File Prep

I mix with Pro Tools.

To stay true to your vision, I prefer to receive: 

  • Consolidated and synced WAV or AIFF files per song with all processing engaged.

  • Consolidated and synced WAV or AIFF files of Vocal tracks per song with all processing disengaged (please leave tuning plugins on).

  • The DAW project session, including all related folders of audio files, etc.

  • A current bounce of the project, as a WAV or AIFF file, reflecting how the song sounded in your session at the end of tracking and production.

General Notes

  • Unless otherwise discussed, complete all editing, fading, comping, and tuning beforehand.

  • If you recorded to a click track/grid, please provide the BPM for the project. Providing the musical key of the song is also helpful!

Delivering WAV or AIFF files 

  • Deliver consolidated audio tracks starting at an identical moment on the timeline using their original recorded sample rate, bit depth (32bit or 24bit preferred), and mono/stereo file type. Avoid normalization settings when exporting.

  • Name your audio tracks clearly -- preferably with prefixes by instrument group (DRM, BASS, GTR, VOX, KEY, etc.). Also, ensure the naming is included in the files you export.

  • Add an underscore character and a number if there are layers of the same content. For example: GTR_1_Mic1.wav, GTR_1_Mic2.wav,the same content contains layersGV1.wav, VOX_BGV2.wav, etc...

  • I prefer to receive both processed files (all processing as you set it while tracking) in separate folders for each song. For processed files, this includes, but is not limited to, volume, panning, EQ, compression, distortion, delay, reverb, tuning, etc.

  • Please include unprocessed vocal files (all processing except tuning disabled) for best results.

  • For any plugins that have built-in "noise" (hiss, hum, tape sound, etc.), please turn off the "noise" if possible before delivery.

Deliver a DAW session

  • Again, complete all editing, fading, comping, and tuning beforehand unless otherwise discussed.

  • Ensure the session includes all of your audio files. Use the "Save Copy In" function in Pro Tools or "File > Project Management > Consolidate..." in Logic Pro X.

  • Before sharing the project session with me, I highly suggest freezing all tracks in your DAW. Freezing the tracks lets me pick up where you left off with the project.

Upload

Finally, archive all files by song into zip files (Song1Folder.zip, Song2Folder.zip, etc.) and send via a Dropbox shared folder, wetransfer.com, or another online file transfer service. Alternatively, upload directly to my Dropbox using the upload button below.