Mix and Stem Delivery Checklist
Check your mix files, stems, paperwork and back-ups before handing over, with a clear file name for each export. Free with an account.
Delivery Checklist is part of the Studio section of Music Manager Resource.
Related
Why delivery deserves a checklist
Handing over a mix should be the easy bit, but it is where small slips cost the most. A wrong sample rate, a cut-off reverb tail or a file named final_final_2 can mean more emails, another bounce and a delay at mastering. A checklist takes a couple of minutes and catches most of these problems before anyone else hears them.
The mix and its versions
Export the final mix in a lossless format such as WAV or AIFF at the agreed sample rate and bit depth, then listen to the whole file after exporting it. Check with the client whether they want other versions, such as an instrumental or a clean edit. These can be far quicker to print now than to recreate after the session has been closed.
Stems and mastering
Stems are grouped audio files, such as all the drums together. They should start at the same point and be the same length, so they line up when imported and add back up to the mix. Talk to your mastering engineer before you bounce. They can tell you the level, headroom and file format they want, and whether to leave any processing on or off the mix bus. Their own specs should always come before any general advice.
File names
A consistent file name tells people what a file is without opening it. This tool suggests one using the artist, song, type, version, sample rate and bit depth. Avoid words like final, because there is often another final later. Use version numbers instead.
How to use this checklist
Enter the project details and tick each item as you finish. Not every line applies to every job, so skip what does not fit. You can save your ticks to your account, and export a PDF as a record of what was delivered. Finish by confirming the client can open the files, and keep your back-ups somewhere safe.