Proper preparation for mixing and mastering online goes a long way toward saving you money. Placing the tracks in a new project is a time consuming operation. Following the guidelines makes the process easy and short timing wise. The first step in this process is putting all the tracks together. Once this is done, we will send you an exported stereo track. You need to listen to it, make sure everything is right, errors are possible, and then we proceed with the mixing or mastering, once we have your approval that everything is right. For files transfers we will provide all the required info.
Multiple vocal and guitar versions
This is not a must, but if you want to have amazing results record the very same lead at least vocal three times and record guitars a couple of times; for rhythm guitars use also capos and even better a take or two with Nashville tunning if you don't know what that is, google it. Try to sing and to play as similar as possible on the second and on the third track. If you cannot really distinguish the tracks afterwards: You have done it right! This allows us to experiment and to choose the best track or the best parts of the three vocal or the two guitar tracks. For choirs: More voices equal to fuller results.
Avoid clipping when recording
While recording adjust the levels right and avoid clipping. Every part of the wave form that exceeds its given space (clipping, "Flat Tops") is lost and CANNOT be restored. Recording is not about making material "loud". Stay within the given wave container. Choose 24Bit or 32Bit to record: That gives you enough room to capture loud and soft passages. Normally, a Soundcheck is used to adjust levels right. Leave about 10dB of Headroom (empty space above and below the loudest parts).
All files should be sinchronized
Please submit a synchronized WAV audio file, that means they all have the same start time. Do not send us snippets. Example: If your song is 5:10 minutes long then the choir that can be heard for 21 seconds will also be submitted on an audio track that is 5:10 minutes long. The almost empty choir track will start when all other tracks start. In most programs you can use markers to realize synchronization (the audio parts between the markers will be exported).
Mono stays mono. Stereo stays stereo
Usually, all sources that are recorded with a single mono microphone should be recorded and exported on mono tracks. In most cases these are: Lead Vocals, Solo Instruments (like E-Guitar, Saxophone, Trumpet), Snare Drum, Kick, etc.! Sources that are recorded with two microphones or with stereo microphones should be captured and exported as stereo tracks. For example: Piano, Acoustic Guitar, Keyboard Layers, Drums Overheads.
Switch off effects before exporting (bouncing) tracks
We need your material as raw as possible. Before you export your WAV files: Please reset the faders to "0", reset the pan, and switch off effects, EQs, reverb. Exceptions: In case you have programmed nice autotune melodies or filter behaviour, or in case you have applied the perfect amp simulation on your clean guitar tracks: You can keep these elements. Optional: you can send us such tracks (autotune, amp simulation, filter behaviour) WITH them on, and one version WITHOUT the effects.
Switch off effects in Masterbuss
Please also switch off all effects in the Master bus before you export your WAV files. As the best mixing and mastering studios practice, we really prefer tracks as raw as possible.
Stick to the same sample rate / Bit depth
Please DO NOT change the sample rate or the bit depth of files when you export WAV audio files. Export all WAV audio files of one particular song with the very same bit depth and sample rate. This can be 16Bit and 44.1kHz, this can be 24Bit and 48kHz or - for example - 32Bit and 48kHz. Whichever constellation you opt for: Stick to it. And please do not submit material with more than 32Bit or with more than 96kHz.
Give your audio files clear names
Please DO NOT send us files like "Drums_84" because no one but you would know what it stands for. Please send us files that are clearly named. One option can be to use this scheme (this is not a must and just an example! Every scheme that can easily be understood is fine!): Instrument_Version.wav. If you opt for such a scheme a real track could, therefore, be named: "Piano_V02.wav".
Analysis of tracks
Before we start mixing we review all the material received and listen to the premix. If we understand that we cannot achieve our quality standard with such material, we will tell you before we begin. If you can’t fix it and finally decide not to mix, we’ll return to you all your money back.
The mixing chart or tempo track
Please provide a clear mixing chart, with all the timing - bpm - related to the bar position. Even better, if you provide us the tempo track if you worked on Cubase; from ProTools you can export the markers as a txt file. From the rest, a tempo chart will suffice; it has to have all tempo changes, where do they happen and their succession.
Do not hesitate to Contact Us with any questions you may have.
