Frequently Asked Questions
How do I export my stems from a Logic Pro project that uses busses (for a mix)?
If you use a lot of busses, first make sure that you add the buss tracks from the Mixer...as tracks to the Arrange Window. You can do this easily by opening the mixer (Key Command: X), then right click (or Control-click) all your buss/aux tracks and choose “Create/Select Arrange Track.” This will add the bus/aux tracks to the Arrange Window. Then, create empty regions onto each of the bus/aux tracks in the Arrange Window. You can do this easily this the Pencil Tool...simply click to create one, then drag the end of the region all the way out to the end of your song. Once you’ve done this, simply select “All Tracks As Audio Files” from the “File” menu, then “Export.”
If I don’t like an instrument’s sound in my song, will you replace it?
Unless we’re doing a “production” mix master, I’ll do as much as I can with standard mixing techniques like EQ, Compression, and creative effects. Sound replacement is not a common mixing practice. So if you are not satisfied with the actual instrument sound, you’ll need to make sure it’s the way you want it before sending it to me for a mix. Sometimes I will ask you to do this after discovering that the sound simply doesn’t work in the mix. An example of this would be a bass sound that is too similar to the kick, and no amount of equalization can distinguish them.
What file type/format should I send you?
Send 24 bit WAV or AIFF files at 44.100 kHz through 192.000 kHz.
What should my waveform look like?
Pull your bounced track back into your DAW and look closely at the waveform. If you see large spikes segregated from the body of the track, you need to go back to the mix. Watch for the spikes, then lower the volume on the sound that is causing them. If after lowering the sound, the spikes are still present, look at the attack setting on the sound’s compressor, or apply a limiter to the specific sound.
Do you have the third party plug-ins I use?
Check the list on the right -->>
What should the levels look like when bouncing a track for mastering in Logic Pro?
If your in Logic Pro, simply lower your “Output 1 & 2” strip till there is either no clipping indication, or very little throughout the entire track. If your individual tracks are clipping, your most likely fine...Logic runs audio through a 32bit float world, and technically, there is no reachable volume ceiling until your audio reaches the outs. You can however, overload the individual plug-ins themselves. After lowering the Output 1 & 2, listen closely for any unwanted artifacts...if everything sound good then your fine (bounce the track and your done)...if not, then you’ll have to go back to the mix to find the culprit.
Should I leave the effects I’ve already applied to the individual tracks when sending to you for a Mix/Master?
If the effects you’ve already applied are part of the hook, or stylize the track in a way that you love, then keep them for sure. If you’ve applied dynamic effects, I’d prefer them being removed unless they are part of the character of the song.
How do I get the files to you?
Click the “Upload Files” link below the Support tab. I can accept uploads up to 5 gigs. After I give you the password to upload your stuff, a file selector will appear enabling you to choose what to upload. If you’re uploading either a full Logic project, or a folder of stems, please .zip them before uploading. You can do this in the Finder...simply select the folder you want to upload, then from the Finder’s File menu select “Compress (filename)”. You will receive an automated e-mailed receipt (after entering your e-mail) showing when/where and what was uploaded.
Should I tell you what I’m hoping the track will sound like?
Absolutely. I have pretty good instinct as to what needs to be done to track to make it sound good, but you could have a totally different concept than I do. Some people are looking for a lot of dynamics, while others are looking for a totally flattened loud sound with nearly no dynamics al all.
I’m using a limiter to make my tracks sound loud, why should I use your service?
The image below shows the waveform of a well mixed track...
Squashing the heck out of your tracks can make them sound louder. But do they actually sound better than if you just raised the level on the original? Anyone can use a limiter to simply "chop off the tops" of a track. I call this “Lawnmower Mastering.” The image below shows a waveform this has been done to...
The key to getting a fantastic sounding master is by controlling the transients before you apply a limiter. The image below is the final mix after being sent to Vectorsound. Notice the variations in volume so close to zero decibel compared to the image above.
