Preparing Your Songs for Mixing
A great mix starts with a properly prepared session.
Before sending your project, make sure the recording, arrangement and production decisions you want preserved are complete. We work exclusively in Pro Tools, below is an outline of what we need to get started.
Pro Tools Sessions
Pro Tools sessions can be sent directly. Before uploading your project, create a Save Copy In version with all audio files included.
The session should open and play from beginning to end without missing audio.
Sessions From Other DAWs
If you’re working in Logic, Ableton, Studio One, Cubase, Reaper or another DAW, export individual WAV files beginning from the same starting point.
This allows every track to line up exactly as it does in your original production.
Effects & Processing
If an effect is an important part of the sound you’ve created, keep it.
Amp simulations, delays, reverbs, distortion, sound-design effects and other creative processing that define the production should be printed. If possible please, provide both a processed and unprocessed version and label them clearly.
Individual Tracks
Whenever possible, provide individual source tracks rather than only submixed instrument groups.
If drums, vocals, guitars or other instruments have been combined into a submix, include the individual tracks as well when you want us to have full control over their balance and processing.
Always send your latest rough mix.
Your rough is one of the most useful references you can provide. It tells me about the balances, effects, arrangement and overall direction you’ve been hearing while making the record. (If possible, please bounce it down to a smaller file format such as .mp3 when sending.)
We are not trying to erase that vision. We are trying to enhance it.
Session Preparation & Editing
Basic session organization and cleanup are included with your mix.
Extensive editing, comping, vocal tuning, drum alignment, file organization, restoration or reconstruction of an improperly prepared session is not considered part of standard mixing.
If your project requires significant preparation before mixing can begin, we will discuss it with you first and provide a price before additional work is performed.
The Process
01 — Send Your Music
Send your rough mix along with your Pro Tools session or consolidated audio files.
02 — I Review the Session
I’ll confirm everything arrived correctly and identify any preparation issues before mixing begins.
03 — First Mix
I build the mix and send you the first version for review.
04 — Revisions
You provide consolidated feedback and we’ll make the included revisions necessary to finish the record.
05 — Final Delivery
Once the mix is approved, you’ll receive both your Loud Reference Mix and Mastering-Ready Mix, along with any additional versions included with your service.