FREE
Free song phone consultation.
$399
New artist introductory mix.
$599
Our multi-platinum winning final master mix.
Vocal tuning, Drum / Instrument editing available @ $99/ea
Additional stem prints: $20 each
Mixing
I’ve been lucky enough to learn from some of the world’s best producers and engineers, and I bring those skills into every mix I deliver. My work has contributed to over 38 million albums sold worldwide and over 2 billion streams. But what matters most isn’t numbers, It’s helping artists find their own sound and feel proud of it. I Mix your song through the legendary sound of vintage analog gear… so it translates perfectly everywhere. My mixes bring out your unique voice with clarity, punch, width, and depth. I don’t believe in cookie-cutter processing or plug-in presets; every decision is custom, unique: serving your vision and your voice. Think of me as a set of trusted ears, bringing your songs to life. And yes, I’ll stick with you through revisions too… “until we get it right.
Producing
Before I was a producer, I was in a band too — Jellyfish — touring the world, playing MTV videos, even eating strawberry cheesecake with Ringo Starr. Those experiences taught me what it feels like to be on the other side of the glass, and that’s why I approach producing as a mentor, teacher, and collaborator. Together we will work on your arrangements, production, performances, and home-recording setups — to make sure we capture the absolute best possible takes. I’m always in service of your vision. The goal isn’t to change who you are, but to help you become the best version of your musical self.
Consulting
Lost perspective? Not sure what to do next? That’s where my consulting comes in. Sometimes you just need guidance or a clear step forward — whether it’s song arrangement, mix feedback, recording coaching, release strategy, or gear advice. I’ve been fortunate to work on albums with legends from Santana to Metallica, but my real passion is empowering emerging artists to grow and succeed. I don’t stop at “good enough” — I’ll share what I’ve learned over 35+ years, help you avoid common mistakes, and pass on the hidden knowledge that makes music really connect. Most of all, I want you to feel supported and confident in the songs you’re creating.
Salamander
Sound
Bay Area Mixing
Chris Manning
Chief Engineer
35+ Years Of Experience
World-Class Quality
At Salamander Sound, we help artists move beyond muddy mixes and lifeless masters by mixing a sound that is:
Clear • Powerful • Authentic
Our custom approach brings depth and impact to your music - whether it's playing on ear buds or the festival stage. With over three decades of experience and a sharp focus on quality, we produce and mix with both the artist and the listener in mind. From demo selection to final master print, we keep the process smooth and straightforward - so you can stay creative, and your track can hit exactly the way it should.
Hassle-Free Process
Independent Rates
Our Process
2
Mixing
We will contact you immediately to begin the mixing process.
We will discuss the vision of the project.
3
Revisions & Delivery
We don't limit you. We stick by your side and print revisions ”until it’s right”.
You will then receive your ready to release Master Mix audio file(s) by secure encrypted delivery.
Alternative
Alt-Rock
Freak-Pop
Indie-Folk
Rock
Blues
Hard Rock
Pop Rock
Americana
Americana
Irish-Americana
OG Classic
Pop
Alt-Pop
Dream Pop
Italian Pop
More
Classical
Electro Funk
Reggae
Our Reviews
Monroe Grisman
“Chris puts everything into the projects he works on. I am always impressed with his work ethic, and positive/creative energy that he brings to each session. Very organized, punctual, versatile and extremely fast on the pro tools! He will always go the extra mile to deliver what you want to hear and has the skills to get you there. Cannot recommend him enough."
Alan Hertz
"Chris is a beast. Early in his career he made records with some of the worlds great record producers and engineers and got to see how they did it. This is something that a lot of newer cats did not have the chance to do. He then took all that inspiration and found his own thing inside the studio. He is a very talented mixer, producer, and can do just about anything you throw at him. I've learned a ton from him. In short, "Hire this bad mother-fucker to make your music sing"
Raz Kennedy
“These mixes are crazy exciting!! It’s been my great pleasure getting to know you and your wonderful talent. Your work is amazing!!! Thank you for assisting us in making our dream real. My appreciation,”
Pollyanna Bush
“Chris, The Sound Wizard! Your talent, skill, and great vibes are just what this show needed. Thank you!”
Jenny Kerr
"Chris. For me, you made this song. I’m deeply grateful to you for your brilliant work."
Kai Manning
"Wow love this, U Fixed everything weird. It sounds great!
Just had a listen party w some friends everyone’s hyped"
Dave Rude
“Chris is one of the best producers/engineers I’ve had the pleasure of working with. He’s very talented, centered, creative, and easy to get along with. A great guy overall–and he’ll make you sound amazing!!”
Frank Martin
“Recording engineer extraordinaire Chris Manning made the session go SO smoothly today…”
Luciano Ligabue
Recording "Arrivederci, Mostro!” has been a great experience. Chris, stop looking for Italian food in San Francisco as good as here. It's hopeless. You know where you can find the real Italian food. And we'll be here waiting for you."
Alberto Butturini
“Yesterday I bought the triple live CD of Campovolo…Thank you for your mix! That’s the sound of the live show! It’s not usual to listen to live recordings that sound like the show, but in your mix I found the energy, the pulse and the true Spirit of that beautiful night! Thanks for your great job.”
