CHECKLIST & DELIVERY GUIDELINES

For Mixing

1. Project Organization & Structure

• Consolidate similar tracks: Bounce down identical layers where possible. (Do not send 7 separate "Lead Vocal" tracks if they can be summed into 1 or 2 core tracks.)

• Streamline the arrangement: Group, comp, and organize your project before exporting to ensure a clean workflow.

2. File Naming & Export Settings

• Folder naming: Label your main project folder clearly with the [Artist Name] - [Song Title] - [BPM].

• Track labeling: Keep track names short, clean, and descriptive (e.g. Lead Vox, Vox Dbl L, Vox Dbl R, Kick In, Snare Top). Remove the song title or artist name from individual track files.

• Format & Resolution: Export all files as WAV (32-bit float).

• Sample rate: Maintain your session’s native sample rate (do not upsample or downsample during export).

• No normalization: Ensure that "Normalize" is turned off during export.

3. Audio Editing & Continuity

• Disable non-essential plugins: Turn off all mixing plugins (EQ, compression, effects) before export, unless they are crucial to the sound or creative vision.

• Time alignment: Export all multitracks/stems from the exact same starting point (Bar 1, Beat 1) so they line up perfectly when imported.

• Preserve tails & intros: Leave the full intro intact and do not cut off the ends of tracks. Ensure reverb and delay tails fade out naturally without clipping the transients.

4. References & Creative Direction

• Rough mix & notes: Include a quick rough mix of the song along with your detailed notes regarding the overall sonic vision.

• Key elements & FX: Clearly state any specific effects, edits, or volume balances that are crucial to the song and must be kept in the final mix (optional).

• References & Deadlines: Provide reference tracks (songs with a similar vibe) and state your target release deadline (optional).

PREP GUIDE

For Mastering

1. Project Organization & Structure

• File format requirement: Export and submit your final mix as a stereo interleaved file.

• Version control: Clearly specify which final mix version is the definitive one for mastering.

2. File Naming & Export Settings

• Folder & File naming: Use an unambiguous and descriptive filename that includes the [Artist Name] - [Song Title] - [Version].

  • e.g. Artist_Track_Mix_v07.wav

• Format & Resolution: Export your mix as a WAV (32-bit float) file.

• Sample rate: Maintain your session’s native sample rate (do not upsample or downsample during export).

• No normalization: Ensure that "Normalize" is turned off during export.

3. Audio Editing & Continuity

• Headroom & Leveling: Ensure there is no clipping on the master output. Leave off any maximizers, clippers or limiters on the master bus if possible to preserve dynamic headroom.

• Preserve tails & intros: Leave the full intro intact and do not cut off the ends of tracks. Ensure reverb and delay tails fade out naturally without clipping the transients.

4. References & Creative Direction

• Mix-bus processing: Keep any intentional mix-bus EQ, compression, saturation, or color processing if the character and balance of the mix strictly depend on them.

• Deliverables & Versions: Clearly state which versions you need (e.g., standard digital streaming, club/DJ edit, vinyl pre-master, or multiple specialized versions).