How to Prepare Your Track for a Better Mix and Master

Start With a Clean Handover

A better mix starts before the session does.

The files you send, the notes you give, and the way the project is prepared all make a difference.

You Do Not Need to Speak Like an Engineer

You do not need to know loads of technical terms. You do not need to explain everything like an engineer. The main thing is to send the right files, give clear notes, and help me understand what you want from the track.

If you are booking a session with MORTY Audio Lab, this is the best way to prepare your track before sending it over.

Send the Right Files for Mixing

For mixing, send the separate audio files for your track. These are usually called stems or multitracks. This could include things like drums, bass, vocals, synths, keys, effects, backing vocals, ad-libs and any other layers in the song. The more organised these files are, the easier it is for me to get straight into the work.

Send the Right File for Mastering

For mastering, send a stereo WAV export of your final mix. This should be the best version of the track before mastering. Try not to send a low-quality MP3 unless it is only being used as a reference. If your mix already has a limiter or loudness chain on it, it helps to send two versions. One with your processing on, and one clean version without the limiter. That gives me more room to work with.

Include a Rough Bounce

It also helps to send a rough bounce of the track. This is your current version of the song exported as one file. It shows me how you currently hear the track, what the arrangement sounds like, and what kind of direction you already have in mind.

Name Your Files Clearly

File names matter more than people think. If everything is called “Audio 1,” “Audio 2,” or “Untitled Track,” it slows the session down. Try to name things clearly, such as “Lead Vocal,” “Backing Vocals,” “Kick,” “Snare,” “Bass,” “Main Synth,” “Piano,” “FX,” and “Rough Bounce.” It does not need to be perfect, it only needs to be clear enough for me to know what I am working with.

Include the BPM and Key

Please include the BPM and key of the track if you know them. This helps with timing, edits, delays, tuning, effects and general project organisation. Something as simple as “BPM: 128, Key: G minor” is enough. If you do not know the key, that is fine. Say you are unsure rather than guessing.

Use Reference Tracks Properly

Reference tracks are also useful. These are songs that show the kind of sound, energy, tone or loudness you are aiming for. You do not need to send a long playlist. One to three references is enough. What helps most is a short note explaining why you have sent each one.

For example, you might say, “I like how clear the vocal is in this track,” or “I like how tight the low end feels here.” You could say, “I want the chorus to hit more like this,” or “I like the loudness, but I do not want the vocal that bright.” That kind of direction is much more useful than sending a reference with no explanation.

Write Clear Notes

Your notes do not need to be technical. They need to be honest and clear. If the vocal feels buried, say that. If the bass feels muddy, say that. If the chorus does not hit hard enough, say that. If you want the track louder but still clean, say that.

Good notes might be things like, “Make the vocal clearer,” “Tighten the low end,” “Make the drums punchier,” “Smooth out the harshness in the vocal,” or “Make the drop feel bigger.” That gives me a clear idea of what you are hearing and what you want improved.

Try to avoid notes like “make it better” or “make it sound professional.” I know what you mean, but it does not give me a clear target. The more specific you are, the better I can focus on the things that matter to you.

Check, Check, and Check Again!

Before sending anything over, listen through your files. Check that nothing is missing, muted, cut off or exported wrong. Make sure vocals are there, effects are not missing, reverb tails are not chopped off, and the stems all start from the same point if you are sending separate files.

Send Files Through a Proper Link

For larger files, send a download link through Google Drive, Dropbox, WeTransfer, iCloud Drive or something similar. Please check that the link works before sending it. If access needs to be requested, it delays the session.

What to Send Before Your Booking

Ideally, before your booking, send your stems or multitracks, rough bounce, reference tracks, BPM, key, file link and notes. If you have a deadline, include that too.

A Better Handover Means a Better Session

The better the handover, the better the session starts. It means less time chasing missing files or guessing what you want, and more time working on the sound of the track.

You do not need to have everything perfect. That is the point of booking the session. But clear files, clear notes and a bit of preparation make a big difference.

Ready for a Second Pair of Ears?

If your track is ready for a second pair of ears, you can book a half-day or full-day session with MORTY Audio Lab.