Sending your song to a mixing engineer can feel technical, but it doesn’t need to be complicated. A little preparation helps the process move smoothly and allows your mixer to spend more time shaping the emotion, clarity, and impact of the song.
Here’s how to prepare your tracks for online mixing.
FINISH YOUR PRODUCTION DECISIONS
Before exporting, make sure the recording and production are as complete as possible. Finish any vocal comping, tuning, timing edits, arrangement changes, and instrument replacements you want to make.
Mixing can enhance what you’ve recorded, but it works best when the performances and production decisions are already in place.
EXPORT EVERY TRACK FROM THE SAME STARTING POINT
Every audio file should begin at exactly the same place—even if the instrument doesn’t enter until later in the song.
For example, if the acoustic guitar begins at the start but the background vocals don’t enter until the final chorus, both files should still be exported from the same starting point. This keeps everything aligned when the files are imported into a new session.
USE HIGH-QUALITY WAV FILES
Export each track as a WAV file at the original sample rate and bit depth of your recording session. There is no need to convert the files to a higher resolution.
Avoid MP3 files, normalization, and unnecessary sample-rate conversion. If you aren’t sure which settings to use, ask your mixer before exporting.
DECIDE WHICH PROCESSING SHOULD STAY
If an effect is an important part of the sound—such as a specific guitar tone, vocal effect, delay, or unusual reverb—leave it in place.
For important processed sounds, it can also be helpful to provide a dry version. Label both versions clearly so your mixer knows which one represents your creative intention.
Unless it is essential to the sound, remove limiting or heavy processing from the master bus before exporting.
LABEL EVERYTHING CLEARLY
Clear filenames make a meaningful difference. Use names such as:
Lead Vocal
Acoustic Guitar
Electric Guitar Left
Background Vocal High
Kick
Snare
Avoid filenames such as Audio 01, Track 7, or Final Final Vocal. If there are multiple versions of a part, make the distinction clear.
INCLUDE YOUR ROUGH MIX
Your rough mix is one of the most useful things you can provide. It shows how you’ve been hearing the song and helps communicate the balance, energy, effects, and overall direction you have in mind.
It doesn’t need to sound polished. Its purpose is to communicate your vision.
SHARE A FEW REFERENCE SONGS
Choose one to three songs that reflect something you like about the direction of the mix. You might reference the vocal presence in one song, the warmth of the acoustic instruments in another, or the sense of depth and space in a third.
A short note explaining what you like about each reference is more useful than a long playlist without context.
ADD A FEW PROJECT NOTES
Include the song title, artist name, tempo, and key if available. You can also mention any important creative priorities or concerns.
You don’t need to describe every moment of the song. A few focused notes are usually enough to establish the direction while leaving room for your mixer to bring a fresh perspective.
LISTEN TO YOUR EXPORTED FILES
Before uploading everything, open a new session and import the exported tracks. Make sure they line up correctly and listen for missing parts, clipped audio, unwanted noise, or effects that didn’t export properly.
This final check can prevent delays once mixing begins.
QUICK MIX-PREP CHECKLIST
- All tracks are exported from the same starting point
- Files are WAVs at the original sample rate and bit depth
- Tracks have clear, descriptive names
- Creative effects are included or clearly labeled
- A rough mix is included
- One to three reference songs are included
- Project notes and priorities are included
- The exported files have been checked
READY TO TALK ABOUT YOUR SONG?
If your tracks are ready and you’re looking for a warm, clear mix that supports the heart of the song, tell me a little about your project.