Preparation Instructions for Mixing and Mastering

Before sending your audio files for mixing or mastering it is important to follow these steps to ensure optimal turnaround time and efficiency for both artist and engineer.

 

Below you will find video resources on how to export for mixing & mastering with just a few clicks in both Ableton & Logic DAWs. The steps can be translated across all DAWs.

 

** REQUIREMENTS FOR MASTERING **

• We accept 24-32BIT/WAV or AIF files (no MP3’s please).
• No dithering.
• DO NOT normalize your tracks when exporting from your DAW.
• -3db headroom. (peak volume at no more than -3db or more).
• No processing or effects on the master channel when exporting. All processing, EQ, and effects on individual channels (or instruments) can be left turned ON.

 

It is common practice to keep any limiting or compression on the master channel to a minimum. If compression on the master channel is necessary, make sure to turn down the ratio so that it is barely affecting the song. And please let the engineer know!

 

If there is anything that stands out during our review process and needs immediate attention we will let you know before we begin the mastering process and you can send a new version before we get started.

For best results, it is always best to supply us with your own version of your mixdown as a single audio file so we can get a good feel for how you would like it to sound.

 

Please leave your stems “wet.” Other words, all processing on individual instruments should be left ON, while making sure that processing on the master channel is turned OFF. i.e. Compression, EQ, Effects, etc.

 

Export your files at the same bit-rate as they were recorded at in your project. For example, if you are using 24bit samples, export in 24bit.

 

Be sure to leave dithering and normalization off during export.

 

Separate your instruments i.e. basslines, kicks, hats, clap/snares into their own separate channels (stems). Each individual instruments should have it’s own audio file to be mixed.

 

To prepare your track for stem mastering, please leave your stems “wet.” All processing on individual instruments should be left ON, while making sure that processing on the master channel is turned OFF. i.e. Compression, EQ, Effects, etc.

 

Export your kick, bassline, snare/clap, and hats separately into their own audio files (stems). An example of what your structure should look like:

 

• Stem 1: Kick
• Stem 2: Bassline
• Stem 3: Clap and/or Snare
• Stem 4: Leads
• Stem 5: Vocals
• Stem 6: Remaining Stems

 

If you have any questions before getting started feel free to send us a message