You don’t need another plugin—you need perspective. I work with artists who’ve already done the hard part: writing something that matters. My job is to give the song clarity, weight, and confidence so it connects the way you intended.
I help artists finish songs that feel finished.
If you’re stuck between “this is cool” and “this is release-ready,” that gap is usually perspective—not talent or gear. I work with artists who’ve already poured everything into the writing and production, but need a mix that clarifies the emotion, hits hard, and translates everywhere.
My approach is modern, punchy, and intentional—big drums, clear vocals, and depth without over-polish. I specialize in modern rock, pop, and alternative, blending analog character with a fast, decisive workflow so momentum never dies.
I’m not here to “fix” your song. I’m here to reveal what it’s already trying to say—then help it compete confidently with records you love.
If you want a collaborator who respects your vision, moves quickly, and brings honest perspective, let’s finish your record.
— Derek Henbest
Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.
Interview with Derek Henbest
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Instead of endless tweaks, second-guessing, or wondering why the mix still isn’t connecting, I help your song make decisions. With fresh perspective and intentional technical choices, the emotion comes through clearly, the vocal sits where it should, and the track translates across systems. The result isn’t just a better mix—it’s confidence. You’ll know when the song is finished, and you’ll feel good putting it into the world.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I help your song say what it’s been trying to say all along. I bring fresh perspective to cut through overthinking and fatigue, focusing the listener’s attention where it matters most. Emotion comes first—but it’s supported by intentional technical choices: punch that hits without harshness, vocals that feel present and human, and depth that gives the song space to breathe. By blending analog character with modern precision, I shape mixes that translate across systems and platforms without losing the energy that made you fall in love with the song in the first place. The result is a mix that feels clear, confident, and ready to be released—not just louder or cleaner, but complete.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: 1. Align the Vision You send references, a rough mix, and a few notes on what matters most. 2. Fresh Perspective I listen like a fan, not the person who’s lived with the song—focusing on clarity, impact, and momentum. 3. Intentional Mix Modern, punchy mixing with clear vocals, depth, and analog character. 4. Focused Revisions We refine what matters without endless tweaking. 5. Final Delivery High-resolution mixes ready for mastering and release.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: Hybrid Setup with Hardware and ITB systems.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Jon Bellion, Ryan Tedder, Serban Ghenea
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Mixing and Track building for post production.
- Mixing EngineerAverage price - $200 per song
- ProducerAverage price - $300 per song
- Acoustic GuitarAverage price - $50 per song
- Dialogue EditingAverage price - $100 per minute
- Film ComposerAverage price - $200 per minute
- Game AudioAverage price - $500 per day
- Podcast Editing & MasteringAverage price - $100 per podcast
