Note that all of the below methods of delivery will come with a session bounce (typically an MP3) of the recording exactly as heard during the session for reference, notes for session exports, etc. This can also be provided via an online link to act as a “proof” for pre-sales of beats or other recorded materials intended for sale.
Full Pro Tools Session Files
This will be the full Pro Tools session file(s) and all associated audio files. This gives the producer/mixer the most flexibility by far, but is best if we touch base beforehand so I know what plugins they have and prefer to use so I’m working with them and not against them. Opening the Pro Tools file will open exactly what we are hearing/seeing during recording (EXCEPT for any plugins that I use that the producer/mixer doesn’t have), so I will use their preferred plugins where possible, and only generic (built-in Pro Tools) plugins otherwise.
| Benefit: | Maximum flexibility for producer/mixer. Also allows “playlists” of different versions/takes to be selected. |
| Caveat: | Need to coordinate beforehand to make sure we’re using the same plugins to ensure everything opens 1:1 and sounds the same. |
| Mix Time: | N/A |
| Prep Time: | ~45 mins for first song, then ~20 mins for each song thereafter. |
| File Size: | Large — at least a few gigabytes per song or more. |
| Delivery: | Due to size they will be posted as zip files on my server for download via emailed link |
AAF/OMF Session Files
This will export the full session files to non-Pro Tools users. The usability is highly dependent on the recipient’s software and the options they choose when importing. Best case, when they import the session file into their DAW of choice, they should have a session with all audio files in their correct location with general volume settings. This will provide the producer/mixer full access to all files, but will not sound exactly like we are hearing them because it will be missing all plugins. Importantly, since we are recording actual instruments, any phase adjustments between different microphones will also be lost. I can provide a list of all phase offsets (as samples or milliseconds) but it will be up to the recipient to make sure those are offset correctly. Alternatively I can manually shift any phase correlations in the session, but this should be discussed before prepping the files for transfer.
| Benefit: | Workaround for maximum flexibility if producer/mixer doesn’t use Pro Tools. |
| Caveat: | Session will not sound the same as we are hearing it as it will open without any plugins or delay/phase compensation. Can try to minimize those issues if discussed prior to prepping files for transfer. |
| Mix Time: | N/A |
| Prep Time: | ~45 mins for first song, then ~20 mins for each song thereafter. |
| File Size: | Large — at least a few gigabytes per song or more. |
| Delivery: | Due to size they will be posted as zip files on my server for download via emailed link |
Individual Channel Files
Every individual channel all bounced from a common starting point. Will allow the producer/mixer almost as much flexibility editing-wise as the original session file, but will “print” any EQ/compression and potentially reverb (if requested) from the recording session without the ability to remove it after the fact. The fact that these will be somewhat “pre-mixed” will be either a positive or a negative for the producer/mixer, depending on if they want access to the original, dry tracks. The transferred file may also be even larger than the original session files because every channel will be bounced from the same starting point even if that instrument doesn’t come in until later.
| Benefit: | Different (non-Pro Tools) workaround to allow everything to open exactly as we heard it (but with less editing and mixing flexibility). |
| Caveat: | EQ/Compression and potentially reverb will be printed to each file, so the producer/mixer will not necessarily have “dry” tracks (but the tracks will sound slightly more “pre-mixed”). |
| Mix Time: | Minimal; not really mixed, but printed through plugins we are listening through during recording. Few minutes of tweaks made, if or where needed. |
| Prep Time: | ~20 mins for each song, plus a minute or two of bouncing time per channel, per song, then a few minutes to assemble for transfer. |
| File Size: | Large — at least a few gigabytes per song or more. |
| Delivery: | Due to size they will be posted as zip files on my server for download via emailed link |
Instrument Group Stems
Stereo bounce of each instrument group/stem (ie: drums, bass, harp, keys, rhythm guitars, lead guitar, etc). Each instrument will be somewhat mixed so it sounds as good as possible by itself. The instrument should drop into a mix reasonably well, but will need to be mixed further into the final mix, similar to using sampling software.
| Benefit: | Can be imported into any software, and each instrument will sound good on its own. Good starting point for mixing, similar to sampled instruments. |
| Caveat: | All original EQ/compression (and reverb, if requested) will be printed into each instrument group, so there is much less mixing flexibility. |
| Mix Time: | ~2-3 hours to mix stems of first song, then ~1 hour for each song thereafter |
| Prep Time: | A minute or two of bouncing time per stem, per song, then few minutes to assemble for transfer. |
| File Size: | Medium — likely at least a few hundred megabytes per song |
| Delivery: | Due to size they will be posted as zip files on my server for download via emailed link, or can possibly be sent via 3rd party transfer services (depending on size limits) if upload link provided by producer/mixer. |
Full Mix
Stereo mix of the full recording session. Not particularly useful if producer/mixer is planning to add any other instruments, as this option will be a final mix. This would be if a producer wants to send their full session back to me for a full mix instead of mixing on their end.
| Benefit: | Full mix of song if producer isn’t mixing on their end. |
| Caveat: | Not really an option for sending a recording session unless we are recording ALL of the parts of the song and working with a producer on the arrangement. |
| Mix Time: | ~4-8 hours to mix each song, then potentially a bit quicker for subsequent mixes if instrumentation and production are all very similar. |
| Mastering: | Optional but strongly recommended: Billed at discounted mastering rates per album or single. |
| Prep Time: | Minimal; included |
| File Size: | Small — likely a couple hundred megabytes per song max. |
| Delivery: | Will be posted on my server for download via emailed link, and/or sent via 3rd party transfer tools if upload link provided by producer/mixer. |