File formats and delivery: from multitrack to finished master

Why the format decides how the job runs

Every mix project starts with an import. If the files arrive consolidated, properly named and in a format we can open without conversion, work on the sound begins immediately. If they arrive as loose regions with effects baked in, at three different sample rates and with no tempo noted, the first morning goes on sorting, and the 7 working days per five tracks we plan for the mix start later. This guide applies to recordings from your rehearsal room or home studio just as much as to sessions tracked here in Burggasse.

Sample rate and bit depth

We work internally at the sample rate the recording was made at and convert only at the very end for the target format. Please do not change the rate after the fact: it gains nothing and adds a conversion.

Consolidated tracks from 0:00

The one rule that matters most: every track is exported from the session's zero point to the end as a single continuous file, even if it only comes in at the chorus. That is the only way everything sits in the same place in any DAW. Before exporting, please check:

• All tracks start at 0:00 and have the same length.
• Mute and solo states are cleared; muted takes are deleted or exported deliberately.
• Insert effects are switched off unless they are part of the sound (amp simulation, vocal tuning); in that case add a dry version too.
• No limiter and no compressor on the master bus; peaks sit well below 0 dBFS.
• Fades are set at every edit point so nothing clicks.
• Tempo, time signature and key are noted in a short text file in the project folder.
• A rough mix as a stereo WAV is included so we can hear what you have in mind.

Naming files and folders

Name files so they sort themselves without a query: track number, title, instrument and, where needed, microphone or take. For example: 03_Northwind_Kick_In.wav, 03_Northwind_Vox_Lead.wav, 03_Northwind_Gtr_L_DI.wav. Avoid accented letters and special characters and replace spaces with underscores. Create one folder per track with the text file of tempo and notes inside it. For recordings made here, we deliver the raw files within 2 working days already in this scheme, so you or another studio can carry on straight away.

What you receive after the mix

Once approved, the mix is delivered as a 24-bit stereo WAV at the session's sample rate, without a limiter and with headroom for mastering. Two revision rounds are included up to approval, as set out in our terms. On request you can have stems (drums, bass, guitars, keys, vocals and so on) or an instrumental or TV version without the lead vocal for €60 incl. 20 % VAT per track. Stems are also exported from 0:00 and at identical length, so that summed together they give back the mix.

From mix to master: headroom, DDP, ISRC

For mastering we need the unlimited mix, ideally as a 24-bit or 32-bit float WAV, plus the final running order with gap lengths. We measure loudness and true peak, build a DDP image with CD-Text for CD, and embed ISRC codes if you give them to us. For vinyl we prepare a pre-master per side with matched levels for €45 incl. 20 % VAT per track. Mastering takes 3 working days and includes one revision round.

Loudness per platform

Streaming services normalise playback level. A master that is much louder than the target simply gets turned down and then sounds flatter than it needs to. The figures below are orientation values; the platforms adjust them from time to time.

Handover and archive

Zip the project folder, upload it to the cloud storage of your choice and send us the link through the contact form or by e-mail; hard drives can also be dropped off at Burggasse 95. We confirm receipt within 1 working day. All projects stay archived with us for 12 months, after which we delete them. Who owns the finished files and when the rights pass over is explained in the guide Rights to your master.