Guides
Mixing & mastering, explained simply.
Short, practical guides for artists and producers: from recording through mix and master to your release on Spotify. With graphics instead of walls of text.
01Topic
Mixing & Mastering
What happens to your song, how loud it should be and what it costs.
- Mixing vs. mastering What is mixing, what is mastering, and do you need both? The difference explained simply, with a comparison table, the right order and how long each takes. 4 min
- AI mastering or engineer? How good is AI mastering really? LANDR, BandLab, eMastered and Ozone compared with an engineer: what AI can do, where it fails and when each is worth it. 4 min
- Mixing & mastering prices What does it cost to get a song mixed and mastered? Typical prices in 2026, what they depend on, what to look out for and how to save. 4 min
- How loud for Spotify? How many LUFS for Spotify, YouTube, SoundCloud, Instagram and CD? LUFS and true peak explained simply, with target values and a free metering tool. 4 min
- Mix sounds muddy or dull? Your mix sounds dull, muddy or washed out? The most common causes, from 200–500 Hz to kick and 808, and how to fix them with EQ, low cuts and reference tracks. 4 min
02Topic
Recording & Production
Recording vocals, autotune, file formats and tracks for the mix.
- Exporting stems How to export your tracks properly for mixing: step by step in FL Studio, Ableton Live, Logic Pro and Cubase, with a checklist and a free stem check. 5 min
- Recording vocals at home Record vocals at home like in a studio: room, mic distance, levels, headphones and takes. Practical tips for rap, trap and pop that instantly improve your mix. 5 min
- Using autotune properly What does autotune do, how do you set key and retune speed correctly, and how is it different from Melodyne? With free alternatives and common mistakes. 4 min
- WAV or MP3? 44.1 or 48 kHz? WAV or MP3, 16 or 24 bit, 44.1 or 48 kHz: which format you need for recording, for the mix and for release, explained simply. 4 min
03Topic
Release & Rights
Getting your song on Spotify, collecting royalties and licensing beats properly.
- Uploading a song to Spotify How your song gets onto Spotify, Apple Music and co.: choosing a distributor, costs, ISRC and UPC, release plan and Spotify pitch. Explained step by step. 5 min
- Registering with AKM / GEMA How do you register your song with AKM in Austria or GEMA in Germany? Membership, work registration, splits and which money you get for what. 5 min
- Buying a beat: lease or exclusive? What’s the difference between a lease and an exclusive, and what do streaming limits, trackouts and credits mean? What to look out for when buying a beat. 4 min