How to get paid for mixing and mastering

Let clients listen, then unlock the WAV after a bank transfer

Soneam lets clients review a mix while the original delivery files remain locked. For bank transfers, you check your bank account and mark the delivery as paid. The client can then download the released files from the same review link. Stripe is not required for this workflow.

1. Upload the mix and share the review link. The client can listen, leave comments and approve a version without an account.
2. Set up Delivery. Select the files, enter the outstanding balance and your payment instructions, and use Release files. A positive unpaid balance keeps downloads locked while the client reviews the audio.
3. Check the actual bank transfer. A client’s payment report is a request for you to check. Soneam does not inspect your bank account or confirm an ordinary transfer automatically.
4. Use Mark as paid after the money arrives. Confirm the action. The released files become downloadable on the existing review link.

The video above shows the locked download and manual payment confirmation. This feature is included on the Free plan. Soneam charges no transaction fee; your bank or payment provider may charge fees. Plans differ by storage.

With Stripe connected, successful card payment can unlock downloads automatically. Bank transfer uses your manual confirmation. Neither approach prevents someone recording audio they can play.

Before release, check which version the client approved. A new current version also changes the files offered for a released track. Use Unrelease while a replacement is awaiting approval.

Late payment is harder to manage once the final files have been delivered. Agree the payment schedule early and make it clear whether the balance is due before download.

Agree when payment is due

The client should know what they can review, what they can download and when each payment is due. Put these details in the quote or booking email.

Payment delays can have several causes, including an invoice sent to the wrong person or a payment schedule you did not agree in advance. Ask who handles payment and confirm the due date before delivery.

What to put in the agreement

Your written agreement should cover these points:

• The price and what it includes. State the fee and number of included revision rounds. See the approval workflow guide for how to record completion.
• The deposit, if required. For example, 30 to 50 percent up front, with the amount agreed before reserving time.
• Finals on payment. The client can review and approve everything, and the deliverable files are released when the balance clears. Agree this before work begins.

Explain the download restriction before the client starts reviewing. It should be part of the agreed payment process.

Reviewing watermarked or lossy previews

Audible watermarks and low-quality reference files can make detailed review more difficult:

• Audible watermarks can mask details in the mix. Consider whether they interfere with the review you need.
• Low-quality previews mean the client approves an MP3 and receives a WAV: they signed off on audio that is not the deliverable. Use a lossless review file when detailed comparison matters.
• Final delivery still needs checking. Identify the approved version and verify the files before sending them. See the master delivery guide.

You can also separate playback from downloading. The client reviews the audio while the original files remain unavailable for download. This does not prevent recording of the playback.

The payment-gated delivery workflow

The following workflow keeps review, approval, the balance due and final downloads on the same page.

1. Agree the terms in the first email

Confirm the price, any deposit, included revisions and the payment deadline. Explain when the client will be able to download the files.

2. Review and approve on a link, not attachments

Send a review link for listening and comments. Ask the client to approve the intended version when revisions are complete. Keep the approval with the project.

3. Put the balance on the delivery itself

List the agreed charges on the delivery, including any additional revisions, alternate masters or stems. Check the total against your invoice before releasing the files.

The client can use the existing review link to see the balance and payment instructions. Downloads remain locked while the balance is unpaid.

4. They pay, the files unlock

Choose the payment methods that suit you and the client:

• Card payment. With Stripe connected and card payments enabled, the client can pay from the delivery page. Successful payment unlocks downloads automatically; funds are handled through your Stripe account.
• Other methods, confirmed by you. Bank transfer, PayPal, Wise, or a check. Your payment instructions sit next to the files, the client taps a button saying the payment is sent, you get notified, and confirming it unlocks their files. Check receipt before confirming payment.

Payment-controlled downloads are available on every Soneam plan. Soneam charges no transaction fee; payment providers may charge their own fees. See pricing for plan details.

Requests for files before payment

If a client asks for the files before the agreed payment date, discuss the request directly. You can leave the review link available for listening while the downloads remain locked, or agree different terms for that project.

If payment is late, send a reminder with the invoice number, amount and due date. Ask whether anything is preventing payment and agree the next step.

Following up after delivery

If the files have already been delivered, check the invoice details and contact the person responsible for payment. Keep a record of the correspondence and any revised payment date.

For the next project, review whether your payment schedule and delivery settings match the agreement.

Frequently asked questions

How do I make sure a client pays before I send the final files?

Agree that the balance is due before final download. Let the client review and approve the audio, then use a delivery page that keeps downloads locked until payment is confirmed. A download restriction does not prevent recording of playback.

Should I ask for a deposit for mixing or mastering work?

A deposit can cover part of your time and reserve the booking. For example, you could request 30 to 50 percent before starting, with the balance due before final download. Agree the amount and schedule with the client.

What should I do when a client will not pay for a mix or master?

Check the agreed due date and send a reminder with the invoice details. Ask whether there is a billing issue or a question about the work. If you agree a new date, record it in writing and review any remaining delivery permissions.

Are watermarks a good way to protect unpaid mixes?

An audible watermark can discourage use of a preview but may interfere with detailed listening. Download restrictions let clients review without an audible overlay, although they cannot prevent someone recording the playback.

What payment methods should I accept as a freelance engineer?

Agree a method both parties can use, such as bank transfer or card payment. With Stripe connected, confirmed card payment can unlock Soneam downloads automatically. Other payment methods require you to verify receipt and mark the delivery paid.