Learn about
mix preparation guidelines
Aucourant Media Services
At Aucourant Media Services, we’re committed to providing professional, detail-focused mixing services that elevate your music. To ensure a smooth, efficient workflow and the best possible results, please carefully follow the mix preparation guidelines outlined below.
File Delivery Overview
- Delivery Deadline: All files must be delivered at least in advance of a mix session.
- Accepted Formats: WAV or AIFF files at 16-bit, 24-bit, or 32-bit resolution with sample rates of 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, or 192 kHz.
- DAW Sessions: Please consolidate and export audio files with a common start time and maintain the original session’s sample rate.
- Rough Mix: Include the most recent rough mix as a stereo track (placed at the top or bottom of the session), or as a separate stereo file clearly labeled:
[SongTitle]_RoughMix.wav - Tempo Information: If the song was recorded to a click or includes sequenced elements, include the tempo either in the folder name, the rough mix file name, or in a separate note.
Session Organization & Cleanup
To keep the mixing process focused and streamlined, please follow these session prep standards:
- Single Session Only: If your song was recorded across multiple sessions (e.g., vocals and instruments separately), consolidate all relevant tracks into a single session.
- Remove Unused Content:
- Delete all tracks not needed for the final mix.
- Remove muted, deactivated, or unused playlists.
- Eliminate inactive or extraneous audio files.
- Track Naming:
- Clearly label each track by instrument or role (e.g., Kick, Snare, Bass, LeadVox, BGV2, Synth1).
- Do not include the song title in the file names.
- Avoid default exports like: SongTitle:Keyboards_001.wav. These files will be rejected.
- File Formatting:
- Send mono files as mono and stereo files as stereo.
- Ensure all tracks are properly aligned and in sync.
- Group Instrument Families: Organize files logically (e.g., drums together, guitars together, vocals grouped, etc.).
- Plug-ins & Automation:
- Remove all plug-ins unless you’re printing specific effects you want to preserve.
- Print software instruments to audio before delivery.
- Remove all automation unless there are intentional FX or panning moves you wish to keep. If so, document them clearly in mix notes.
- Vocal Tuning: If using Auto-Tune or pitch correction, print/bounce the processed vocal tracks.
- Clean Edits: Ensure all clips have appropriate fades and crossfades to eliminate clicks and pops.
- Check for Missing Files: Double-check that all necessary media is included and functional.
Session Organization & Cleanup
After receiving the first mix:
- Use Reliable Listening Environments: Review the mix on trusted systems, including a car stereo. Avoid basing mix decisions on laptop speakers or earbuds.
- Consolidate Feedback:
- All revision requests must be compiled into a single email from one designated representative of the artist, band, or production team.
- Please avoid sending scattered notes over multiple days.
- Be Specific: Use clear time stamps (e.g., “1:45 – bring the guitar solo up 1dB”) for any requested changes.
- Stem Requests: Stems are available for an additional hourly fee. Please specify exactly what you need (e.g., drums only, vocal stems with FX, etc.).
Terms & Policies
- Final Delivery: Masters will be released once the full payment is received.
- Additional Work: The quoted fee covers mixing only. Any session cleanup, file organization, vocal tuning, or additional tracking/editing will be billed at an hourly rate.
- Storage Policy: We retain session files for 60 days following delivery. After that, they may be deleted. Please make and store multiple backups of your final mixes and session files.
Questions?
We’re happy to help clarify any part of this process. Reach out with questions or concerns well in advance of your scheduled session. Preparing your files properly ensures a smooth mixing experience and the best sonic results for your music.