General Mix Preparation Guidelines
1.) Before delivery, all files must have proper crossfades, fade-ins, fade-outs, etc. Please solo individual tracks and check for clicks and pops. Remove all breath from background vocal tracks as well - this detail should only come from your lead vocal. If you have questions let me know, and we can sort through how to best prepare your files.
2.) All edits regarding timing, arrangements, and what files to use or not use must be done before delivery. Please do not use mute automation to demonstrate your arrangement - please commit to it within the audio file.
3.) All vocal tuning (if any) MUST be done before delivery, with the resultant files printed to the track. DO NOT leave an Autotune (or equivalent) plug-in on the track.
NOTE: ANY VOCAL TUNING REQUESTED BY THE ARTIST AFTER DELIVERY WILL INCUR ADDITIONAL FEES AND AN ADJUSTMENT TO THE BUDGET
4.) If you're sharing your Pro Tools session, all plug-ins must be removed from the session. If you have made a specific effect decision during the recording, the effect must be printed to the track. Please do not assume I have the same plug-in (or version) as you.
Print dry and affected versions if you are unsure about committing to a specific effect. Label each version clearly ("DRY" AND "FX"). Reverbs should not be printed. This applies to more specific effects such as flanging, phasing, etc.
5.) All automation must be removed from the session.
6.) All files must be consolidated from 2 bars before the start of the song to two bars after the song ends.
NOTE: MAKE SURE THIS SELECTION STARTS AND ENDS ON A DOWNBEAT.
This approach, along with your BPM, ensures that when I import your audio tracks everything will line up properly on my end.
7.) Delete any unused tracks, and clear the audio region bin of unused files. Below is a good video on sharing your session.
Avid Pro Tools Users:
Follow the above guidelines, and also:
1. Only give me the tracks you want in your song. Before sending me your session, multiple playlists or anything in question should be decided on.
2. Properly name all audio tracks, and please keep it simple. I don't need to know which preamp was used when you were tracking.
For example, GTR for guitar. Not "Guitar + API+ Distressor." For drum overheads, please label which side of the kit: OH Hat and OH Ride, or Room Hat and Room Ride. Follow this naming convention for room mics or any source that has stereo ambiance.
3. Render all elastic audio and make sure the session tempo is correct.
4. All files must be consolidated from 2 bars before the start of the song to two bars after the song ends.
NOTE: MAKE SURE THIS SELECTION STARTS AND ENDS ON A DOWNBEAT.
This approach, along with your BPM, ensures that when I import your audio tracks everything will line up properly on my end.
5. If you're sharing your entire Protools session, please ensure you "save a copy in," select a destination drive, and select "all audio files." This ensures that even if you pull audio from several drives, all of it will be copied into one session. This is the session you share with me.
6. Some mixers work off of your rough mix / from where you left off. Not me. I earn my money and start every mix from scratch. All plug-ins, Autotune, Melodyne, etc., must be printed.
7. Include your rough mix in the session. This helps me understand what you've been hearing, what the label has been hearing, etc. I'm not going to chase it. It's just for reference.
Logic Users
Follow the above guidelines, and also:
1. If working in Logic, please watch the video below and follow the simple instructions to ensure your audio tracks are being correctly exported.
2. Label the folder with the song's tempo, sample rate, and bit depth after exporting Logic files.
For example: "Song Title"- 132 BPM 24 bit 48k
All of the above is necessary to ensure I have precisely what I need to mix your song on the scheduled day.