Session Prep & FAQ
Get ready to sound your best
A few minutes of prep makes mixing faster and recording cleaner. Here is what to send, how to record well at home, and answers to common questions. Not sure about something? Email us before you send anything.
Step one
Preparing Your Files
Sending a mix or master? Clean, organized files let us spend our time on your sound instead of sorting.
Export from the same starting point
Export every track from the very beginning of your session, all at full length. When every file starts at the same point, everything lines up as soon as we load it.
Use clear filenames
Name each file for what it is, such as Lead_Vocal, Vocal_Double, Adlibs_Left, or Hook_Stack. Avoid names like Audio 1 or Untitled.
Send WAV files at your session sample rate
Export WAV files at the same sample rate your session was recorded at, and do not convert them. Please do not send MP3s for mixing or mastering.
Avoid clipping
Keep your levels out of the red. If a track clips, the distortion is baked in and cannot be fully repaired, so leave some headroom when you record and export.
Include a rough mix and reference songs
Send a rough mix of how you hear the song now, plus a few reference songs with a sound you like. It shows us where you want to land.
Talk to us about creative effects
If a delay, distortion, or other effect is part of the sound, tell us. We will usually want dry tracks, and where it makes sense you can also send a processed version so we can match what you have in mind.
Which files does each service need?
| Service | Price | What to send |
|---|
Always email us first. We will confirm what to send and arrange how to deliver your files. This site does not have an automatic upload link.
Step two
Recording at Home
You do not need a perfect room. A few habits get you a cleaner recording to start from.
Find a quiet space
Switch off fans, air conditioning, and noisy devices if you can, and record at a time when the house or street is calm.
Reduce room reflections
Hard, bare rooms can sound hollow. Soft things like blankets, curtains, rugs, couches, or a closet of clothes help. Try a few spots and listen to the difference.
Use a pop filter
A pop filter softens the bursts of air on sounds like P and B, which saves a lot of cleanup later.
Keep your mic position consistent
Stay about the same distance and angle from the mic for the whole song. The best spot varies with the mic and your voice, so find what sounds good and stick with it.
Check a test recording first
Record a short test, then listen back on headphones for background noise, harsh pops, and distortion before you record the full song. A few seconds of silence at the start also helps us hear any steady noise.
A clean recording gives us the most to work with. Some noise can be reduced, but not all of it, and heavy cleanup can change how a voice sounds.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What files do I need for a vocal mix?
A Vocal Mix works over a premade stereo instrumental. Send:
- Every vocal track as its own WAV file (lead, doubles, adlibs).
- The instrumental as one stereo WAV file.
- A rough mix and a few reference songs.
Export everything from the same starting point so it lines up.
What files do I need for a full song mix?
A Full Song Mix needs the song in separate parts. Send:
- Individual vocal tracks, each as its own WAV file.
- Individual instrumental tracks, each as its own WAV file.
- A rough mix and a few reference songs.
If all you have is one stereo instrumental, that is a Vocal Mix instead. If you only have grouped stems, email us to discuss your files before booking.
What is the difference between individual tracks and stems?
Individual tracks (also called multitracks) are the separate recorded parts of a song, such as the kick, the snare, a guitar, or a single lead vocal take.
Stems are grouped submixes, such as all the drums together or all the backing vocals together.
People often say "stems" when they mean individual tracks, so please tell us exactly what you are sending. When we ask for vocal tracks, we mean individual tracks.
Can I work with you remotely?
Yes. Mixing and mastering are done remotely, so you can send your files from anywhere. Recording sessions happen by appointment at the studio in Broward County, Florida.
How do I send my files?
What is the difference between mixing and mastering?
Mixing balances and shapes the individual parts of a song, like vocals and instruments, so they work together as one song.
Mastering is the final processing of a mix that is already finished. It is not a fix for a mix that needs work, and mixing is not included in mastering.
How do I request a recording session?
Use the request form on the Book Now page, or email us directly. A request is an inquiry only. Your session is booked once we reply and confirm the details with you by email.
Ready to get started?
Send us a quick note about your project. It is an inquiry, and nothing is booked until we confirm with you by email.
Request a Session