Lynn Asher
"I love working with Chris and HIGHLY recommend him for all your studio recording projects. A very fun, productive, inspiring day for all!! Thank you Chris for making it so relaxing, fun, organized and stress free. You rock!!"
The Velvet Teen
“All sounding sooooo gooood! Thank you!”
Alan Hertz
"Chris is a beast. Early in his career he made records with some of the worlds great record producers and engineers and got to see how they did it. This is something that a lot of newer cats did not have the chance to do. He then took all that inspiration and found his own thing inside the studio. He is a very talented mixer, producer, and can do just about anything you throw at him. I've learned a ton from him. In short, "Hire this bad mother-fucker to make your music sing"
Monroe Grisman
“Chris puts everything into the projects he works on. I am always impressed with his work ethic, and positive/creative energy that he brings to each session. Very organized, punctual, versatile and extremely fast on the pro tools! He will always go the extra mile to deliver what you want to hear and has the skills to get you there. Cannot recommend him enough."
Kai Manning
"Wow love this, U Fixed everything weird. It sounds great!
Just had a listen party w some friends everyone’s hyped"
Jenny Kerr
"Chris. For me, you made this song. I’m deeply grateful to you for your brilliant work."
Pollyana Bush
“Chris, The Sound Wizard! Your talent, skill, and great vibes are just what this show needed. Thank you!”
Raz Kennedy
“These mixes are crazy exciting!! It’s been my great pleasure getting to know you and your wonderful talent. Your work is amazing!!! Thank you for assisting us in making our dream real. My appreciation,”
The Velvet Teen
“All sounding sooooo gooood! Thank you!”
Lynn Asher
"I love working with Chris and HIGHLY recommend him for all your studio recording projects. A very fun, productive, inspiring day for all!! Thank you Chris for making it so relaxing, fun, organized and stress free. You rock!!"
Alberto Butturini
“Yesterday I bought the triple live CD of Campovolo…Thank you for your mix! That’s the sound of the live show! It’s not usual to listen to live recordings that sound like the show, but in your mix I found the energy, the pulse and the true Spirit of that beautiful night! Thanks for your great job.”
Luciano Ligabue
Recording "Arrivederci, Mostro!” has been a great experience. Chris, stop looking for Italian food in San Francisco as good as here. It's hopeless. You know where you can find the real Italian food. And we'll be here waiting for you."
Frank Martin
“Recording engineer extraordinaire Chris Manning made the session go SO smoothly today…”
Dave Rude
“Chris is one of the best producers/engineers I’ve had the pleasure of working with. He’s very talented, centered, creative, and easy to get along with. A great guy overall–and he’ll make you sound amazing!!”
Mixing Services
Full Song Mixing: What we’re known for! Full Master Mix: includes: all our best work
Stem Mixing: Mixing from your stereo pre-balanced tracks (vocals, drums, guitars, etc.).
Stem Prints: Individually printed for live use or remixing.
Mastering Services
Stereo Mastering: Our Custom Analog Buss, loudness, EQ, final polish
Stem Mastering: mastering from pre-grouped elements for more control.
*included* Streaming Platform Optimization: tailoring masters for Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, etc.
Consultation & Mentorship
Mix/Production Feedback Sessions: reviewing artist mixes, suggesting improvements.
Pre-Production Coaching: helping your band tighten the arrangements and performances before recording.
Remote Production Advice: guiding recording choices, gear recommendations, performance coaching.
Why Work With Chris Manning?
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I’ve been a staff member at The Record Plant, Fantasy Studios, and Skywalker Sound. I’ve learned directly from masters like Steve Lillywhite, Bob Rock, and Albhy Galuten (Bee Gees). In those iconic rooms I learned the unspoken “language of record-making” — the bold choices, the hidden details, the subtle instincts that turn good songs into timeless ones.
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I had the privilege of sitting beside Jack Joseph Puig, Mike Fraser, Ant Banks, and Jerry Harrison, watching and listening as they shaped hit records. In those moments I learned not just the mechanics of engineering and mixing, but how the pros connect sound, emotion, and performance into something greater than the sum of its parts.
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I worked on records such as… Santana’s Supernatural (30× platinum, 8 Grammys), Metallica’s Garage Inc., Third Eye Blind’s Blue, and Guster’s Lost and Gone Forever. Closer to home, I’ve helped develop the sounds of Bay Area Indie Favorites: Thriving Ivory, The Velvet Teen, and 20 Minute Loop. I’ve also mixed multi-platinum records for International artist: Ligabue.
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What I bring isn’t just credits — it’s the hidden knowledge and perspectives gathered from decades of making records, the stuff you can’t load from a plug-in preset, or read in a magazine, or learn from a YouTube channel.
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This is not AI, not algorithms, not cookie-cutter. It’s 100% human, raw, custom mixing through fat analog gear, with alternative sensibilities, and a mentor’s heart.
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The Salamander Sound promise: I’ll treat your songs with care, creativity, and follow-through. Together we won’t just get a great mix, I’ll teach you everything I know to help you become the best version of your musical self.