For a lot of people, the process of sending vocals off for mixing is a daunting one. You’ve likely spent countless hours perfecting your vocal take and now you have to trust someone else to mix it properly.
But with the right preparation and understanding of what to expect, the process can be smooth and worry-free. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before sending your vocals off for mixing. So without further ado, let’s get started!
How to send vocals for mixing?
Communicate your expectations and desires
Once you have recorded your tracks, it is time to send them to a mixing engineer. Before you do so, it is important to communicate your expectations and desires. Be sure to provide as much information as possible, including reference tracks, if available.
The more context the engineer has, the better they will be able to understand your desires and provide the results you are looking for. With clear communication, you can ensure that your tracks are mixed exactly how you want them.
Ask for specific requirements
Before sending your tracks to a mixing engineer, it’s important to ask if they have any specific requirements. Some engineers prefer to work with raw, unprocessed files, while others may want you to add effects or processing before sending the files.
Regardless of their preferences, it’s always best to ask ahead of time so that you can be sure to deliver the files in the format they prefer.
Properly Export Your Stems
Here are a few tips for exporting your stems:
- Make sure each stem is on its own track. In this way, the engineer will be able to mix and match different elements of your track easily.
- Export each stem as a separate file. This will prevent the engineer from having to search through a lot of files to find the right one.
- Label each file clearly. Include the name of the stem, the date it was exported, and any other relevant information. This will allow the engineer to keep track of your vocals and make sure that he or she is working with the most up-to-date versions.
Send a Rough Mix & Reference Mix
This will give the engineer an idea of the overall sound you’re going for and how the various elements should fit together.
You should also include some reference mixes, which are mixes of other songs that have a similar sonic palette to your own.
These will serve as a starting point for the engineer and help them understand your vision for the final mix.
Send your files in a .zip through a file-sharing website
When you’re ready to send your tracks to a mixing engineer, the first step is to make sure they’re all saved in a .zip folder. This will help to keep them organized and make it easier for the engineer to access the files they need.
Once you’ve done that, you can upload the .zip folder to a file-sharing website like Dropbox or Google Drive. Then, simply send the link to the engineer and they’ll be able to download the files and get started on mixing your track!
Communicate Your Deadlines & Needs
Every mixing engineer has their own way of working, so it’s important to communicate your deadlines and needs upfront. That way, they can mix your tracks in the most efficient way possible and get them back to you on time.
Send Clear Mix Notes
Include information on which parts of each track you would like to be emphasized, and any changes you would like to hear in the mix. This will help the engineer understand your vision for the song and make sure that the final mix reflects your preferences.
Also be sure to label each track clearly, with both the song title and the specific instrument or vocal part.
How to hire a professional mixing engineer?
If you’re serious about making high-quality music, it’s worth hiring a professional mixing engineer. A good mixing engineer will have access to state-of-the-art equipment and will use their expertise to bring out the best in your recording.
They’ll also be able to provide invaluable feedback on your performance and help you make creative choices. Of course, all of this comes at a cost, so it’s important to do your research before hiring someone.
Make sure to read reviews and listen to samples of their work to get an idea of their style. Once you’ve found someone you’re happy with, it’s time to start working on creating your vision for the project.
With a professional mixing engineer by your side, you can be confident that your music will sound it’s absolute best.
Closing Thoughts
The mix engineer is the last line of defense for your music. By taking the time to properly prepare your tracks, you can make their job a lot easier and ensure that the end result sounds great.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to getting better mixes. What have been some of your biggest challenges when preparing for a mix? Let us know in the comments below!
