How to Prep Your Session for a Mixing Engineer
Your Mix Starts Before I Open the Files
Here's a fun fact about mixing: a surprising amount of the job happens before a single fader moves. If the session shows up organized, I get to spend my time making your song sound amazing. If it shows up as 94 files called "Audio 1_03.wav," I spend my time playing detective.
I'd much rather be mixing. So here's how to send a session that gets you the best possible result.
Export Every Track From Bar One
Every file should start at the exact same point, ideally bar 1 or zero on your timeline, even if the instrument doesn't come in until the second chorus. That way everything lines up the second I drop it into my session. No guessing, no nudging, no "why is the bass a beat late?"
Name Things Like a Human
"Kick In," "Kick Out," "Lead Vox," "BGV High," "Synth Pad." That's the energy we're going for. Clear names save time and prevent mistakes. Bonus points if you number them in a logical order: drums, bass, guitars, keys, vocals, effects.
Bounce Dry (Mostly)
Send tracks without your mix bus processing, limiters, or heavy plugins on them. If a specific effect is part of the sound, like a guitar amp sim or a crazy vocal throw you love, send two versions: one dry and one printed with the effect. That gives me the flexibility to match your vision or improve on it.
Leave Some Headroom
If your tracks are peaking at 0 dBFS, they're probably clipping. Aim for peaks somewhere around -6 dBFS. It looks quiet on the meter, but trust me, quiet is good here. Loud comes later.
Match the Sample Rate and Bit Depth
Export at the same sample rate you recorded at, usually 44.1 or 48 kHz, in 24-bit WAV. Please don't send MP3s for mixing. It's like asking a chef to cook with ingredients that have already been microwaved.
Include the Important Extras
- A rough mix so I know what you've been living with
- The tempo and key of the song
- Two or three reference tracks you love
- Notes on anything you want changed or kept exactly the same
- Lyrics, if vocals are a big part of the story
Comp and Tune Before You Send
Decide on your final vocal takes before mixing. If you want me to handle comping or tuning as part of vocal production, that's totally fine, just let me know up front so we can plan for it. Sending 11 unlabeled lead vocal takes with no notes is the mixing equivalent of a choose-your-own-adventure book with no ending.
Ready to Send It Over?
If your session is prepped and ready to go, let's talk about your mix. And if you're not sure about any of this, ask. I'd always rather answer a question than untangle a mystery.