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Behind the Space BarLearn how to become a World-Class Playback Engineer. Author: From Studio to Stage
Learn how to become a World-Class Playback Engineer. Hosted by Ableton Live Certified Trainer Will Doggett. New Episodes every Monday @ 10AM ET. Language: en Genres: Education, How To, Music Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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How much should a playback engineer charge?
Episode 8
Monday, 26 October, 2026
How much should you charge to program a set, build a rig, or run tracks on the road? It's the question I get asked most, and the honest answer is "it depends." This episode is about what it depends on: the three different jobs hiding inside "playback engineer," the flat fee that had me working 14-hour days for a number I'd quoted up front, and the rates I actually charge. Then: how to discount a gig without lowering your rate, how to price your first gigs, and how to raise your prices without losing clients. Become a Certified Playback Engineer: fromstudiotostage.com/bootcamp Try Pliris free for 14 days (listener exclusive): fromstudiotostage.com/pliris/friend My earlier episode on rates: share.transistor.fm/s/a3fed329 Seth (rig design and builds): sethbuildsrigs.com Chapters 00:00 How much should you charge? 1:58 The three roles of a playback engineer 3:26 What are you being asked to do? 4:39 Why one flat fee backfired 5:54 Charging per song and per day 8:44 "Is that the guy here to fix our lights?" 11:42 Where are you in your journey? 12:41 The magic words for discounting your rate 15:11 Just getting started? 17:38 Raise your prices 20:03 Charge for 10x the value 22:22 Over-deliver 22:53 What do you charge? ★ Support this podcast ★
