Rohan Firminger Music and Publishing

What makes me different from many people in terms of mixing? 

I came from the musician side of the "glass" pane, hence I'm passionate about the music not only from the technical perspective.  I developed technical capabilities to server the music, not the other way around. 

Every component of the mix is vitally important, and I take very special care of key tracks like vocals to ensure they are showcased and enhanced as transparently as possible.

I "mult" vocals, separating specific sections/phrases into many different mixer channels, and gain stage the compression tailoring all the treatments to each unique part.  So for example very loud and powerful parts are treated appropriately compared to passages that are quieter and/or whispered.  The whole treatment has to be tailored for each part.

Exacting Care:

I leverage Melodyne Studio 4 which incorporates proprietary treatments that the major studios use to deliver superior finished tracks.  I leverage a range of high end tools and products to optimize the final vocal tracks.

Typically I will automate the fader in minute detail to capture and optimally highlight (or address detracting flaws) of the vocal.  I typically comp (select the best takes logically) and/or take specific best performances and can inject these into parts which can be improved.

Overall I use techniques such as mixing in mono, EQ separation (often initially in mono) cutting and sculpting all the mix tracks in context.

I also use Mid Side and harmonic tools for precision and to arrive at as optimal and "3D" a result for the stereo field.

My rule of thumb is to capture and highlight as much expression into every aspect congruently with the artist's (and Producer's) vision.

Mixed By a Musician:

Because I write music myself and play, and often create additional tracks in the production process, I really know how to mix from a musical perspective listening intently to both the minutia and the overall sound, even if I had nothing to do with the production in the first place.

So tempo, pitch, feel, articulation, nuances are all aspects I'm focused on, not just "balancing", and certainly aim to avoid over compression and squashing the dynamic range into a pancake!

Services Pricing:

Generally the better the recording quality the better and easier it is to arrive at a professional result.  However, even problem tracks can be cleaned up and enhanced, and problem areas addressed. It varies of course on a case by case basis.

Hence I need to assess each project on a case by case basis too.  A lot depends on how many mix tracks need to be treated.  How much work is needed to fix problem areas if they exist, and the amount of care needed for key tracks like vocals and lead instruments.  Generally the larger and involved the mix is, and how much work is needed to arrive at a final mixed and mastered version ready for the target market (or markets) needs to be estimated per project.

Passion and Capability:

I'm passionate about music, and I see mixing and mastering as being an integral part of the creative process.