Occasionally, clients bring in audio files that were exported to incorrect file types. We designed this section to help give our clients the best possible advice in regards to preparing their audio files before attending their session.
Resolution
- To receive maximum results from our mixing and mastering services, all your files should be mixdown to a minimum resolution of 44.1 kHz / 24 bits. We can work with 16bit files if necessary but 24 or 32 bits are preferred.
- Higher resolution data files are preferable to audio CDs, which can sometimes add errors. Errors often occur when most clients are burning CD’s at faster burn rates using basic CD authoring software. Audio CDs will also limit you to 44.1/16bit resolution whereas data files are limitless (comparatively).
File Types
We prefer to work with WAV or AIFF audio files.
Volume and Levels
- Ensure that mix downs are kept at a maximum level of -12 to -6db. Output meters should never clip or peak during mixdown. While -12 to -6db may seem quieter than you’re used to, it allows us maximum headroom during the Mastering process and retains better dynamics and imaging on the final master. If you submit a mixdown that was pushed closer to 0dbFs (i.e. done at full volume), it will hinder our ability to bring out the best in your mixes.
- Lead-In and Lead-outs, the beginning and end of your mixes, it is highly recommended that your mixdown files have extra lead-in and lead-out time, this ensures that your tracks won’t be cut on the opening beat and that a clean fadeout can be accomplished.
- Unless you are a professional engineer in a professional facility, avoid placing any effects on your master bus/main outputs when mixing down and be very conservative with your use of compression and EQ.
Organization
Clearly label each track you submit by accurately naming the audio files and folders.
- Example of an inaccurate name: “audio 24.wav” or “mix1.wav”.
- Example of an accurate name: “Songname_mix01.wav” or “Songname_01-12-2012.wav”
Also, make sure to label all CD’s and data discs. Bring extra copies of notes and lyrics for the engineer.