Getting your tracks ready for mixing doesn’t have to be complicated, but doing it right can make a huge difference in your final result. After years of working with artists and producers, I’ve learned that good preparation up front saves everyone time and helps me deliver exactly what you’re hearing in your head.

What I Do (And What I Need From You)

As a mixing engineer, my job is taking all your individual tracks and blending them into something that sounds cohesive and polished. I’m balancing levels, adding effects, and making sure every element has its place in the mix. But to do that effectively, I need the right raw materials from you.

Getting Your Files Ready

Start With Good Organization

This might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many projects I get with tracks labeled “Audio_01” and “Audio_02.” Give me something to work with here! Name your tracks clearly – “Lead Vocal,” “Kick Drum,” “Electric Guitar Left,” etc. It helps me work faster and reduces the chance I’ll miss something important.

If you’ve got multiple takes or comp’d sections, consolidate them into single continuous files. I don’t need to see your 47 vocal takes (though I appreciate the effort!).

File Formats That Actually Matter

Stick with WAV or AIFF files – they’re uncompressed and give me the full quality of your recordings. Please don’t send MP3s unless that’s literally all you have. I’ve had to work with them before, but it’s like asking a chef to cook with pre-processed ingredients.

Keep everything at the same sample rate and bit depth. I typically work with 24-bit at either 44.1kHz or 48kHz. If you recorded at a different rate, that’s fine – just let me know.

The Session File Game-Changer

Here’s something most articles don’t tell you: if you’re working in Pro Tools, Studio One, Logic, or Ableton, send me your session file too. Seriously.

Sometimes the magic is in how you’ve processed things during production – that specific delay throw on the vocal, the way you’ve layered your synths, or that perfect guitar tone you spent hours dialing in. These aren’t mixing decisions I want to undo; they’re production choices that make your song what it is. When I can see your session, I can tell the difference between “this reverb is part of the vibe” and “this was just a rough mix reverb.”

About Those Effects…

This is where it gets tricky. In general, I prefer tracks without effects so I can start fresh. But there are definitely exceptions:

• If an effect is core to the sound (like that gnarly distortion on your lead guitar), keep it
• Creative delays, unique reverbs, or character-adding plugins that define the vibe should stay
• Basic EQ and compression used during tracking? Usually fine to leave on, but mention it in your notes

When in doubt, bounce me two versions – one wet (with effects) and one dry. That way I can choose what works best for each element.

Technical Stuff (The Boring But Important Part)

Make sure nothing’s clipping. I need headroom to work with. If you’re seeing red on your master bus, select all your tracks and pull them down until you’ve got some breathing room.

Export each track separately – not as stereo stems unless I specifically ask for them. Stems limit my flexibility to balance individual elements.

Here’s crucial: make sure all tracks start and end at the same point in the timeline. Nothing worse than getting a vocal that starts 30 seconds late and trying to figure out where it goes.

Send Me Your Rough Mix

Always include a rough mix, even if you think it’s terrible. It shows me where you’re trying to go with the song. Plus, it’s a great reference to make sure all the individual tracks imported correctly.

Communication Is Everything

Include notes about anything special you want me to know. Which vocal is the lead? Are there any problem areas you’re concerned about? Any reference tracks that inspired the song? The more context you give me, the closer I’ll get to your vision on the first pass.

Getting Files To Me

Create a main folder with your song/project name, then organize subfolders for audio files, session files (if you’re sending them), notes, and your rough mix. Zip it all up and use a reliable service like WeTransfer, Dropbox, or Google Drive.

The Bottom Line

Good preparation isn’t just about making my life easier (though I appreciate it). It’s about making sure your music gets the attention it deserves. When everything’s organized and I have all the pieces I need, I can focus on the creative part of mixing instead of playing detective with your files.

Every project is different, so don’t stress if your situation doesn’t fit perfectly into these guidelines. Just communicate with me about what you’ve got and what you’re going for. That’s usually enough to make great things happen.

If you’re looking for professional mixing or mastering services, visit mixandmastermysong.com. You’ll also find presets and courses tailored to enhance your music production journey. Let’s make your music sound amazing together.

If you’re looking for professional mixing or mastering services, visit mixandmastermysong.com. You’ll also find presets and courses tailored to enhance your music production journey. Stay tuned for more insights and discussions soon!