Berlin · Hardgroove · Sound Engineering
Mixing and mastering for groove-first hardgroove and groovy techno, with hypnotic and melodic traits. Bring a rough mix, stems or a private link; the route adapts to the stage you are at.
Introductory rates
I’m opening the public client side of this practice with a small number of introductory projects. The first five accepted direct single-track projects receive 40% off the normal starting rate.
EPs and albums can receive a separate bundle quote after I hear the material. Offers are confirmed in writing after the first listen, apply to direct enquiries only, and cannot be combined with another offer.
Rush work, extra delivery versions and work outside the agreed scope are quoted separately. Existing hosted checkout links do not apply the introductory rate automatically.
Prefer booking through a marketplace? The first AirGigs listing is live for single-track stereo mastering: $49, 5-day delivery, 1 revision, handled inside AirGigs. It now includes a before/after audio example so you can hear the premaster and master directly on the booking page.
Use the direct site enquiry for mixing, stem mastering, EPs, vinyl or anything that needs a scope check before payment.
This is for groove-first hardgroove and groovy techno that needs translation, low-end control, release handoff, or a clear second set of ears before distribution. The aim is to keep the movement, kick and bass relationship, transient life and melodic space intact while the record holds together outside the room it was made in.
If you are finishing your first release, send what you have and ask the question plainly — you do not need to diagnose the problem in technical language first. If your session is already organized, send your normal stems, references and notes; nothing needs to be rebuilt into a fixed template.
Nothing in this category yet.
Prices exclude VAT where it applies. Not sure which one you need, or working to a deadline? Ask first — it's quicker than guessing.
Send one private link, the service you are considering, your deadline, and what still feels unresolved in the track. You do not need to know the exact service first. If you already have a file, naming and transfer workflow, keep using it; the scope will be corrected before work starts.
For a careful export pass, use the free printable techno premaster checklist.
Send a rough mix, a finished premaster, grouped stems or a private link, plus references and your deadline. You will get a straight answer on whether it is a good fit and which service applies — no matter whether this is your first release or an established technical workflow.
The files, rate, turnaround and delivery date are confirmed by email before the project starts. Single-track mastering can also be booked through AirGigs if you prefer marketplace checkout; other services stay enquiry-first until the correct scope is confirmed.
Reply to the project confirmation with a download link — WeTransfer, Dropbox, Drive, whatever you already use. Mixes as 24-bit WAV with headroom and no limiter on the master bus; stems all starting at the same point.
Within the turnaround stated on the service. You get the files plus a short note on what was done and why.
Send notes and get a revised version — the included passes are part of the price, not an upsell. Final files are delivered in every format the service lists.
Working to a fixed release date? Say so before booking — turnarounds are typical, not guaranteed, and a slot can usually be arranged around a deadline if there's notice.
Send the latest bounce or a private listening link, say what feels unresolved, and include your deadline. You can arrive with a rough mix, a finished stereo premaster or grouped stems; the correct route is confirmed before work starts.
Send a 24-bit WAV at the session sample rate, with enough headroom to avoid clipping. If possible, remove the final limiter. Include the version you have been listening to, plus one or two references.
Send consolidated multitracks or stems that all begin at the same point, together with your rough mix. Name files clearly and include notes about intentional effects, edits or balances that must stay.
The stated turnaround begins after the scope, files and project slot are confirmed. Mention a fixed release or manufacturing date in the first enquiry so feasibility can be checked before starting.
Each service states how many revision passes are included. Send one consolidated set of clear, time-coded notes per pass. Work outside the agreed scope is confirmed separately before it is started.
The versions included are listed on each service card. Ask about instrumentals, acapellas, club cuts, vinyl versions or other formats in the enquiry so the exact delivery set can be confirmed.
Single-track mastering can be booked via AirGigs or direct hosted checkout. Services without a verified checkout link open a prefilled email enquiry, and quote-based work is confirmed by email before starting.
Gabriel Garcia Alonso is a sound engineer, producer and live performer based in Berlin. He works as one half of Lack of Fate with his brother Carlos, runs the label Fate Through, and produces solo as Hologram People.
The engineering work comes out of the same practice as the records — which mostly means knowing what a track is trying to do before touching it, and leaving it alone where it already works.
The main working territory is groove-first hardgroove and groovy techno, with hypnotic and melodic traits: physical records with movement, weight and room for detail.
If your record doesn't fit any of the services listed, say so. It's usually still workable.
For bookings, quotes on album work, deadlines, or anything that doesn't match a listed service — write directly. Include a rough mix or a private link, a reference or two, and the date you need it by.