Ensure your musical arrangement plays correctly at a static level, without any mute or volume automation. While we will address the finer points of dynamics in the mixing process, removing unwanted parts from the arrangement will help us get to what you want to hear more quickly. If you are not sure about a part throughout or in a certain section, please provide notes to that effect (ie: might not use this guitar during 2nd verse).
Record all effects and virtual parts as audio. Do not assume that we have the same plugins or synthesizers as you. Any crucial plugins that drastically alter the sound (ie. phasers, amp simulators) should be printed to a new track. Any MIDI parts involving Virtual Instruments or Outboard Synthesizers must be printed to the multitrack as audio.
Provide a rough mix of your music. Having a rough mix from your latest session will provide reference point to build a new mix from, and ensure that we have all of the parts. If you'd like us to start from scratch with no rough mix reference, that's ok too.
Notes: please include where possible tempo, lyrics, musical notation, and any other notes you feel will help guide us in the mixing process.
Do not send us the only master. Before delivering your project, please store a safety your music in case unforeseen delivery or technical problems.
Format Specific guidelines:
Pro-Tools Sessions: If possible, send only audio needed for mixdown, without all outtakes. Occasionally we will request an outtake to fly in fixes, but for the speed of transfer and backup, we would rather have just the good stuff. To create a clean session after clearing unused playlists/audio, choose "Save Session Copy in.. copy all audio files".
Nuendo/Cubase Sessions: Choose "Pool - Prepare Archive" to ensure that all session audio is present in the project folder. Removing outtakes is also helpful here, and can be done by "Save project to new folder".
2" Analog multitrack: provide reference tones. Analog multitracks must be limited to two synchronized reels of tape that are clearly labeled master/slave.
OMF files: while we have had success with OMF in the past, because of the variety of export options and strict path requirements, we cannot guarantee that your OMF will transfer correctly. Please provide consolidated WAV files as a backup.
All other tape formats and hard disk recorders: please transfer your audio to consolidated WAV files at highest fidelity possible. If you require advice on the transfer procedure, please contact us.
All other Digital Audio programs: please provide Consolidated WAV files. This is the most reliable method to transfer your multitrack, creating WAV files that all start at the same sync point. It is also helpful if your sync point is a Downbeat for sessions based on a tempo map, and provide the tempo in your notes.
