For a single song, charge $25–$75 for mastering, $75–$250 for mixing, or $100–$350 for a mix-and-master bundle. These are FanBell editorial starting ranges, not market averages: choose within them according to stem count, complexity, included revisions, turnaround, and demonstrated demand. High-stem or EP-length projects can start at $300 and exceed $800.
Last verified: August 2026.
Methodology: The ranges in this guide are FanBell editorial recommendations for clearly bounded, entry-level service listings; they are not a freelance-market survey or an analysis of FanBell creator listings. Each range assumes one song, submission-ready files, a stated stem limit, and 1–2 revision rounds. For broader offer setup, see selling song feedback and mixing services online.
What should determine your mixing and mastering price?
Use these four factors to choose a price within the recommended range:
- Stem count and track complexity. A four-track vocal-and-guitar demo requires less handling than a 40-stem production with layered synths, vocal doubles, and a full drum kit. FanBell’s editorial pricing rule is to move toward the top of a tier as stem count, editing, and routing complexity increase.
- Mastering, mixing, or both. Mastering starts with an already-mixed stereo file, while mixing requires balancing and processing multiple stems. A bundle can cost less than purchasing two separate services because the same engineer carries the project from mix decisions through the final master.
- Included revisions. One notes-based revision is a more predictable scope than unlimited changes. State the exact cap before purchase; how many revisions a service should include explains how to choose a workable limit.
- Demand and available capacity. If paid requests consistently fill your queue, move toward the upper end of the range. If this is your first offer, a lower starting price can help you test demand and measure the actual time required.
Set the initial rate against the stem count, deliverables, and revision rounds you expect. After several completed projects, compare the hours worked with the amount retained and adjust the next listing accordingly.
What are the recommended starting prices by service type?
FanBell’s August 2026 editorial guidance recommends $25–$75 for one-track mastering, $75–$250 for multi-stem mixing, $100–$350 for a mix-and-master bundle, and $300–$800+ for a full production project. These are starting recommendations rather than claims about market-wide averages.
| Service type | Typical bounded scope | Editorial starting range |
|---|---|---|
| Mastering only | One already-mixed stereo track, loudness and tonal polish, 1–2 revisions | $25–$75 |
| Mixing only | One multi-stem song, balancing, EQ, compression and effects, 1–2 revisions | $75–$250 |
| Mix + master bundle | Full mix plus the final master delivered as one finished file | $100–$350 |
| Full production project | High stem count, extended revisions, or an EP/album-length job | $300–$800+ |
The following scope decisions can move a project within or beyond those ranges:
- File preparation. Unlabeled stems, mismatched sample rates, missing files, or tracks that need editing add work before mixing begins. Either include preparation in the price or define “submission-ready” files in the listing.
- Genre and arrangement density. Metal, orchestral music, and heavily layered electronic productions can require more routing and processing than a sparse acoustic arrangement, even when the songs have similar durations.
- Stem limits. A fixed tier should specify the maximum number of stems it covers. If requests regularly arrive with 30+ stems, create a higher tier rather than absorbing the extra work at the same price.
- Queue size. When unstarted sessions and revision requests begin threatening the stated turnaround, raise the price, narrow the scope, or reduce availability instead of rushing delivery.
Use one visible price for each clearly defined tier rather than inviting negotiation after submission. FanBell’s Creator Services feature supports listings with an upfront price and stated deliverables (Creator Services; how it works, verified August 2026).
How much do you keep after FanBell and Stripe fees?
Two charges affect the amount retained from a paid mixing or mastering request:
- FanBell charges a 12% platform fee only when a fan pays; creating a page is free and has no monthly fee (FanBell pricing, verified August 2026).
- Stripe’s typical US online-card processing price is 2.9% + $0.30 per successful domestic card transaction (Stripe pricing, verified August 2026). International cards, currency conversion, and manually entered cards can cost more.
FanBell uses Stripe for payment processing and payouts (how it works, verified August 2026).
Using the typical US domestic-card rate, the approximate fee math is:
| You charge | Stripe processing (~2.9% + $0.30) | FanBell fee (12%) | You keep (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | ~$1.75 | ~$6.00 | ~$42.25 |
| $150 | ~$4.65 | ~$18.00 | ~$127.35 |
| $300 | ~$9.00 | ~$36.00 | ~$255.00 |
These examples are estimates rather than exact invoices. At $50, the estimated combined deductions are $7.75, leaving approximately $42.25; at $150, they are $22.65, leaving approximately $127.35; and at $300, they are $45.00, leaving approximately $255.00.
Check the completed transaction in your dashboard for the actual payout. The fixed $0.30 component represents a larger percentage of a low-priced order, so take-home pay should be calculated before publishing an inexpensive tier.
When should you raise your mixing or mastering price?
Raise the price when demand, scope, or time worked no longer matches the amount you retain:
- Your queue fills faster than you can complete projects. A growing backlog means the current combination of price, capacity, and turnaround is attracting more work than you can reliably deliver.
- You have completed enough projects to measure the real workload. Compare total project time—including file preparation, communication, revisions, exports, and delivery—with your take-home amount.
- Requests exceed the listed scope. If a mixing tier repeatedly receives 30+ stems or three full revision rounds instead of the included one or two, raise the price, reduce the stem cap, or charge through a larger tier.
- Demand remains steady after earlier increases. Consistent purchases at the new rate indicate that buyers still value the offer at that price.
FanBell creators can update an offer rather than remaining locked into its original price (how it works, verified August 2026). Existing paid requests should still be completed according to the scope and turnaround presented when they were purchased.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use flat tiers or quote every project individually?
Flat tiers are easier to understand when each one has a firm stem cap, revision limit, turnaround, and deliverable. Use custom quoting only for work that does not fit a published tier, such as a 60-stem orchestral arrangement or an album-length project.
Is $25 too low for mastering one track?
A $25 mastering offer fits the bottom of FanBell’s editorial starting range when you are testing demand, working from one submission-ready stereo file, and limiting revisions. At that price, Stripe’s typical 2.9% + $0.30 processing charge and FanBell’s 12% platform fee leave an estimated take-home of about $20.98.
Should mixing cost more than mastering?
Generally, yes. Mastering starts with one finished stereo mix, while mixing involves balancing and processing multiple stems. FanBell’s editorial ranges therefore place mastering at $25–$75 and mixing at $75–$250 for one song.
What should I do if a project needs more revisions than the listing includes?
Follow the purchased scope for the current request, then tighten the revision cap or raise the tier price for future work. If the submitted files or requested result fall outside what you can deliver, use FanBell’s documented request workflow rather than promising unsupported work (how it works, verified August 2026).
Ready to set your prices and start taking mixing and mastering requests? Create your free FanBell page — it's free to start, there's no follower minimum, and it only takes a few minutes to set up (how it works, verified August 2026).
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