Why delivery quality matters
Mixers lose hours to wrong sample rates, stereo bounces where mono was intended, or tracks named final_mix_v3.wav with no instrument label. Clear stems let us focus on balance, space and dynamics — what your mixing fee (€225 per track, EP €925) is for.
We work at up to 96 kHz when source material allows. Downsampling is fine; upsampling 44.1 kHz to 96 kHz adds no real detail. Deliver native rate and note it in a readme.
Format and bit depth
- WAV or AIFF, 24-bit preferred; 32-bit float is fine if you know your export settings.
- One sample rate per song, often 48 kHz for film/podcast or 44.1/96 kHz for music — consistent across stems.
- No mp3 as mix source unless agreed (loss is permanent).
- Headroom: peaks well below 0 dBFS; no limiter on every stem.
If you tracked here, we align export during the session. External recordings: list interface, DAW and any tuning/tempo changes via contact.
What counts as a stem
A stem is one logical track per export: kick in, snare top, bass DI, bass amp, lead vocal — not a stereo bounce of the full kit unless you intentionally supply a drum bus. Doubles and harmonies separate. Rhythm guitars L/R separate if recorded differently.
FX returns: deliver dry plus a separate aux when the effect defines the sound. Too many tracks beat too few; folding down is faster than guessing. For band recording here we usually keep multitracks — ask about delivery within our 12 month archive window.
Naming and folders
| Folder / file | Meaning |
|---|---|
Artist_Title_BPM120/ | Project folder with tempo |
01_KickIn.wav | Index + instrument |
README.txt | Tempo, key, refs, contact |
Use ASCII names without spaces or emoji. Same length on all files: start at sample 0 or include a sync click/reference mix. Note pick-ups before bar 1.
References and notes
Send one or two reference tracks (streaming quality is fine for taste, not for stems) and say what you mean: «softer sibilance like track X», «drier drums». Notes in the contact form or README prevent misunderstandings during the 2 revision rounds included with mixing.
References in session are not copyright issues for your release — do not embed them in the final master. Rights on your recordings are covered in terms and conditions; vocal personal data: privacy policy.
How to send files
Large packages: cloud link (WeTransfer, Drive, Dropbox) with a download test before you send. SSD drop-off by appointment at Goudsbloemstraat 73; label the drive with your name and song title. Keep links alive at least 1 business days — expired links delay start.
State master due date and whether you want mastering here (€78 per track). Stem master (€98) is a separate film/TV-oriented service — mention it explicitly.
Common mistakes
- Mismatched stem length because «export from start» was not used.
- Phase doubling: DI and amp unintentionally combined.
- Clip on pre-master bus while individual stems look «fine».
- Missing tempo map or tempo changes in the DAW.
- Mono vocal exported as identical stereo — supply mono.
Unsure? Send a short test zip with three stems; we confirm before you upload everything. See FAQ on file retention.
After mix and related guides
After approval we deliver stereo mixdown as agreed; mix stems are not included by default unless contracted. Mastering and loudness targets for Spotify, Apple Music and download are in loudness for streaming.
Bands budgeting recording: band studio budget. Vocalists still tracking: prepare your vocal session and vocal and speech recording. Questions: [email protected] or 020 737 0284, Mon–Fri 10–20, Sat 11–18.
