always wanting to grow and evolve so that we can do more and better work. I myself am only just starting out in the freelance world and seeing things like this is great to learn, as you are clearly someone with a trained ear and can explain what a mix may need or if it is a great mix. Great video :) Would have said mix 2 and 4 are very close, but it really comes down to artist preference at that point. I prefered the 4th mix the most but I love that darker sound and tones.

[@Venemoth666]

You have Done great Job :) mix nr2 is winner for me, so Warm, Closer to Ear, Clear and Punchy :) / Love💜 this series hope to listen more of this 🙃

[@dans5529]

Mix 2 sounded a little too thin and bright to me. I definitely wouldn't describe it as a warm mix. It's interesting how we all perceive things differently!

[@Venemoth666]

@@dans5529 yea its Amazing! Which monitors/headphones u use to listening? I listen with dt770

[@AzureSky_Music]

Very cool! Just subscribed. This was a fun experiment. I liked the choices you made in your mix. I am a sucker for highlighting bass lines. Your vocal sounded the best to my ear. Second place was definitely mix 2.

[@C.E.Alekperoff]

The difference between mix2 and yours is that mix2 has the late '80s - early '90s vibe to it and yours has more of the late '90s - mid '00s. The genre in general for me is like stratocasters, meaning I'd never have anything to do with it voluntarily, so I prefer the retro feel of the mix2, it creates an illusion that it's something of the past...

[@jadedragon469]

I really love how you got the background guitars to sit just right without messing with any other elements in the song! Most listeners just hear vox bass and drums after all but I think your stereo field balance was fantastic!

[@manikraina2154]

Quite surprised to see the similarities in the vocal processing between Mixer 2 and your process. I like the energy of the drums in Mixer 2’s mix.

[@proxzi]

Ok so my picks are 2/4, 3, 1, 5; the mix number 4 sounds the most balanced and pleasing to me, full and rich with it's warmth on mids, where 2nd one has extra punchlines to it and little extra shiny top end which reminds me for some reason of just little % depth in OTT used somewhere in the chain, 3rd is missing some details and effort but has much dynamics leaving room for extra work, 1st is quite muddy sounds like someone who is on the way to becoming a mixer, less dynamics and more compressed, and 5th.. everything is all over the place, it sounds just like if someone dropped the stems in the project and pushed Ozone mastering assistant on the master or some ai stuff not knowing the balance nor what's rly happening in there.. Great video!

[@proxzi]

ok 450? im rising my prices uhh tho everyone from this vid gehts -25% off first song mixed ;*

[@jim_merk]

I love the role the synth bass is playing the choruses on mix 2. Great pulse without compromising the kick energy. And the top end of the snare is sweet. Mix 2 is my pick.

[@martyc8699]

My humble opinion 😅A few were lacking bass to match the drums. The song itself could have used a female backing vocal to break up the one vocal monotony. It was between two and four and listening on my JBL's it was hard to pick one. I used fiver once on a song I could not get the drumming down. Found a drummer from Italy and she knocked it out of the park. Another drummer on Fiver said: Don't you use a metronome? I said: It aint natural. 🤣😂If there is even a hint that they don't like the song or you, drop them right then. Subscribed

[@simonaustin1136]

Mix 2 is great! However I do like yours the best as the articulation of the bass is the clearest. Especially in those verses, that bass line is such an integral element and drives the groove and emotion of the track.

[@apostolisstikas2554]

Mix 2 is perfect technically but mix 4 is more musical! I think the orchestrator of the song MUST be in the studio throughout the mix session. No one can think exactly like the guy that arranged the song, so the skills of a great mixing and mastering engineer must be combined with the philosophy of the arranger in order to give more life to the song and keep it technically correct but without losing the musical side of it! Also, the rough mix done by the arranger, must be taken into serious consideration!! If a "mistake" is used with a purpose, let it be! After all, music is an art and "mistakes" make the difference!

