How to Prepare Your Music for Mixing & Mastering

Let’s get your track sounding its absolute best. Here's everything you need to know before sending files to MixedByBam:

FOR MIXING

What I need: Just your individual audio files — not your full project session.

✅ Consolidated Stems

Export each track in your session as a separate WAV or AIFF file, starting from the same point in time — even if some tracks have silence at the beginning. This ensures everything lines up perfectly when I import it into my DAW.

✅ Track Labeling

Clearly name each file based on its content (e.g., "LeadVocal.wav", "Kick.wav", "Guitar_Lead.wav"). Organized files speed up the mixing process and help avoid confusion.

✅ Dry Mix (No Effects)

Please remove all plug-ins, EQs, reverbs, and delays. I prefer to work with clean, unprocessed stems.
Exception: If a track has a specific sound effect or plug-in you want to keep, send both versions:

  • A processed version (with your FX)

  • A dry version (no FX) in a separate folder

Label them clearly so I know which is which.

✅ MIDI & Virtual Instruments

Bounce all MIDI or virtual instruments to audio before sending.
Ensure none of the files are clipping. Aim for levels peaking below 0dB. If you notice clipping, lower the track volume and re-bounce.

FOR MASTERING

If you’re only requesting mastering, here’s what I need:

  • A single stereo file (WAV or AIFF) of your final mix

  • No effects, EQ, or limiting on the master bus

  • Leave headroom: ideally -3dB to -6dB peak

  • Sample rates: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, or 96kHz

  • Bit depth: 24-bit or 16-bit

FILE PACKAGING

Create a .ZIP file that includes:

  • All stems

  • Rough mix (if you have one)

  • Notes or reference tracks (optional)

Before sending, open the ZIP in a new session to confirm everything loads correctly.

HOW TO SEND FILES

Upload your ZIP file to any of these platforms:

  • Dropbox (recommended – shareable links never expire)

  • Google Drive

  • WeTransfer (free links expire in 7 days)

  • Or any cloud storage that provides a public download link

Once uploaded, email the download link (plus your reference track and order number) to:
📩 order@mixedbybam.com

Myself or a team member will follow up with you shortly.

Thank you for choosing MixedByBam. I’m excited to bring your vision to life.