How to Prepare Your Files for Mixing and Mastering

When preparing your files for mixing and mastering, it's essential to ensure the format and organization are spot-on. Here's a guide to how I prefer to receive your files:

1. Audio Files as WAV
   Export all individual audio files or stems as WAV files. Use the same sample rate and bit depth as the original recording session. My recommendation:
   Sample Rate: 44.1 kHz
   Bit Depth: 24-bit
   

2. MIDI Instruments
   If you're working with MIDI instruments like bass or drums, you can send these as MIDI files, which I can import into software such as Kontakt5.
   

3. Synths and Strings
   Synths and string sections should be exported as audio files. Ensure each instrument is on its own track. For example:
   Violins, cellos, piano, and trumpets should all be exported separately as individual files.
   

4. Naming Your Files
   Give your files clear and practical names.

   Good Examples: "Sn T" for Snare Top or "Gtr Lead" for Guitar Lead
   Avoid: Creative or cryptic names like "Diddle-diddle-diddliddle" or random lyrics. Names should be functional and recognizable, even for someone unfamiliar with your music.
   

5. Stems for Live Use or Backing Tracks
   If you need stems for a live setup or backing tracks, this should be arranged during the mixing process.
   

6. Multiple Songs in One Session
   If you're sending multiple songs, there are two ways to organize them:

   Export all tracks for each song separately, keeping them in individual sessions.
   
   Export everything as one long session. For example: if Song 1 lasts 4 minutes and Song 2 lasts 3 minutes, all tracks should stretch to a total of 7 minutes. In this case, ensure the MIDI aligns with tempo changes and everything is correctly positioned on the timeline.

By following these guidelines, the process becomes much smoother, and the final result will shine. Let’s make sure your music gets the professional treatment it deserves!

To ensure a smooth mixing process and the best possible results, your recordings and edits need to be on point. Here's what to keep in mind:

1. Tempo Map and MIDI File
   Including a tempo map and MIDI file is a must. Whether or not you’ve programmed drums, I need a file that ensures the song’s tempo (or tempos) aligns correctly in my session. This is especially critical for songs with tempo changes.

   How to Export a Tempo Map: Most DAWs have this function under “Export MIDI” or similar. If you're unsure how, platforms like YouTube or music production forums on Facebook are excellent resources.
   

2. Gain Structure
   Ensure none of your tracks are clipped or too quiet. Ideally, your tracks should peak between -18 dB and -6 dB to provide sufficient headroom for mixing.
   

3. Track Editing
   Tracks should be well-edited before sending. This means:

   Tight to the Grid: Especially important for genres like modern metal, where precision is key.
   Cleaned of Unnecessary Noise: Remove background noise between vocal takes, amp noise from guitars or bass, and any excessive tom bleed.
   

4. String Instruments
   For guitars and bass:

   Use fresh strings to ensure the best tone.
   Tune your instrument before each take to maintain proper intonation and tonal quality.
   

5. Optional Editing Services
   I offer additional editing services if needed, but this must be discussed and agreed upon in advance.

By following these guidelines, we can save time, avoid potential issues, and ensure your project achieves the highest quality in the mixing process.

I am happy to work with both recorded drums and MIDI drums, so you can choose what best suits your project.

• If you’re sending MIDI drums:
  Make sure to include a sheet with your ‘drum MIDI assignments.’ This makes it easier for me to understand how the drums are programmed and ensures everything functions correctly in my session.

A clear structure and detailed information save time and ensure the drums sound exactly the way you want them to.

To ensure maximum flexibility and the best possible result, here are some clear guidelines for guitar and bass files:

1. DI Tracks are a Must
   I always need DI tracks (Direct Input) for both guitars and basses. This is essential for reamping, allowing me to craft a sound tailored specifically to your project. DI tracks also provide the opportunity to adjust or experiment with different amp and effect combinations later in the process.
   

2. Tracks with Effects
   If you’ve put time and energy into creating great guitar leads or achieving the perfect reverb, delay, or modulation, please send both:

   The DI tracks
   The tracks with your effects

This way, I can preserve and build on the sound you’re proud of while still having the flexibility to tweak or enhance the tone if needed.

By providing both DI tracks and tracks with effects, we can strike a balance between your vision and the professional adjustments that take your project to the next level.

When it comes to vocals, keeping everything organized is crucial to ensure an efficient mixing process—especially when I’m working with metal music.

1. Separation of Vocal Types
   If your vocal tracks include both screams/growls and clean singing, these need to be on separate tracks. This makes it easier to process them individually and achieve the dynamic contrast that is often characteristic of the genre.

   Screams/Growls: Ensure these tracks are clean and free from excess noise.
   Clean Singing: Deliver these tracks in the same format as the other files and ensure a clear recording without too much reverb or background noise.

A clear separation of vocal types makes it much easier to achieve the right mix and ensures that each vocal style gets the treatment it deserves to fit perfectly into the final production.

I offer up to three revisions for mix adjustments to ensure the final result meets your expectations. Here’s how the process typically works:

1. Start with a Test Mix
   Before diving into mixing and mastering an entire project—such as an EP or album—I always begin with a test mix of one song.

   Purpose: To make sure we are on the same page regarding the sound.
   
   The test mix allows you to evaluate elements like drum tones, bass, guitars, and the overall balance of the mix.

   It’s your opportunity to assess whether I’ve nailed the sound you’re aiming for or if adjustments are needed.
   

2. Revisions During the Test Process
   Any revisions during the test mix phase do not count toward the three mix revisions included in the final project. For this reason, it’s essential that you approve the test mix before we move on to the remaining songs.
   

3. Processing the Rest of the Project
   Once the test mix is approved, I move on to the rest of the songs. They will be treated with the same sound and style as the reference established in the test mix.

With this approach, we ensure a consistent sound throughout the entire project and avoid any misunderstandings along the way. The goal is always to deliver a mix and master that aligns with your vision and makes the music sound exactly how you imagined.

To ensure we achieve the perfect final result, we’ll work through up to three revision rounds. Here’s how the process works:

1. First Delivery
   I deliver the full project - either as individual files for each song or as one continuous file, depending on how you’ve organized it (as mentioned earlier).
   

2. Your Feedback
   Take the time you need to listen carefully to the project and provide detailed feedback.

   Examples include:
   “Turn up the guitars at xx:xx.”
   “Bring the vocals down slightly at xx:xx.”
   

3. Implementing Changes
   I implement your feedback as quickly as possible and send back the updated files.
   

4. Rounds 2 and 3
   This process is repeated for the second and third revision rounds, if further adjustments are needed.

Important to Note:
Additional revisions are always free if the issues are due to my errors, such as:

• Digital noise

• Clicks/pops

• Muted tracks

• Other technical faults

Final Delivery:

Once revisions are complete: Congratulations! Your project is now fully mixed and mastered, ready for release. I’ll deliver the final files through Upsound, ensuring they remain uncompressed and sound exactly as they should!