Revisions are where a good project becomes a great one — or where vague notes waste time. Understanding how many rounds you get, what counts as a revision, and how to write clear feedback helps you finish faster and avoid extra cost.
What is a revision round?
A revision round is one structured pass after you hear a delivery:
- You listen on multiple systems
- You send consolidated notes (one message, organized)
- The engineer applies changes and sends an updated version
It is not ten separate emails across a week — batch your notes so each round moves the project forward.
How many revisions are included?
Every GigTunes service tier includes revision rounds in the base price:
| Tier | Revision rounds (typical) |
|---|---|
| Starter | 1 |
| Studio | 2 |
| Pro | 3 |
This applies across mixing, mastering, vocal production, and track editing — check your tier highlights at checkout for the exact count.
Extra revision enhancements are available if you want another pass after the included rounds.
How many rounds do you actually need?
| Situation | Usually enough |
|---|---|
| Clear references, clean files, simple song | 1 round |
| Most commercial singles | 2 rounds (Studio tier) |
| Complex sessions, many notes, A/B with label | 2–3+ rounds (Pro or extra enhancement) |
Many artists finish in one or two rounds when files and references are solid.
What revisions are for (and not for)
Good uses of a revision round
- Vocal a bit louder in the chorus
- Less mud in the low mids
- Snare brighter; bass tighter
- Master slightly louder or less bright
- Tuning feels sharp on a specific phrase
Usually not a single “revision note”
- Replacing the entire arrangement
- New stems that were never sent
- Changing genre direction completely
- “Start over” without new files or a new scope
Big creative pivots may need a new order or agreement on scope — not a small revision.
How to write feedback engineers love
1. Be specific and time-stamped
| Weak | Strong |
|---|---|
| “Vocals need work” | “0:45–1:10 — lead vocal +1 dB; less reverb on doubles” |
| “Bass is wrong” | “Verse: bass too loud vs kick; chorus is OK” |
2. One consolidated message per round
Send all notes in one organized list — not five messages over three days. That counts as one round and ships faster.
3. Use references at matched volume
“Like ref track” only works if you say what to match (vocal level, brightness, low end) and level-match when you listen yourself. See How to use reference tracks.
4. Separate mix notes from master notes
- Mixing revisions: balance, effects, individual elements
- Mastering revisions: overall loudness, brightness, width — after you approve the mix balance
Do not ask mastering to “turn up the vocal” if the vocal is buried in the stereo mix — fix in mix (or book mixing).
5. Listen on more than one system
Phone, car, headphones — note where the problem appears. “Only on laptop speakers” vs “everywhere” points to different fixes.
Revision rounds per service
Mixing
Focus on balance, tone, space and impact. Send stem-related issues early; do not wait until mastering to mention the vocal is quiet.
Mastering
Usually fewer rounds than mixing — often 1–2 focused passes on loudness and overall tone. Come in with an approved mix.
Vocal production
Note phrases by timecode: “bridge line 3 sounds sharp,” “doubles need tighter timing in chorus.” Say if you want more natural or more effect.
Track editing
Flag clicks, noise, comps and pacing: “remove breath at 2:14,” “tighten guest mic in section B.”
When to buy an extra revision
Consider an extra revision enhancement when:
- You are on Starter and know you are picky about details
- Label or collaborator feedback arrives after the first round
- You are learning what to listen for and want a safety net
Upgrading tier before checkout (Studio or Pro) is often better value if you already know the project is complex.
Tips to use fewer rounds (without rushing quality)
- Prepare stems or vocals for tuning correctly
- Send references and BPM/key upfront
- Fix big problems in notes round 1 — do not save “vocal too quiet” for round 3
- Approve the mix before mastering — avoids rework across services
What happens after your last included round?
If you still need changes:
- Add an extra revision in your order (if not already purchased), or
- Discuss scope with support for larger changes
Finishing strong beats endless tweaks — trust fresh ears, then commit to release.