Proper file preparation is absolutely critical for ensuring that projects are successfully processed and completed by any recording studio.  By following these best practise file preparation standards, Electric Owl Works will be able to efficiently give your project the treatment it deserves.

FILE FORMAT

All audio files must be submitted in WAV format. We do not accept proprietary formats, project, or session files from any DAW. Audio content should be at least 44.1KHz/16 bit, but 48KHz/24 bit or better is recommended.

NAMING CONVENTIONS

We realize that artists, producers, and audio engineers all utilize unique workflows and practises in the creative process. This certainly includes how track, stem, and mix files are named. We ask that you follow these common sense guidelines to assist us in bringing your project to completion.

  • Tell us how your naming convention works
  • If you aren’t currently naming files consistently, consider starting. The benefits will become apparent as your library grows. A quick Internet search will point you in the right direction or you may take a look here.
  • Specify individual track names by identifying the instrument or content of the audio source. For example, Kick, Snare, Bass, L Vox, etc. is preferable over performer names or initials
  • If the file is a stem or final mix, specify Stem or Final Mix in the file name.
  • Please include the song title in the file name. The artist name is optional

FILE CLEANUP AND PREPARATION

Individual Multi Tracks for Mixing and Re-Amping

  • Send only the files that will be used in the project
  • Name files appropriately
  • All files must start at the same time of the song. We do not provide timing correction services at this time. For example, if you are using ProTools, consolidate tracks from zero.
  • Create a compressed/zipped file for each song that contains all of its individual tracks if possible
  • Audio WAV files (zip/compressed or uncompressed) only, MIDI/virtual/samples all must be printed to audio tracks
  • Individual tracks may be mono or stereo. Stereo tracks will be counted as two tracks
  • Individual tracks should consist of a single source. For example, do not put guitar solos and vocals on the same track. However, if you are doing something truly unique or have some old Abbey Road four tracks, please contact us for special pricing
  • Dry source files preferred. However, if there is a plug-in that is crucial to your sound, print it to an audio track if you want it to appear in the final mix
  • If you have made edits to tracks, muted sections, etc., please ensure that your edits are clean without pops, clicks, or any unwanted artifacts prior to bouncing/rendering them to the final WAV file that you will be submitting to us
  • Ensure that you have left plenty of headroom on each track. Unwanted distortion and clipping that is printed to a track can not be removed

Final Mixes and Stems for Online Mastering

  • Audio WAV files (zip/compressed or uncompressed) only
  • The file(s) sample rate and bit depth should be at the same resolution that they were mixed in.  Please, no down conversions
  • Name files appropriately
  • If sending stems, create a compressed/zipped file for each song that contains all of its individual stems if possible
  • Do not create final mix and stem files with any processing enabled on the master bus such as compression or limiting
  • Do create your final mix and stems with all effects and plug ins from individual tracks and subgroups/buses printed to the final files.
  • The loudest part of your final mix should not exceed -6 dB