What we mean by tracks
Tracks, or multitracks, are every instrument and voice as a separate audio file: kick, snare, overheads, bass, guitars, keys, lead vocal, backing vocals. Stems are groups of those, such as all drums together. For mixing we prefer individual tracks, because each source can then be shaped on its own.
If you recorded at Variatesystems, your tracks are already in place and there is nothing to do. This guide is for anyone who recorded at home, in a rehearsal room or in another studio.
Format and sample rate
| Item | What we ask for |
|---|---|
| File type | wav or aiff, mono or stereo as recorded |
| Bit depth | 24-bit or 32-bit float |
| Sample rate | your session rate, usually 44.1 or 48 kHz |
| Length | all tracks from the same zero point, equal length |
| Processing | nothing on the master bus |
Do not convert to another sample rate to tidy things up; deliver at the rate you recorded in. Mp3 and other compressed formats cannot be used for mixing.
Everything from the same start point
The most common mistake is tracks that start at different moments. Export every track from the very start of the session, even if the instrument only comes in after a minute. The mix engineer can then drop them all at zero and they line up immediately. Also give the tempo in bpm, especially if the song has tempo changes.
Effects: print them or not?
Deliver each track dry, without the reverb, delay or compression you added in your own rough mix. If an effect is genuinely part of the sound, such as an amp simulation or a deliberately distorted synth, print it and add a dry version if you can. Pitch correction used as a creative effect is best printed and labelled.
If you have a rough mix you like, send it along as a reference. It shows us the direction you want and the balance you have grown used to.
File names that explain themselves
Stick to one pattern: number, title, instrument. For example 01_Harbour_Kick.wav, 01_Harbour_LeadVox.wav, 01_Harbour_GtrL.wav. Avoid names like Audio 14 or bounce_final2. If there are alternatives, such as two guitar takes, say so in the name and mark which one you prefer.
Recording with the mix in mind
If you are still tracking, you can make the mix easier now. Leave headroom on input levels: peaks around -12 to -6 dBFS are plenty at 24-bit, and clipping cannot be repaired afterwards. Record guitar through the amp and a DI box at the same time so a clean version exists for later. Watch for noise in the room, like a fridge, a laptop fan or traffic outside; hum and hiss can be reduced, but rarely without some cost to the sound.
Leave out takes you know you will not use. The less doubt in the folder, the faster the first version arrives.
Upload checklist
- All tracks as wav or aiff, 24-bit, at the original sample rate.
- Every file starts at the same zero point.
- Dry tracks; creative effects labelled separately.
- Clear file names per song.
- Tempo in bpm and the key.
- A rough mix plus one or two reference songs by other artists.
- A short note: what should stand out, what bothers you now.
- One folder per song, zipped into a single archive.
A download link from a mainstream service is fine. We handle your files as described in our privacy policy.
How the mix proceeds
Mixing costs €220 per track or €950 for an EP of up to five tracks. You get a first version followed by 2 revision rounds. Collect your notes per round and give timecodes, for example: 1:12 vocal a little louder. That is quicker than a stream of separate messages.
See how we work on music mixing, and what mastering adds afterwards in mastering for streaming. Questions about your files can go through contact or by e-mail: [email protected].
