🎧 SOUNDEN Studio - Client FAQ & Prep Guide
1. What should I deliver before a mixing session?
Answer:
Deliver your files as clearly labeled individual stems, preferably bounced from bar 1. Here’s what I recommend:
- All tracks rendered as WAV files (16 or 24-bit, 44.1 or 48 kHz).
- Name your files clearly: Kick.wav, LeadVox.wav, BGV_LowDouble.wav, 808.wav, etc.
- No clipping, no limiting on the master unless discussed.
- If you used autotune, effects, or EQ you want to keep, print those effects. Otherwise, send dry tracks.
- Include the BPM and key of the song in your email or folder name.
2. Should I include effects like reverb, delay, or autotune on my vocals?
Answer:
Yes, only if the effects are intentional to your sound. I recommend printing two versions:
- One dry (no effects).
- One wet (with the effects you used).
This lets me hear your creative intent while also giving me clean vocals to work with if adjustments are needed.
3. Should I include my rough mix?
Answer:
Yes. Please include your rough mix as a reference. It helps me understand your vision, especially with balance, effects, or drops.
4. Can I send stems that are not perfectly edited?
Answer:
Yes, I can clean up minor issues. But the tighter your edits (e.g., vocal cuts, timing, no doubled breaths), the smoother and faster the process goes.
5. How loud should my exported beat be if you’re mixing vocals over it?
Answer:
- Aim for your beat to peak at -6 dBFS or lower.
- Remove any final limiter or mastering plugins.
- This gives me headroom to work vocals into the track properly.
6. Do I get revisions?
Answer:
Yes — each mix includes up to two rounds of revisions. Clear notes help speed up the process. I’ll always work with you to make sure you’re happy.
BOOKING POLICY
To keep things smooth and professional for everyone involved:
- 50% deposit required to begin work
- Final WAVs and stems delivered upon balance payment
🎛️ Pro Tips
- Keep your stems organized: This saves time and keeps the creative flow going.
- Check your timing and edits: Use fades on vocal cuts to avoid pops and clicks.
- Avoid clipping: No track should peak above 0 dBFS. Keep some headroom.
- Label harmonies, doubles, and adlibs clearly.
- Use reference tracks: If you want it to sound like a certain artist or record, send that along.
📤 How to Export Stems
1. Logic Pro
- Go to File > Export > All Tracks as Audio Files
- Choose 24-bit WAV and set the range to start at bar 1.
- Check “Normalize: Off”
- Hit Export — Logic will create a folder with all your tracks lined up properly.
2. Pro Tools
- Select your entire session from start to end (all tracks).
- Go to File > Export > Selected Tracks as New Session... or use Bounce to Disk for each track or group.
- Solo each track if exporting manually.
- Use WAV, 16 or 24-bit, 44.1 or 48 kHz, starting at bar 1.
3. Ableton Live
- Solo each track or group.
- Set locators to start at bar 1 and end at the track’s longest point.
- Go to File > Export Audio/Video
- Choose All Individual Tracks, 16 or 24-bit WAV, no normalization or dithering.
4. FL Studio (Fruity Loops)
- Go to File > Export > WAV file
- Check “Split mixer tracks” (for stems)
- 16 or 24-bit WAV, bar 1 start
- Uncheck “Insert effects” if you want dry versions
5. Native Instruments Maschine
- Go to File > Export Audio
- Choose All Sounds or All Groups
- Export as 16 or 24-bit WAV at project tempo
- Starts from the beginning of your timeline
6. Reason
- In the Sequencer, set left locator to bar 1 and right locator to song end
- Use “Bounce Mixer Channels” or solo/mute and Export Song as Audio File per track
- Export 16 or 24-bit WAV files