What is Mixing?

Mixing is the process of modifying and unifying recorded musical parts into a cohesive final product that reflects the artist's creative vision. As a science and an art, mix engineering requires both technical skill and imagination.

How long does it take to mix a song? Since opening the studio in 2001, that's the most common question people ask and, unfortunately, it remains the hardest to answer.

Imagine a puzzle with two pieces - it's very easy to work out where they are meant to go. Now think of a much larger puzzle; it takes longer to find the correct place for each piece. But what if the pieces don't quite fit? In this situation, sounds may need to be reshaped with the goal of preserving the tonality and aesthetic of the song.

Mixing a song can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several days, though typically it lies between 2 and 5 hours.

This process can accommodate any level of involvement from you. You can either leave Dax to mix your project for you or work alongside him, collaborating in the mixing process and shaping your creative vision.

Project Compatibility

If you've recorded a project yourself but still need it mixed or mastered, Dax can help.

Projects from any other session can be imported, in most cases very easily. If you're concerned about compatibility, just get in touch and Dax will find a way to work with your material.

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Mastering

Regardless of whether your songs have been mixed at Puzzle Factory or another studio, Dax can master your project.

Mastering is the last step of a project and the first step of the manufacturing phase. It's the final opportunity to listen back to the recordings and, if necessary, polish and make changes to the sonic presentation.

Mastering is not the same as mixing. The goal of mixing is to make various musical elements work within a single song, whereas mastering aims to make that song ready for the context it will be presented in, whether that be for radio play or as part of a complete album.

The goal in mastering is to listen to the broad picture, paying attention to EQ, volume and dynamic details. In the context of an album, mastering takes a collection of individually mixed songs and forms them into a cohesive and flowing body of work.

Studio Recording

While some producers are known for a particular sound or a certain method, Dax views the entire concept of audio production differently. “Recording should never be about one rigid way of doing things.”
Instead, Dax thinks the best production jobs are those that have met the demands of the music and the motives of the artist. There is only one rule: “it's gotta sound good!”

But, as anyone who has recorded knows, good sound is only part of the picture. Working with Dax, you can be guaranteed not only great sound but a comfortable working environment where you can relax and concentrate on nailing that perfect take.

So whether you're a seasoned session player or looking to record your first demo, Dax's flexible working style can accommodate your needs and bring out the full potential of your project.

Location Recording

Using a powerful and portable recording rig, Puzzle Factory can be set up almost anywhere that has space and mains power adequate to the demands of your project.

Once a suitable location is agreed upon, a portable control room can be assembled, providing the required tracking and mixing facilities.

Additionally, an extensive microphone collection and set of portable acoustic treatments means Dax can achieve a studio-quality result in almost any location.

Since 2006, Dax has undertaken work with artists to record in remote locations. Sleepmakeswaves' and Takadimi's debut albums are examples of the power of location recording to create a workspace that is both highly functional and creatively stimulating.

So whether you want to record in a house, hall, warehouse or church, Dax can accommodate your vision for the project.

Recording

While some producers are known for a particular sound or a certain method, Dax views the entire concept of audio production differently. “Recording should never be about one rigid way of doing things.”
Instead, Dax thinks the best production jobs are those that have met the demands of the music and the motives of the artist. There is only one rule: “it's gotta sound good!”

But, as anyone who has recorded knows, good sound is only part of the picture. Working with Dax, you can be guaranteed not only great sound but a comfortable working environment where you can relax and concentrate on nailing that perfect take.

So whether you're a seasoned session player or looking to record your first demo, Dax's flexible working style can accommodate your needs and bring out the full potential of your project.