Tips for Independent Artists to Prepare Tracks for Mixing

Preparing your tracks properly before sending them off for mixing can make a huge difference in the final sound. Here are some essential tips:

1. Organize Your Session

Label all your tracks clearly and remove any unused takes or muted sections.

2. Export Stems Correctly

Bounce each track or stem from the same starting point, preferably in WAV format at 24-bit or 32-bit float.

3. Avoid Over-Processing

Remove unnecessary EQ, compression, or effects unless they are essential to the sound.

4. Include Reference Tracks

Provide a couple of songs that represent the sound you're aiming for.

5. Communicate Your Vision

Share notes about the vibe, important elements, and any creative ideas you have.

Following these steps will help your mixing engineer deliver the best possible result for your music.