25-12-2016, 10:23 PM
That's fair, but CLA or Michael Brauer could afford to say no. A lot of "pro" or, more aptly, working engineers can't afford to be as discriminating. If this band approached me to mix this song I'd give it a shot. I mean, a lot of us have on this site for free. And I bet the band would be happy with a lot of the results. I'd never listen to it again but I'd do it.
What it really comes down to is budget and expected results. If a band approached me with a rough mix of the song I'd be honest and tell them what it needs or what should be done. And, personally, I'm not big into doing a lot of fixing so they'd get what they played but if they want or need a product then that's fine I'd work with them and say here's what I can do for x amount in y amount of time. I can't make the song better and I can't make them play better but I can make it sound better. Or at least palatable. And maybe that will inspire them to work at it some more.
I'd be upfront and honest but hey, it's a service industry and I'd be willing to work with a band to get the best product out there.
What it really comes down to is budget and expected results. If a band approached me with a rough mix of the song I'd be honest and tell them what it needs or what should be done. And, personally, I'm not big into doing a lot of fixing so they'd get what they played but if they want or need a product then that's fine I'd work with them and say here's what I can do for x amount in y amount of time. I can't make the song better and I can't make them play better but I can make it sound better. Or at least palatable. And maybe that will inspire them to work at it some more.
I'd be upfront and honest but hey, it's a service industry and I'd be willing to work with a band to get the best product out there.