Tracks or stems: what is the difference?
Individual tracks are every separate recording: kick, snare, overheads, each guitar, each vocal take. Stems are groups that have already been combined, such as 'all drums' or 'all backing vocals'. For a full mix we prefer individual tracks, because every instrument can then be treated on its own.
Our mixing rate is €240 per song for up to 48 tracks. If you want a stems export alongside the stereo mix, for live shows, sync or remixes, there is a surcharge of €60. More on the Mixing page.
The right file format
| Setting | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Format | WAV or AIFF, not MP3 or AAC |
| Bit depth | 24-bit or 32-bit float |
| Sample rate | Same as the recording session, for example 48 kHz |
| Channels | Mono sources mono, stereo sources stereo |
| Effects | Off, unless an effect is essential to the sound |
Do not convert the sample rate yourself. Export at the rate you recorded at and mention it in your notes.
Everything from the same start point
This is the mistake we see most: tracks that each start at a different moment. Export every track from the same point, ideally bar 1 or zero seconds, even if an instrument only comes in after a minute. Then everything lines up as soon as it is imported. Include a count-in or click if the song does not start on a bar line.
Note the tempo in BPM and any time signature changes. With a tempo map we can edit tightly later on.
Headroom and clipping
Keep each track's peaks well below 0 dBFS; around -6 to -10 dBFS is comfortable. Do not put a limiter or maximiser on the master bus before exporting. A track that already distorts cannot be rescued in the mix. If you are unsure whether an overdriven sound is intentional, send both versions.
Effects you consider creatively important, such as a particular amp simulation or a tape delay on the vocal, are best exported twice: dry and with the effect.
Naming and order
A folder with 'Audio 1' to 'Audio 37' takes time to decode. Use short, clear names with a number in front so the order stays logical.
- 01_Kick_In, 02_Kick_Out, 03_Snare_Top
- 10_Bass_DI, 11_Bass_Amp
- 20_Gtr_L, 21_Gtr_R
- 30_Lead_Vox, 31_Double_Vox, 35_BV_High
Put the song name and tempo in the folder name, for example SongTitle_120bpm_48k.
A reference and a short brief
Send your own rough mix along. It lets the mixing engineer hear the balance you had in mind and the effects that belong to the song. Add one or two reference tracks and write a few sentences about what the song needs. Joris Bakker, our mixing engineer, reads that brief before he starts.
Each song includes 2 revision rounds. Collect your notes for each round into one list with timecodes so every round counts.
Sending, rights and storage
Zip the folder and send a download link through a common transfer service. Check yourself that the link works and stays valid long enough. You remain the owner of your recordings; the arrangements are in our terms and conditions. We keep project files for 6 months after delivery, so always keep your own backup.
If you use third-party samples or beats, check beforehand that your licence allows a commercial release. To release through the Dutch collecting societies Buma/Stemra and Sena you need your own registrations.
Checklist and next steps
- WAV or AIFF, 24-bit, original sample rate
- All tracks from the same start point
- No clipping, no limiter on the master
- Clear names, tempo in the folder name
- Rough mix, reference and a short brief
Not recorded yet? Read preparing a recording session first. After the mix comes the master; see Mastering. Questions about your export are welcome via contact.
