How many revisions should you offer clients?

A client may request more changes after approving a mix. A written revision policy helps you decide which changes are included and when to quote for additional work.

Use the same policy throughout the project, and discuss exceptions with the client before starting them.

Choosing a revision allowance

As a starting point, you might offer two or three rounds for mixing and one or two for mastering. Choose an allowance that fits the brief, budget and time available, then state it in the quote.

For example: “This price includes two rounds of revisions.” Add the rate for further rounds and explain how the client should submit each set of notes.

What actually counts as a revision

A revision adjusts the agreed work, such as changing the vocal level. A request for a different arrangement or additional recording may change the scope. Define that distinction in your terms.

When a request falls outside the brief, explain what additional work it requires and confirm the price. See client approval for how to record the version the client accepts.

Make each round count

Collect the client’s notes before starting a round. If a request is unclear, ask for a timecode and a description of the intended change.

A waveform comment can identify a moment or a range, such as a chorus where the guitars need adjusting. See sending a mix for feedback for a review workflow.

Compare versions at matched loudness

A level difference can affect a client’s preference between versions. Match playback loudness before comparing the revisions.

Ask the client to compare the requested changes at matched loudness. The loudness comparison guide explains the process.

Keep comments with the revision history

Upload new versions to the same track. Open comments can carry forward, while resolved comments remain in the history. Check comment positions if an edit changes the song’s timing.

Record the accepted version

Ask the client to approve a specific version and keep the confirmation with the project. Apply the revision policy you agreed rather than treating the approval record itself as a contract.

For a request after sign-off, refer to the agreed revision policy. Confirm any additional fee with the client before starting the work.

Charging for additional rounds

State the extra-round rate in the quote and confirm the charge before beginning additional work. If final payment is due before delivery, include the agreed extras in the balance. See getting paid for mixing and mastering.

Separate allowances for mixing and mastering

Define mixing and mastering allowances separately. If the client supplies a new mix after mastering, check how much work must be repeated and confirm any additional fee.

Sample terms you can adapt

Describe the revision policy in your quote or booking email before work begins. For example:

• Rounds: "This project includes two rounds of revisions on the mix."
• What a round is: "A round covers changes to the agreed mix. New sections, arrangement changes, or a change of reference are quoted separately."
• Extra rounds: "Additional rounds are billed at $X each."
• Completion: "Approval of a version marks the project complete. Final files are delivered on payment."

Adapt the examples to the project and confirm that the client agrees before work starts.

Frequently asked questions

How many revisions should I offer clients?

Two or three mixing rounds is one possible package. Set the allowance to fit the job, explain what one round covers and quote a rate for additional rounds.

What counts as a revision versus a new request?

A revision is a change to the work you agreed on: a vocal that sits too loud, a harsh 's', low end that needs tightening. A new request is a change to the brief itself: a different arrangement, an added section, a switch from the reference you were given. Write the distinction into your terms, because most revision disputes are really scope disputes.

How do I charge for extra revisions?

Include the rate in your quote, and confirm any extra charge before doing the work. List the agreed additional work on the invoice or delivery balance.

How do I stop endless revisions?

Define the scope and round allowance, collect clear notes and confirm the accepted version. Discuss new requests against that agreement. No tool or policy guarantees that further changes will not be requested.

Should mixing and mastering have different revision limits?

It can help to set separate allowances because the work differs. State whether a new mix supplied after mastering counts as an additional revision or requires a new quote.