Terms of Service

qb audio - digital heart, analog soul
Last updated: April 2026

By hiring qb audio for mixing, mastering, or other audio engineering services, you agree to the following terms. These terms apply to all projects unless a separate written agreement is made.

Services

qb audio provides freelance mixing, mastering, and audio engineering services on a per-project basis. The specific scope of each project - including the service type, number of songs, deliverables, and timeline - is established during a consultation before any work begins and confirmed in writing (email counts) before the deposit is collected.

Mixing and mastering services cover the processing and preparation of audio provided by the client. Stem exports, alternate versions (instrumentals, radio edits, etc.), and additional deliverables beyond the agreed scope are available as paid add-ons quoted separately.

Client Responsibilities

To keep your project on track, you are responsible for:

  • Providing all session files, stems, or mixdowns in the agreed-upon format and by the agreed-upon date. Standard requirements (file format, bit depth, sample rate, labeling, etc.) will be communicated during the consultation.

  • Providing clear reference tracks, notes, or direction for the sound you're going for, if applicable.

  • Responding to review rounds and communications within a reasonable timeframe. Extended delays in feedback (more than 14 days without communication) may result in the project being deprioritized, and re-engagement may be subject to scheduling availability.

If files provided by the client have technical issues (corrupt files, incorrect exports, unlabeled stems, etc.), qb audio will notify you and request corrected files. Time spent diagnosing or resolving file issues caused by improperly prepared client materials may be billed as additional work at the hourly rate.

Payment Terms

A 50% non-refundable deposit is due upfront before any work begins. The remaining balance is due before final delivery of completed files.

Payment methods and details are confirmed during the project consultation. All prices are quoted in USD.

Revisions and Workflow

Each project includes a defined revision process:

Client Review (after rough mix or initial master): 2 rounds of revisions for significant changes are included. Significant changes include things like level adjustments, effects changes, arrangement tweaks, or EQ/tonal direction. This does not include new content, additional tracks, or changes to the agreed scope.

Final Approval: 2 minor tweaks are included at the approval stage. Minor tweaks are small adjustments like subtle fades, minor volume rides, or small level corrections (generally less than ~5% change).

Each revision round applies to one version of the agreed-upon material. If you want to change which recording or arrangement is being worked on (for example, swapping an acoustic version for the rock version that's already in progress), that constitutes a new scope and will be quoted accordingly.

Additional revisions beyond the included rounds are billed at $75/hour in 15-minute increments.

Turnaround and Scheduling

Estimated turnaround times are discussed and agreed upon during the project consultation. Turnaround begins when both the deposit has been received and all required project files have been delivered in acceptable condition.

Rush turnaround may be available for an additional fee, discussed on a per-project basis.

qb audio will communicate proactively if any delays are anticipated. If a delay on my end exceeds the agreed timeline by more than 7 business days, you may request a partial refund proportional to the unfinished work, minus the non-refundable deposit.

Cancellation

Client-initiated cancellation:

  • Before work begins: deposit is non-refundable but no additional charges apply.

  • After work has begun: deposit is non-refundable, and any work completed beyond the deposit value will be billed at the agreed project rate, prorated to the percentage of work completed.

Engineer-initiated cancellation: If qb audio is unable to complete a project for any reason, you will receive a refund of the deposit minus the value of any work already completed and delivered. If no usable work has been delivered, the full deposit will be refunded.

Deliverables and File Formats

Standard deliverables are high-quality audio files (WAV unless otherwise agreed) at the sample rate and bit depth appropriate for the project, discussed during consultation. A demo master with light processing may be provided as a standard part of the mastering workflow for client review purposes and is not intended as a final deliverable.

Stem exports, alternate mixes, and additional file formats are available as paid add-ons.

qb audio does not deliver DAW session files, project files, or plugin settings as part of standard deliverables. Session files are tied to specific software versions, plugin licenses, and configurations that may not be compatible with your setup, making them impractical to transfer in most cases. If you have a specific need for session files or detailed processing notes, let's talk about it during the consultation.

File Retention

Project files (sessions, stems, mixdowns) are retained for 90 days after final delivery. After that period, files may be deleted without notice. If you need files re-delivered or a project revisited after the retention period, availability is not guaranteed and may be subject to additional fees.

You are responsible for backing up your own final deliverables upon receipt.

Rights and Ownership

This is a work-for-hire arrangement. Upon full payment, you receive full ownership of the final deliverables, including the right to distribute, release, and commercially exploit them without restriction.

qb audio retains the right to use final deliverables (or excerpts) in portfolio, demo reel, website, social media, and marketing materials. Portfolio usage authorization is confirmed as part of the project quote/invoice. If you need your project excluded from portfolio use, just let me know during the quoting process - no extra charge, it'll be noted on the invoice.

qb audio makes no claim to compositional copyright or sound recording copyright. You own your music.

Credit

qb audio requests - but does not require - appropriate engineering credit on released material (for example: "Mixed by qb audio" or "Mastered by qb audio"). Credit is appreciated and helps support the business, but will never be a condition of service.

Confidentiality

All client materials, unreleased recordings, and project details are treated as confidential and will not be shared publicly, played for third parties, or used in any promotional context prior to the client's official release - unless explicitly authorized. Portfolio use of released material is covered under the Rights and Ownership section above.

Disclaimer and Liability

qb audio provides freelance audio engineering services on an as-is basis with no warranties of any kind. We are not liable for:

  • Issues originating from client-provided files, stems, recordings, or feedback.

  • Compatibility with your hardware, software, playback systems, or distribution platforms.

  • Delays, data loss, or outcomes beyond the agreed scope of work.

  • Subjective dissatisfaction with creative or aesthetic results, provided the work was completed as described in the agreed scope.

Total liability is limited to the fees paid for the specific project in question. No consequential, indirect, or punitive damages.

Governing Law

These terms are governed by California law. Any disputes will be handled in Alameda County courts (Oakland area).

Changes to These Terms

qb audio reserves the right to update these terms at any time. Updated terms apply to new projects only - ongoing projects remain under the terms agreed to at the time of deposit.

Questions about these terms? Get in touch.

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