[@ThingsandStuffchannel]

100% agree with your rankings. Though with your mix vs mix 2, I wouldn't even say one is necessarily "better" than the other. They just have slightly different vibes. Without a side by side comparison, anyone would be happy with either mix. If this has taught me anything though, it definitely makes me glad that I learned to mix myself. I can't imagine the frustration of spending that kind of money without the guarantee that more expensive services will yield higher quality results. At least if my mix sucks, it was free!

[@paulterl4563]

Yup the # 1 and your are better (to my hear and with cheap phones). In your I like more the guitar rendition (more up front?), but I like the mix 1 'cause to me it sounds a bit more elegant, if you pass me the word. Btw, subbed.

[@renealeman4566]

Mix 2, but the vocals on your mix are better for me! I think your comment on the energy that Mix 2 carries is spot on.

[@cornoc]

that was my feeling too. mix 2 overall is more engaging, but the vocals are a little too bright, and while mix 4 sounds good (a little subdued overall), the vocal sounds more natural and pleasant. definitely both good mixes and like he said in the video, they could learn something from each other.

[@HA11EYS_COM3T]

I think the main thing I’d change about mix 2 is just giving the vocal more mids and warmth when there’s less going on. I think it sounds better being so top heavy when there’s more in the mix, but when there’s not it ends up sounding a bit thin, like a radio speaker, and it doesn’t feel very intentional. It definitely does sound very modern and professional though, like something I’d hear on a rock radio station at 7:36 pm after getting a cheeseburger from a family owned burger joint on the coast of California. The vocals in mix 2 just have this satisfying shimmer to them that I really like.

[@Drumming_Monkey]

Mix 2 for sure. It feels so open. Especially when the e-guitar comes in, I liked how you can still clearly hear the playing without compromizing on anything else in the mix. That being said I think kick and snare were a tiny bit to powerful for my personal taste. For those I prefered your mix.

[@carasouth4880]

Would really like one of these where you also make the multi track available so we can see what was made available to the mixers and see how I would have mixed it

[@joechapman8208]

#5 sounds like they had a headphone/room correction plugin on the master and forgot to bypass it. [edit] $450 is outrageous! Mistaken bypass or not, there are so many uncontrolled elements to that.

[@DenisVolga]

* It is personal (1), depending on a song (2..needed mood, energy,...different instruments), speakers (3, headphones as well), environment (where the speakers are located). * One can dig, compare forever. Plus, too many people, judging from this kind of videos (recording music), totally forget about the music itself (words, too), doing the best mix/master of annoying noise, a bunch of sounds, screaming, whining... Thank you for using quite a pleasant song, by the way... * Bad music and bad playing can't be fixed by "good" mixing and mastering. * Video: to me the 5th is just dry and boring. Or maybe, by chance, instead of headphones, i listened it through an unusually good wall rotary telephone ? ;) Or maybe a cat stepped on keyboards and wiped out the LF and MF ;) * And, wow, the prices - it is crazy, plus they brought up my problem: i am so impractical and poor. And i would never give "somebody" else to mix my music...and for this kind of money - forget it. * Why i am even bother writing all this here? A momentary impulse. Sorry

[@dylanjastle]

Your mix and the $650 were the best. I’d probably put the soundbetter above your mix judging by the listening experience on my AirPods. Fiver mix was pretty close to those top mixes in my opinion though. It’s such a crap shoot finding a good mixer. What I’ve learned through the years is price by itself isn’t a good indicator of skill in this space. You need to find somebody with a known good track record. Or mix it yourself! I’m working on my skills in that regard. Great video.

[@officialWWM]

Yep, it’s all so subjective at the end of the day. I disagree with this guy almost every single time 😂

[@MichaelJamesWood]

@@officialWWM I agree. I don't have the same opinion of this mixer. Art definitely is subjective. He's also egotistically opinionated, laughing at others styles. Big turn off for me.

[@officialWWM]

@@MichaelJamesWood me too!

