How to prepare your files for Remote Mixing:
You are about to prepare your files to send to a remote mix engineer. Here are some key steps to follow.
Introduction:
In music production, a mixing engineer plays a pivotal role in defining the final sound of a recording. For artists and producers, correctly preparing your files for a mixing engineer is crucial for enhancing the quality and efficiency of the mixing process. This article is a detailed guide to help you prepare your files effectively, ensuring a seamless collaboration.
Understanding the Role of a Mixing Engineer
Before you start preparing your files, it's important to understand the responsibilities of a mixing engineer. A mixing engineer blends individual tracks to produce a final stereo or multi-channel output. They are responsible for balancing levels, applying effects, and ensuring the overall sound is cohesive and polished.
NOTE: Mixing does not include significant editing, drum replacement, timing issues, vocal tuning, etc. Those services are available but are not included in mixing.
Please make sure your tracks are appropriately prepared in advance. See more about our Single Services.
Step-by-Step Guide to File Preparation:
1. Organize Your Tracks
Label Clearly: Each track should have a clear and descriptive name. Avoid vague labels such as ‘Audio 1’ or ‘Track 2’. Instead, use specific names like ‘Lead Vocal’ or ‘Acoustic Guitar’.
Consolidate Tracks: If you have multiple takes or sections, consolidate them into one continuous file for each track. This makes it easier for the engineer to navigate your project.
2. Ensure Proper Formatting
File Format: WAV or AIFF files are preferred due to their higher quality. Avoid MP3s as they are compressed and can lose audio fidelity.
Bit Depth and Sample Rate: Use the same bit depth and sample rate across all files. Common standards are 24-bit depth and a 44.1kHz or 48kHz sample rate.
3. Remove Unnecessary Effects
Bypass Effects: Bypass plugins and effects unless an effect is integral to the sound (like a specific reverb on a vocal or a unique guitar pedal effect). The mixing engineer will add effects as needed.
Note Essential Effects: If certain effects are crucial, note them for the engineer.
Send Both Wet and Dry Stems: If you have a rough mix that you are pretty happy with, sometimes it’s a good idea to send one set of wet stems ( just as they are in the rough mix) and one set of dry stems. This way, the engineer can start from where you left off but also have the option to import dry files if they feel they can improve upon it.
Vocal Tuning: If you are using tuning apps such as Auto-Tune or Melodyne, please print the vocal tracks with those effects included. Our mix does not include vocal tuning.
We will mix your songs using Pro Tools. If your songs are already in a Pro Tools session, please include the session.
4. Check for Clipping and Distortion
Avoid Clipping: Ensure none of your tracks are clipping or distorting. Leave enough headroom for the mixing engineer to work with. If you see red indicators on your master bus, select all the tracks and bring them down until there is enough headroom.
5. Export Each Track Separately
Stems vs. Individual Tracks: Export each track separately, not as stems, unless requested. Stems are sub-mixes of similar instruments, which can limit the engineer’s flexibility.
Start and End Points: Each track should start and end simultaneously, maintaining synchronization.
6. Include a Rough Mix and Reference Tracks
Rough Mix: Provide a rough mix of your song. This gives the engineer an idea of your vision for the track and can also help ensure that all the files are transferred correctly.
Reference Track(s): Please include any tracks or links to tracks you have in mind for your song to “Sound Silimlar” to.
7. Create a Track List and Notes
Documentation: Include a document listing all the tracks and any specific notes or directions for the mixing engineer. The more information the engineer has, the closer it will be to what you want.
8. Organize Files for Transfer
Folder Structure: Create a master folder with your project name, containing subfolders for audio files, notes, and the rough mix.
For multiple songs and/or album projects, please create one folder for each song and another folder for the entire project.