\\Preparing Tracks//
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If you are not using Protools, make arrangements with someone you know that is using it, and prepare a Protools session for mixing (formatted as WAV 24 bit 44.1k).
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If you are using Protools, do "save as" and prepare a slimmed down PT session by removing unused audio and midi tracks, and any unused audio files from the "regions" window by selecting "clear all unused files". Once the session is mix skinny (only elements pertinent to mixdown), select "save copy in" (check audio files box when prompted), to assure that all mixdown associated files get delivered.
You can save money by organizing your tracks in the following order, and by this color code below. This is how I set up my sessions, making it easy to navigate and to know where tracks are at a glance. The less time I have to spend acquainting myself with your tracks, the more time I can spend on getting great sounds and creating an exciting mix for you.
Bass
Kick
Snare
Toms
Overheads
Hat
Percussion
Guitar
Keys
Synths
Pads
Strings
Woodwinds
Brass
Lead Vocals
Harmony Vox
Backing Vox
How To Submit Your Tracks For Mixing
**Do This & Save Yourself Some Money**
\\click on thumbnail to expand color templates//
The more organized your tracks are the more money you will save. Please label all tracks with proper names. Please group your vocal tracks into logical parts: low harm, high harms, call and answer, etc. the more organized your tracks are when they show up here the more I can focus on delivering a solid/exciting mix. To quote the mix god, Chris Lord Alge: "if your files are in disarray, if it isn't cleaned up and ready to go, your mix isn't going to work".
Unless the fx you have on a track are part of the production sound, please print parts dry, so that I can maximize the scope of the sound field.
In PT session, include two reference mixes of material that you are hoping this track will sound like in terms of treatment and sonic curve. Also, please include the production mix in the PT mix session .
Once PT session is prepped and organized, please consolidate all folders into one, and then, using mac osx 10.5 or higher, compress/zip file, and post it on to your ftp sever.
If you do not have an ftp server, you can post it to mine. Contact me here for specific instructions on using my ftp.
What happens after first draft has been sent?
Ok, this is how it goes down: listen through the track on speakers or headphones that you know very well. Make notes of anything you are not feeling, or have concerns about, or would like to tweak in any way. If you are referring to anything specific, please include the minutes and seconds of those occurrences. While we are tweaking or addressing any of your concerns, I will be sending you mp3s. When I get the word that you are happy with the track, and we are done tweaking, I will send you an invoice. After I have received the final installment of payments via Paypal, cash, or cleared-check, I will put together a delivery folder which will include the following: full 24 bit file of full mix, 16 bit interleaved file of full mix, 320 mp3, and stems (pre-master bus) of drums, bass, keys, vocals, pads/fx/sweeps.
Backup
I encourage all my clients to buy a 3.5 inch internal drive for backup purposes to be permanently stored at my studio. In order to keep storage space at a minimal, I use the NewerTech Voyager storage solution that utilizes internal drives. This also keeps cost and storage space at a minimum because the drives do not require a chassis. Voyager is eSATA compatible, making it possible to use backup drive with Protools for big-session play-back. This comes in handy when you need that particular radio-edit/mix a year or two after the project is complete. With this in mind, please buy a 7200 rpm (or faster), 1TB, 3.5”, internal drive, and bring it with you when you deliver mix files. Or, order a drive online and have it delivered to me (contact me here for a delivery address). Every day I work on your project, it will be backed up at the end of the day to this in-house storage solution.
Beyond the backup you keep at my studio and the backup you take home, I highly recommend going a step further and backing the project up to a solid state drive 0r flash-drive/thumb-drive. Having a backup of your project in a third location is always a good idea.
If you do not choose to opt for a backup drive to be stored here or duplicate drive for your working drive, I will keep your files on my system for 30 days before I remove them permanently.