[@pallibj]

For me, mix 2 is definitely the best one. And I totally agree with you; adding the brightness on the bass from your mix to mix 2, then it would be perfect 👌

[@_djsport]

First of all, it's important to acknowledge that it's very courageous of you to make this kind of comparison. Regarding your mix and mix number 2, I personally find that mix 2 is what I consider a modern pro mix where the engineer has been able to infuse the excitement for the sound, which is its rightful part, into the song. Your mix, on the other hand, is a good well-balanced mix, but the sound doesn't manage to achieve its own spotlight. Thank you! Once again, it has been very brave, and you have all my respect.

[@onesong2001]

courageous? Be serious.

[@kpag3030]

Ok i think yours is a clear winner. Best overall mix. Each piece is there and blended very well. Depth and warmness and still has that top end clarity. I like it the best for my taste

[@Phragasm]

I would love to see a video where you mix with someone’s home recorded stems, and compare them. Your version vs their version

[@amazeus1980]

IMO none of the engineers took that song to the next level. Because its not about ''mixing it right''...its about squeezing out the potential of the song that YOU did not even realise its there.

[@justsomejusstsome8994]

The song sucks tho

[@DrProgNerd]

Between your mix and Mix 2, I like the top end of Mix 2 better - but felt their low end was just a touch too punchy for the track. It was distracting. I would have liked a little more low punch and brightness from yours. That said, both of you are infinitely better than anything I'm capable of doing. Very inspiring. Both gave me a benchmark to aim for. Thank you for this. So helpful.

[@MrBluesmanJunior]

The most important thing regarding prices, which has not been taken into account up until the 25th minute (this is where I'm currently pausing) is the local purchase power, or the economic standard of the area. If you're hiring people online, presumably they come from different parts of the world, let alone different parts of the US, so that will be a major factor. The same work at the same "quality level" (if that could be measured) might be 10 times more expensive in another location - due to local factors.

[@BourkeTommy]

I do agree mix 2 could have used the bass line hotter, but I really liked the overall mix. Love these videos. So much easier to hear where things are lacking when you hear mixes right next to each other. Crazy how well people are being paid to do mediocre work and how little some talented people are being payed!

[@miljaardegod]

A tale as old as time itself

[@LaPurp]

I personally like your version the best, with a little bit of added brightness from 2. But I usually prefer a more warm, velvety sound

[@fuckyouwith268]

Us bro us❤

[@j.m.networksessions2358]

Mixing is art. A good mix is to get a best possible mood out of the audio material. Good Feeling of the mixed materials is automatically a good mix. There is no ideal frequency curve cause every song needs something else. Reference track's are not really ideal choice cause we start to clone another mixes. 👋 PS I think You like the Mix 2 because of that. Technically is to keep in Mind that Mix 2 was not mixed on your equipment. Is it better if it sounds better on your equipment? Yes it is!

[@Jonathan_Wick]

Definitely interesting, I prefer mix 2 the most. The stereo imaging was nice. I’d be interested to know what your low end monitoring is, as to me, the vocals sounded very radio-ish, with the low cuts on them. They stuck out in both your mix, and mix 2.

[@andreasgilgenberg5588]

love mix 2 most, there is most clarity in the vocals, your ranking is great! love your mix also but like i said the vocals are much better to hear in mix 2

[@ToniDelgadoAbellan]

On the piano sustain issue you mention around 25:00, I kinda liked it. Reminded me of the kind of "cut off" arrangement The National would do on some piano tracks, making it less sweet and musical and more stuttery, anxious. I don't know about the original intent of the player, though. Very interesting exercise

[@michaellee3199]

Can we talk about how bad the song is though?

[@cunnyfunt30]

Better than anything I could make

[@getkraken8064]

Nailed it.

[@spectrecular9721]

Sounds like a devout Christian rock artist who rebels against society by having the toilet paper roll face inward instead of outward

[@agonz2011]

Reminds me of that episode of the office when they play Jan’s assistants song.

