Best Practices for Exporting Audio Tracks for Mixing.

As a music producer, one of the most important tasks you have is to ensure that your audio tracks are exported correctly for mixing. This is especially important if you're collaborating with other producers or artists remotely aswell. Here are some best practices I find to follow when exporting your audio tracks for mixing:

1. Export all files at a zero point with the correct file name.

It's important to ensure that all audio files are exported at a zero point, which is typically bar 1 beat 1, with the correct file name. This ensures that the tracks will be properly aligned when imported into the mixing software and that they will play back in time with each other. If you have sections of your song that start at different times, make sure that you include the necessary amount of silence before the audio starts to keep everything in sync.

2. Export all audio files at the same sample rate and bit depth.

Make sure that all of your audio tracks are recorded using the same sample rate and bit depth. This is important to maintain consistency and avoid any potential issues when importing your tracks. Typical sample rates are 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz, and bit depths of 16 or 24 bits. Please avoid exporting your tracks as MP3s, as these are typically compressed and can result in lower-quality audio and slightly off-tempo.

3. Consolidate and print MIDI tracks/virtual instruments as audio tracks.

If you're using MIDI tracks or virtual instruments, make sure to print these as audio tracks as well to preserve the intended sound. For flexibility, you can also provide the MIDI track in addition to the printed audio. I have a vast collection of samples so rather than fixing a bad sample I can trigger your midi with a new sound.

4. Exporting effects as sends.

If you have individual effects that are essential to the sound of your tracks, export these as separate tracks or sends. This will allow me to blend them in with the dry signal, resulting in a more balanced and cohesive mix.

5. Provide your Pro Tools or Logic Pro X session.

If you're using Pro Tools or Logic Pro X, consider sending your session to me too. This will give them more flexibility as I can see where you left your production ready for the mix.

6. Share a playlist with references.

Finally, consider sharing a playlist of songs that you like with me. This will give me a better understanding of the sound you're going for and help guide some of my choices. Point out specific elements that you like about each track, such as the use of reverb or the placement of certain instruments in the mix.

Following these best practices when exporting your audio tracks will help ensure that your music sounds the way you intended and make everything smoother and more efficient. Remember that good communication with me is key, so don't be afraid to ask questions or provide feedback throughout the process!