Ivan Kovalev at a large mixing console in a recording studio

Online mixing & mastering · Washington, DC area

Hi, I'm Ivan Kovalev, an audio engineer.

I've worked in recording studios and concert venues for more than 15 years, from analog consoles and tape to modern DAWs and live shows.

Rock is home for me, but I'm just as comfortable with pop, electronic music and jazz. Today I mix online for artists anywhere.

Acoustics is my second trade. I've designed and built recording studios, listening rooms and concert halls, and I designed the soundproofing for the Hard Rock Cafe in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Get a free preview Hear my mixes
Experience
15+ years in studios and live sound
Worked on
Analog consoles, tape and DAWs
Acoustics
Studios, listening rooms, concert halls
Education
Master's degree in sound engineering

Listen

Mixes that hold up next to your favorite records.

Every song comes back mastered, with stems. A single takes 1–3 days.

Get a free preview See pricing

I'll mix 10–30 seconds of any part of your song for free, so you can hear the result before you pay anything.

Before / After01 / 07

Player test

Synthetic loop · Test signal

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0:00 / 0:00

Flip between Before and After while it plays. The song keeps its place.

    Pricing

    One price per song. Mastering included.

    Every song comes back mixed, mastered and ready to release, with stems and three rounds of revisions.

    Single 1 song

    $200per song

    First mix in 1–3 days

    EP 3–5 songs

    $200per song

    First mixes in 3–7 days

    Album 6+ songs

    $180per song

    First mixes in 7–14 days

    Save 10%

    Mastering only

    Have a finished mix? I'll master it for release.

    $40per song

    Every mix includes

    • Mixing and mastering, ready for release
    • Stems of the final mix
    • Three rounds of revisions, and more if it's still not right
    • Small timing and tuning fixes

    Extra editing

    • Vocal tuningfrom $30 / song
    • Drum editingfrom $30 / song

    If your tracks need more than small fixes, I'll tell you before I start.

    Three rounds of revisions are included. If it still isn't right, tell me and I'll keep going. A mix isn't finished until you're happy with it.

    Start with a free preview

    How it works

    Hear it first. Pay when you're sure.

    1. Send one song

      Share your tracks and a rough mix. I'll mix 10–30 seconds for free, from the chorus, a verse or any part you pick.

    2. Book the mix

      If you like the preview, a 50% deposit books the song, EP or album.

    3. Mix and revise

      A single comes back in 1–3 days. Send notes and I'll revise until it's right.

    4. Get your files

      Pay the balance and get your mastered WAV files and stems.

    No calls needed. We work by email and messages, so every note is in writing and nothing gets lost. I usually reply within a few hours.

    Before you record

    Free tracking check

    A great mix starts with good tracks. Before you record the whole song, send me a short test: a drum loop, a guitar DI, a vocal take. I'll reply with written notes on the room, the levels and anything that would hurt the mix later.

    Because I also design acoustics for studios and concert halls, I can hear what a room is doing to a recording.

    What I listen for

    • Room sound and reflections
    • Levels and headroom
    • DI and amp tone
    • Phase between microphones
    • Noise, hum and clipping

    Email a link to your test files with “Tracking check” in the subject.

    [email protected]

    FAQ

    Questions bands ask

    What files do you need?

    WAV files, 24-bit or 16-bit, all starting from the same point (bar 1), with no effects on the master bus. Add DI tracks for guitars and bass if you have them, the tempo (BPM), your rough mix and one or two reference songs. A Dropbox, Google Drive or WeTransfer link works great.

    What counts as a revision?

    Any change to the mix: levels, tone, effects, automation. Three rounds are included. If it still isn't right after that, tell me and we'll keep going. Re-recorded parts or arrangement changes are a separate conversation.

    Is mastering really included?

    Yes. Every song is mastered and delivered ready for release, together with stems. There's no extra fee.

    Is it cheaper if I only need the mix, without mastering or stems?

    No. Mastering and stems come free with every mix, so the price per song is the same either way. If you'd rather master elsewhere, I'll also send the mix without mastering.

    Can you fix timing and tuning?

    Yes. Small fixes are free. Full vocal tuning or drum editing starts at $30 per song, and I'll tell you before I start if your tracks need it.

    Do we need to talk on the phone?

    No. We work by email and messages, so every note is in writing and you can reply whenever it suits you. I usually answer within a few hours.

    How does payment work?

    After you hear the free preview, a 50% deposit books the mix. You pay the rest before you get the final files.

    Who owns the mix?

    You do. The recording and the mix are yours. If you don't mind, I'd like to post a short before/after clip on this site after the song is released.

    What genres do you mix?

    Rock of every kind is my focus, from indie to metal. I also mix pop, electronic and jazz. Not sure your project fits? Just ask.

    Free preview

    Let's hear your song.

    Tell me about your project. I'll mix 10–30 seconds of your song for free, so you can hear what I'd do before you pay anything.

    Where are the tracks?