Understanding Mixing and Mastering Costs
Choosing the right studio for your music can feel like navigating a labyrinth. At Jovytensor we believe that a clear, transparent pricing model should be the first step in the creative journey. Whether you are a solo producer, an indie band or a small label, understanding how we arrive at each quote will help you budget and plan your releases with confidence.
What Influences Your Price?
Our cost structure is built on five core variables that we track consistently across every project:
- Track length and complexity – Longer or multi‑stem tracks require more time and precision.
- Number of stems – Every additional stem adds a layer of mix‑level work.
- Revision rounds – We allow up to three rounds of revisions before the final delivery.
- Turnaround time – Standard delivery is five business days; rush projects incur a 30 % additional fee.
- Storage and archiving – Projects are stored for six months after delivery, ensuring you can revisit them later.
These elements are reflected in our published rates and the custom quotes we provide for each client.
Standard Rates at Jovytensor
| Service | Standard Price (inc GST) | Standard Price (ex GST) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Track Mixing – Standard Mix (≤ 5 stems) | A$720 | A$654 |
| Professional Track Mixing – Complex Mix (≥ 50 stems) | A$1,040 | A$944 |
| Stereo Mastering – Single Track Master | A$240 | A$216 |
| EP & Album Mastering – Up to 5 tracks | A$960 | A$864 |
All prices include a 10 % GST. The “ex GST” column is shown for transparency and is useful for B2B invoicing.
Step‑by‑Step Process
- Initial consultation – We discuss your goals, preferred workflow and any reference tracks.
- Submission of stems – Provide stems in WAV or AIFF at 24‑bit/48 kHz, with a clear naming convention.
- Mixing/mastering session – Our engineers apply equalisation, dynamics, spatialisation and finally master to streaming, vinyl or club specifications.
- Revision rounds – You’ll receive three rounds of changes. Additional revisions cost A$30 per round.
- Final delivery – WAV 24‑bit, MP3 320 kbps, plus a loudness report and a PDF of the session notes.
All stages are documented and can be reviewed through our client portal.
Additional Costs
Beyond the base rates, the following services carry extra fees:
- High‑resolution stem delivery (ex. 24‑bit/96 kHz) – A$50.
- Extended storage beyond six months – A$10 per month.
- Late‑night or weekend delivery – A$80.
- Specialised formats (e.g. Dolby Atmos, DTS‑X) – A$200.
Any additional work is quoted in advance and requires a 50 % deposit before the studio clock starts.
Local Brisbane Context
Brisbane’s vibrant music scene is built on community and innovation. Our 24 m² control room, equipped with ATC SCM25A and Focal Shape monitors, provides a neutral listening environment that satisfies both indie creators and professional labels. The studio’s central location – just a five‑minute walk from the Queen Street Mall bus station – makes it accessible to artists from across the city. We pride ourselves on a 5‑day turnaround for standard projects, a pace that aligns with the rapid release cycles of today’s digital platforms.
Communication is conducted in English, and we support file delivery through popular cloud services such as Dropbox, Google Drive and WeTransfer. Our studio has processed an average of 15 tracks per month since 2018, giving us the bandwidth to handle multiple simultaneous projects without compromising quality.
Example Quote
Suppose you submit a 3‑track EP with 10 stems per track, requesting a single‑track mastering and a 7‑day rush delivery. The base price would be A$960 (EP mastering) + A$240 (single track mastering) = A$1,200. A 30 % rush fee adds A$360, bringing the total to A$1,560 inc GST. The ex GST cost would be A$1,416. This example demonstrates how each variable – track count, stem count, and turnaround – directly affects the final invoice.
How to Get Started
Ready to bring your music to a professional finish? Contact us today to discuss your project’s specifics. If you’re new to the studio workflow, you may find our guide How to Prepare Stems for Mixing helpful for organising your files before the first session. For a deeper dive into the economics of audio production, explore the Stereo Mastering page to see how our mastering process enhances your final product.
All invoices are issued in Australian dollars and include a 10 % GST, ensuring clarity for both individual artists and label clients. We accept payment via bank transfer or credit card, with a 14‑day payment window for B2B customers. You can reach us at (07) 3388 4743 or [email protected].