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After accepting a mixing project your first task is to receive your project source files. This is what we’ll be covering in today’s episode of the Sound Tweakers Podcast.
1. Before mixing anything: get your contract signed!
But wait, didn’t you say we’d talk about mixing? Yes, we do, but this is a really important detail! So I decided to include it in this episode.
- Make sure you’ve got your terms and fees defined and accepted in a legally binding form.
- Don’t make exceptions – even if you know the artist for years. I’ve seen friendships ending badly because there was no contract in place.
- Never, never ever, work for free.
- Receive some payment up-front to cover your costs and as a sign of dedication from your client.
- Define your scope of work, deadlines, number of revisions, fees and a contract termination clause.
2. What do you need to receive from your client?
- Briefing: You need to know what your client wants. The more detailed the briefing, the better it is. Remember to get this in writing!
- Reference: One audio file (I repeat: one, not many) which serves you as a mixing north in case of doubts.
- Documentation: Any notes that have been taken during recording and editing should be available to you.
- Project files: This is the fun part – we’ll look at them next.
3. How to receive your project files for mixing?
- If you’re only going to mix, the most common format for receiving files is consolidated WAV files.
- Should your responsibilities go beyond mixing (editing, vocal tuning), it is a good idea to receive the open session.
- In this case, you need to check plug-in and DAW compatibility.
- If you don’t have all the plug-ins available, printing the ones you don’t have is a valid option.
- Decide on which format to use (consolidated or open) by talking to your client about her needs.
4. How about the sample rate and bit depth?
- You should receive files at the same sample rate and bit depth as they were recorded.
- No upsampling, no downsampling.
- A very common format for audio production nowadays is 48 kHz / 24 bit.
- If your client recorded at a higher sample rate than your setup accepts, receive the source files in high definition, then create lower sample rate versions upon import and use those for mixing.
- When you bounce your mix, relink the high-resolution files using an interface/studio which supports the higher sample rate.
Like the Sound Tweakers podcast?
That’s it for today! If you liked the episode, here are some more links for you:
- If you want to get notified about future Sound Tweakers episodes, new YouTube tutorials and the like, subscribe to my newsletter using the form below. I’ll send you a guide with valuable mixing tips as a welcome present. No spam, cancel any time. [convertkit form=919174]
- You can find more posts and videos on my blog as well as my YouTube channel.