Stems vs full session
You can send a DAW session (Pro Tools, Logic, Reaper, etc.) when plugins and versions align, but stems are often safer: each track as a continuous WAV from song start to finish. That fits our €185 per-song rate up to 48 tracks; larger counts are scoped via contact first.
Stems from your home setup or from band recording here are both fine. Keep tempo and length aligned; avoid mystery silence at the top unless intentional. Budget context: band budget guide.
Format and baseline specs
Deliver uncompressed WAV, preferably 24-bit, 48 kHz — common in Dutch studios and our default export. 44.1 kHz is acceptable if the whole project lives there; do not hop rates between bounces. No MP3 or AAC as mix sources unless purely a reference.
All stems must share length from bar one through the final tail. Export from the same session start to avoid offset drift. Mono sources as mono files; stereo reverbs or double-tracked guitars as stereo. Watch for clipping: we can rescue a lot, but flattened drums cost time.
Headroom and processing
Send dry or deliberate: if you slammed a limiter on the drum bus, say so in notes. Aim for peaks around -6 dBFS to -3 dBFS on individual tracks without living in the red. Remove master-bus processing on exports unless we agreed on a processed bounce.
Autotune, amp sims and reverb can stay if that is the sound; for flexibility, export both DI and amp guitar. Vocals from vocal recording here are often already clean dry — flag which take is lead.
Naming and folder layout
Use readable names: SongTitle_Instrument_Part.wav — e.g. NightDrive_LeadVox_Comp.wav, NightDrive_Drum_OH_L.wav. Avoid bare Audio_01.wav. One folder per song; zip or upload via the link we send after booking.
- One folder per song
- Text file with tempo, key, time signature
- Reference track as its own file, not baked into stems
- Edit notes if crossfades matter
Consistency saves billable time; work beyond the package bills at €78 per hour.
MIDI, tuning and notes
MIDI is optional but helps drum replacement or synth edits. Include it alongside the printed audio. Note capo or detune per guitar; default A440 unless stated. If you used elastic audio, still bounce audio stems — we may not share every plugin.
Write short goals: space, aggression, vocal forwardness, kick/bass balance. References are direction, not copy targets. Revisions: 2 rounds per terms and quote; arrangement surgery is new scope.
From mix to master
After approval we deliver stereo mix WAV with headroom for mastering — typically no brickwall limiter. Mastering here is €75 per song; EP bundle €290. Read streaming loudness to know platform expectations.
Remote clients: same file rules apply; VAT appears on invoices per legal notice. We keep session backups 24 months after delivery.
Common mistakes
| Issue | Result | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Mismatched start points | Tracks slip off grid | Export from session zero, bounce all |
| Mixed sample rates | Pitch/tempo shift | One rate for the project |
| Reverb on every stem | Mud, no space | Include dry alternates |
| No labels | Guesswork, extra hours | Clear filenames + notes |
Unsure? Send a test zip with three tracks; feedback within 2 business days.
Booking and rates
Mix starts after intake: track count, deadline and price €185 or EP bundle €720. Deposit 40% per terms. If we tracked the band too, filenames are already aligned via band recording.
Vocal-only projects: tie vocal prep notes to your upload so we know lead takes. Call 020 244 8193 for urgent upload issues.