[@theoriginaldanalogue]

@@spectrecular9721Pahaha. Well that is a crime against humanity.

[@dinoschachten]

Fascinating to hear the differences. I'm surprised though that you call mix three "a little too bright overall" when mix 2 has a ton of unnatural hissing in vocals and hihat. Don't get me wrong: Mix 2 sounds delicious overall. But the top end stands out waaaay too much and the vocals sound very unnatural - the latter can be considered a choice, the former should be a no-no considering the bias of different devices, isn't it? Yours is much more balanced and warmer overall, like my ear pressure finally equalised :D Overall hearing these strong examples of what "not taking it far enough" vs. mixing courageously and knowing what CAN be done is awesome, thanks so much for this! Also hearing that it's just part of the job to automate the processing of uneven tracks gives me a bit of a new perspective...

[@josedelasheras4733]

I really like how you (mix 4) brought the bassline up and clear while still blended nicely. Mix 2 is great too. Mix 2 and 4 should have a baby and it'll be perfect ;) but I do prefer mix 4 as it stands.

[@auralponic.]

Your mix (4) was certainliy solid, no major "problems", and I can understand as an artist feeling attached to hearing certain parts (like the low-mid bassline) more prominently. But it's not about hearing EVERYTHING clearly all at once. It's about focusing the listener on the parts that matter in the moment. So Mix 2 is the clear winner. Technically correct AND very tasteful. Only mix that got the low end right... punchy yet pillowy, all the key musical elements come through, it sounds instantly pleasing to my ears. Mix 5 is embarrassing-whoever made that one needs to retire. I feel bad for any artist who has ever hired them.

[@angelvoicemusic]

Thanks for sharing this. What I learned is that generally it takes a lot more time to get a superb mix ready as most local bands can pay or are ready to pay. If I mix for anybody I always have to count hours an stop at a certain point. Miixing my own tracks takes quite long while I don't have to pay myself. For sure very experienced and well equiped mixers do charge a higher price per hour, but they also are no wizards, they need time to get everything right. Thanks for remembering us to always hear reference tracks.

[@freez092also]

This was a very cool experiment to watch! I'm glad it came up on my feed! 😁 You should upload the stems and do a 'mix it' contest so your listeners can put their money where there mouth/comment is!

[@AirFoxxProductions]

Can't imagine charging someone 1000 bucks for a mixing

[@arrogantott]

your mix was great but for my personal preference i would go with mix 2 because there was a bit more clarity. your mix was a little too mid focused

[@ronallen2458]

I actually like your mix better. The energy on both is great, but I think your mix is more inviting. That little bit of warmth goes a long way.

[@ismaeletyl0]

you forget that at 50 you still love hearing all those high frequencies.. (which you no longer hear). So I would choose mix 2 without thinking. :)

[@kbrown649]

Great video, def dug track 2 best. 1 and 3 sound like rough mixes. The brighter tone of track 2 allows more of the BGV to shine through. And the use of effects was more effective. To me. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@MrMattrix1]

I think mix 2 just got it for me, really liked the energy in the bass when the chorus kicked in. but a best of both with yours and mix 2 would be even better. great vids thanks for sharing. Subscribed

[@gordonreynolds8854]

I listened to this video through ipad speaker since most folk I suspect would be listening via a phone. With this in mind I preferred track #1. It sounded, to me, like a true performance and not a studio job. Good song in any case. Thanks.

[@paulmisty8998]

It’s all 100% subjective. There is never ever such a thing as the perfect or best mix. We’re just overthinking it.

[@JotasLair]

The difference between a good and a bad mixing would ruin your song or make it the hit of the summer.

[@kencrisp6333]

I applaud you for having over $1,400 of discretionary money lying around just to test a few commercial mixing services, especially when you seem to have complete confidence in your own mixing abilities (hence your advertised rate). Because one's ideas of what makes a "good mix" can be subjective, it would have been a more interesting video if you had provided interviews with the people who worked on the out-sourced mixes and gotten their feedback (no pun intended). 😁

[@eklipseRomania]

I'm at min.13 and I paused to say just how much I hate mix no.5, it's horrible, even I can do better and I have no idea wtf I'm doing.

