What counts as a clean stem package
Per song, send synchronous audio: every track starts at sample 0, same sample rate and bit depth (prefer 24-bit WAV at 44.1 or 48 kHz — pick one project-wide setting). No mp3 for drums or vocals. One folder per song, clear names (01_Kick.wav, 02_SnareTop.wav).
Mark each take « final » or « alt »; three nearly identical guitar doubles without a choice slow the mix. State the preferred dub in your readme.
€195 covers up to 48 tracks per song; larger sessions need a quote via contact. Four-song EP package: €720.
Headroom and processing
Export without a limiter on the mix bus; peaks around −6 dBFS give room for EQ and compression. Fine: inserts on individual channels that define tone (e.g. amp sim on guitar). Not fine: a crushed « mix bus » with a maximizer — we cannot recover dynamics.
Include a rough mix reference (same length) for balance intent — not as a stem substitute. State BPM, key and whether tempo automation exists.
Folder layout and metadata
| Item | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Folder name | Artist_TrackTitle_48k24 |
| Readme | txt with BPM, key, take notes, contact e-mail |
| Reference | Optional one « intent » mp3/wav, roughly −14 LUFS |
| Session | Optional DAW project if we must repeat edits |
We retain delivered material 12 months; see privacy policy. Use encrypted transfer or hand off an SSD by appointment at Overtoom 682, 1054 JT Amsterdam.
Stems from our sessions vs. home recording
Tracked in our live room or booth? We export stems by arrangement before you leave — request naming and routing up front. Home recording? Confirm « export from start » so every file aligns.
Planning a band day? Read prepare your band session so overdubs are already on the setlist and you avoid duplicate studio days. Include tempo map and session notes in the same folder as the WAV files.
Revisions and feedback
Mixing includes 2 revision rounds: batch notes per round (not daily one-liners). Use timestamps (« chorus 1:42 — vocal slightly forward »). Major arrangement changes after approval are outside revision and billed at €95 hourly.
One decision-maker; CC others, but directions must be unambiguous for our engineer. Reference tracks are welcome, yet they never replace missing stems or fixes we cannot perform without the multitracks.
Stereo mix vs. stems for mastering
After approval we deliver a stereo mixdown (format by agreement). For mastering, send that mix without an extra limiter; mastering per song is €85. Atmos or MFiT extras: €45 per stem.
Streaming loudness targets? Read streaming loudness and mastering before you brick-wall the mix yourself.
Common mistakes
- Missing mono bass or doubled stereo guitars without pan notes in the readme.
- Click embedded on the drum stem without a separate file.
- Mismatched sample rates between guitars and programmed drums.
- No tail padding: edits hit the file end abruptly.
- FX returns not printed, so reverb disappears in the mix.
Unsure about export from Logic, Ableton or Reaper? Email a screenshot of bounce settings — we reply within 1 business day.
Booking and rates
Schedule mixing through contact with a track list and deadline. 30% deposit; free cancellation up to 7 days under terms and conditions.
Combining with vocal recording or band recording? Say so in your message so archive and naming stay consistent. Delivery rights are summarised in legal notice. For large sessions we sometimes book a short call with our mix engineer — useful when you move from a home DAW to our pipeline.
