Why formats matter
DAWs are flexible; mix engineers are not fond of surprises — wrong sample rates, mp3 «stems» or vague file names burn time before the first fader move. At Morceauxnode we keep sessions 24 months per terms and conditions; consistent files make retrieval easier.
Offline mix per track is €185 incl. VAT; an EP up to five songs is €720. In-studio hourly work is €88. Overview: mixing.
Audio baseline
- Format: uncompressed WAV (AIFF only if your DAW exports nothing else — tell us upfront).
- Sample rate: one rate for the whole project, usually 48 kHz for picture/podcast or 44.1 kHz for music-only releases.
- Bit depth: 24-bit preferred; 32-bit float is fine if that is your export, provided peaks are not habitually above 0 dBFS.
- No mp3, m4a or compressed «stems» unless explicitly agreed for reference only.
Export everything from the same session start (bar 1 / timecode 0). Alignment matters for drums and live band material from our live room. Avoid normalised peaks above 0 dBFS unless you deliberately leave headroom for the mix engineer.
Naming and folders
One root folder per song, e.g. Artist_Title_MixStems. Inside: 01_Kick.wav, 02_SnareTop.wav, Vocal_Lead.wav — short unique names, underscores instead of spaces.
Add a text file with BPM, key, reference tracks and a contact name. Multiple songs: subfolder each. Large uploads: zip or cloud link via contact; ensure the link does not expire within 2 days without warning us.
Stems versus stereo bounce
Offline mix needs editable tracks: drums split or at least overheads separate, bass DI and amp if both exist, rhythm and lead guitar apart, keys and vocals on their own files. A single stereo bounce of the whole song is reference only, not a mix source.
Print effects only when you want a committed sound; otherwise send dry tracks and note desired reverbs or delays. Revisions: 2 rounds included on standard mix deals — out-of-scope changes may bill at €88.
Recorded with us
If you tracked at our Amsterdam rooms, we usually export aligned WAV stems on session day or shortly after. Vocals from the iso booth and band takes from the live room follow the same naming so mixing slots in cleanly.
Taking files to another engineer? Ask via contact for the same structure; we can deliver exports without your native DAW project if you do not use our house tools.
Master and loudness next
Mix output is WAV 24-bit; streaming loudness is handled in mastering (€72 per track). State whether the target is Spotify, Apple Music, vinyl pre-master or broadcast — targets differ.
Stems from freelance engineers in the Netherlands should be «dry» without a limiter on the master bus. A mastered demo can accompany as a listen reference, not as material to mix.
Pre-upload checklist
- All stems WAV, same sample rate and length, aligned start.
- Folder name plus txt with BPM, key and contact; no mp3 unless reference.
- Effects only where intended; note wishes in the txt file.
- Cloud link or drive tested; tell us via contact when data is ready.
- Band day budget questions? See band recording budget.
Large uploads: processing follows our privacy policy. Unsure about sample clearance in stems? rights after a vocal session explains artist versus producer roles at a high level. Reply within 2 working days if you need a delivery template before export.