[@Jazzguitar00]

Jordan's right; whoever did this probably can't even hear the low mids.

[@brodylow]

I'd have to choose mix 2 over yours for this particular song - it matches the vibe of the song vs yours sounds great for a more modern-sounding song

[@Cody_OConnell]

Love these videos! I like mix 2 better than yours to be honest. Better top end and less mids gave it more clarity, energy and sparkle. Keep up the great content!

[@davidgilpin5200]

Jordan - please tell Matthew this is a GREAT song. Mixes 2 and 4 are the standouts here.. After listening to this it's obvious to my ears that the production track on Spotify is yours (the delay on the intro piano was the giveaway).

[@superlogico8260]

the problem is you like poppy soft sounds, so it will be very subjective. I'd have choose yours or the mix 2 for that type of "pop let's try to get some spotify love, just compress everything". But the 5 mix has more grit and harmonics, and it's easy to see by the sound waves it has a loooooooot more dynamics than the ones you like (although it lacks a bit of body). So I guess it's question of taste. For my kind of music I'd choose #5 9 out of 10 times before any of the other versions.

[@DodgaOfficial]

5 doesn't just lack body, it's extremely harsh, way too much air, and poorly balanced. I wouldnt go with mix 5 ever, what you gain in dynamic range you lose in every other way.

[@superlogico8260]

@@DodgaOfficialagain: that's OK if you like soft poppy sounds. I don't. It's not very difficult to understand

[@bluebjarne]

Really useful comparison. I have to say I much prefer the vocal treatment on 1 and 3 over 2 and 4 (though having said that the vocal did seem bizarrely loud on 3), the vocals sounded very overprocessed on 2 and 4, I guess that's the sound you were going for when you were talking about removing the low end but I don't like it at all. So useful to hear that.

[@docshadrach]

For me Mix 2 is better that yours. Very great vocal FXs and great feeling overall, specially in the chorus.

[@12ealDealOfficial]

One thing I learned: I can charge more, just as you said. I've done recordings with mixing for less than $75. The problem is the appearance of my studio. It's a bedroom. No mixing board, no outboard, just a rack of interfaces, and it LOOKS cheap.

[@jorstruly]

For me the order was: 2,4,3,1,5 Honestly could have got way more out of this mix then the ones you got over there. 2 was slightly better then yours in my opinion because of the clarity in the highs. Though i think your absolutely correct with combining 2 and 4 to get the best results.

[@pauljohnson4590]

I had to smile. All your comments are based on your knowledge of the song, and what decisions you made? So your considerations are all 100% spot on based on how you wanted to hear it. The second one does sound nice in the decisions, but the one with the darker vocal with the low end still there sounded appropriate to me, and I liked it better than the other versions where it sounds treated rather than real. I don't think you can label them 'pro' because it's based on your likes and dislikes, and other people mixing like what they like. I don't see any link with the reference track you played? Different everything. I actually quite liked the final one - not how I'd I have done it - but you can't say what you said unless you sent them reference tracks, as a guide? It simply shows that 5 people like different elements of the tracks and they mixed it using their preferences, not yours. "As a Pro" simply means people pay you, and it's a job. None of those are bad. None demonstrate terrible choices, just preferences. Treated, scooped, low end vs no low end? Surely that is what you use o9ther people for? Different viewpoints on the same material. They're different, that's all.

[@kevisauceda]

Question. How much time was each Mix Engineer allowed to mix each song? That can make a world of a difference in outcome. Thanks!

[@djdarksyn]

this is the first videos of yours I've seen, had a little laugh at how quickly you went from analysis to "ok let's fix that that's terrible" on that first mix 😆 helpful to see the commentary on multiple tracks!