Studio notes / Glory Wreck Chords
How to prepare your tracks for mixing
A practical checklist for independent artists: organise your files, keep exports aligned, and give your mix engineer a clear starting point.
A good handoff helps your mix engineer focus on the music. Before exporting a session, agree on what they need: individual tracks or grouped stems, file format, and whether particular effects should be included. This is a general starting point, not a replacement for your engineer’s delivery instructions.
1. Decide which version is ready.
Check the arrangement and performances before you export. Name the song and version clearly, and note anything still to be recorded or edited. If a part is intentionally rough, say so.
2. Make the files easy to understand.
Use names that describe the sound: Kick, Snare, Bass DI, Guitar Left, Lead Vocal. Keep a clean export folder for that song and version so old takes do not get mistaken for current ones.
3. Keep the timeline intact.
Export tracks from a common start point so they line up when imported into a new session. Include the full song and enough time for the ending to finish. Listen to the exports together before sending them.
Export controls differ between recording apps. Ableton users can check the official guide to importing and exporting stems for render start, length and effects settings.
4. Talk about effects before removing them.
An amp sound or vocal effect may be part of the creative idea. Explain which sounds matter, and ask whether your engineer wants processed tracks, unprocessed alternatives, or both. Do not assume every effect should stay on or come off.
5. Include the rough mix and your references.
Send the version you have been listening to, plus a small number of reference songs. Explain what you like about each: the vocal level, drum impact, guitar texture or overall feel. References are most useful when the intention is clear.
6. Add a short project note.
- Song title, version and contact details.
- Tempo and any tempo changes, if known.
- Your references and the rough mix.
- Any missing parts, deliberate effects or editing concerns.
- Your target release date and the scope you want to discuss.
Keep the originals backed up. Before uploading, confirm the preferred file format and transfer method with the person mixing your song.
Planning your next release?
Glory Wreck Chords offers recording, mixing and mastering in Vancouver. Tell us what you have and what you need; we can discuss the project and file preparation before work begins.