Sir Needs To Mixalot

Most of the problems on a new mix have nothing to do with how the song was recorded. They’re file problems. Here’s what makes the first pass go well.

• Export every track from the same start point (bar 1, or zero) so everything lines up when it’s dropped in. Even the tambourine that only shows up in the last chorus.
• Keep the session’s sample rate. If you tracked at 48k, send 48k. 24-bit WAV or better.
• Turn off everything on your master bus. Limiters especially.
• If a plugin is part of the sound (the amp sim, the weird delay on the vocal), print it, and send a dry version too.
• Name things like a person will read them. “Gtr L crunch” beats “Audio 14_03”.
• Consolidate your comps. We don’t need all 30 takes, just the one you picked.
• Send your rough mix. It’s the most useful file in the folder, because it tells us what you’ve been hearing for the last six months.
• Write a few lines about the song. Reference tracks help. “Like this, but not that part” helps even more.

About loud roughs

If your rough has a limiter on it, the first mix back can sound smaller next to it even when it’s better. Turn them to the same level before you judge. Loudness gets set in mastering.

If you’re not sure about any of this, send what you have and ask. It’s easier to sort out before the mix starts than after.