Preparing your session for mixing

Written By Norman Loviat

To get the best possible mix — and to respect the sound and direction you already like — I ask artists to send their sessions in a specific but simple way. The goal is not to start from scratch, but to build from your rough mix and the choices you’re happy with, while making sure everything transfers cleanly and efficiently.

If anything below feels unclear, just ask — I’m happy to help.

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR SESSION

Please include the most recent rough mix you’re happy with. This is my main reference for balance, intent, effects and overall direction.

Remove all unused audio, include only the final, edited takes.

Export tracks as audio including:

  • All vocal tuning (AutoTune, Melodyne, etc.)

  • Effects that define the sound (distortion, flanging, Leslie, Lo-Fi, special delays, etc.)

  • Effects and automation that you’re happy about (this ensures your creative choices come through unchanged)

  • All MIDI instruments

  • All Elastic Audio or Warp editing

Label tracks clearly:

  • If possible, use industry-standard names and abbreviations: Kick In, Sn Top, OH, Bass DI, Gtr, AcGtr, Vn1, Vn2, Vla, Vlc, Tpt, Tbn, Lead Vocals, LV, BV, etc.

  • Avoid names like “Audio 23” or “Vox final final”

  • This will speed things up for everyone and avoid confusion

Make sure the song is finished, i.e. the arrangements are final, no parts are still being rewritten. This is because, once mixing starts, structural changes are difficult to make and slow things down.

If you can, include or mention a stereo reference mix of a commercial song similar to what you want your track to sound like. You can also send one of your released song from the same project as reference.

Optional: send the full session

If you’re using Pro Tools (or Logic Pro or Reaper) please send the session that created the latest rough mix, with all plug-ins and automation intact. This helps ensure all tracks have transferred correctly. This also helps me understand how your rough mix was built.

If you’re using Pro Tools specifically:

  • Please remove all unused tracks and playlists.

  • Don’t forget to remove inactive and hidden tracks.

  • Open the Clip List and clean all unused clips (shortcut: Shift Cmd U, then Shift Cmd B).

  • Use the “Save Session Copy In…” function. In the dialog, check “Include Audio” and “Main Playlist Only” and send me the created copy.

Thanks!

Norman Loviat
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