Mastering File Prep
Stereo Mastering
Technical Requirements:
• Files must not be destructively clipping or peaking above 0 dBFS.
• Keep the original sample rate and bit depth of the mix session. Do not upsample your files.
What to Send: If you have access to the mix session, please bounce/export two versions:
1. A version without the limiter/maximizer.
2. A version with the limiter/maximizer (if one was used).
File Naming:
ArtistName_SongName_ForMaster_NoLimit
ArtistName_SongName_ForMaster_Limit
Delivery: Place both files (or the single file, if only one version exists) into a new folder. Name the folder ArtistName_SongName_ForMaster. Then zip the folder and send it in the next step.
Stem Mastering
Technical Requirements:
• Bypass any limiter/maximizer on each stem, or on the master bus/track that any stem is routed through.
• Stems must not be destructively clipping or peaking above 0 dBFS and should keep the original sample rate and bit depth.
What to Send: Export each stem individually, grouped by instrument type—for example: Drums, Bass, Guitars, Vocals, Synths, etc.
File Naming: Name each stem according to its instrument group (e.g., Drums, Guitars, Vocals).
Folder Naming:
ArtistName_SongName_ForMaster
Delivery: Place all stem files into the folder above, then zip the folder and send it in the next step.
If you have any questions about your specific session or setup, feel free to reach out before exporting.
Project Onboarding
This onboarding form will give further insight into the needs of your project and allow you to prepare and upload your files.
Artist, Manager, A&R, etc.
I may need to ask more questions about your project.
Prepare Your Files
Avid Pro Tools
1. Open your session and name your tracks so each one is clearly identifiable — Kick, Snare, Bass, Lead Vocal, etc.
2. Go to File > Save Copy In…
3. In the Save Copy In window, set the following:
Session Format: keep your current Pro Tools version format
Items to Copy: check Audio Files, and enable "Session Plug-in Settings Folder"
Audio File Type: WAV
Bit Depth: match your session (24-bit is standard)
4. Click Choose destination folder… and select a location.
5. Name the session copy using this format: ArtistName_SongName_ForMix (e.g., JaneDoe_Runaway_ForMix). This becomes both the session file name and the folder name Pro Tools creates.
6. Pro Tools will create a full, self-contained copy of the session, including an Audio Files folder with all the media, in the destination you picked.
7. Before zipping it up, add the rough mix file to the newly created session folder.
8. Zip the entire session folder (it should contain the .ptx file, the Audio Files folder and the rough mix file) and send the zip file.
Logic Pro
1. Name your tracks so each one is clearly identifiable (Kick, Snare, Bass, Lead Vocal, etc.)
2. Make sure every track that should be exported is unmuted, and that any tracks you don't want included are removed or muted appropriately.
3. Bypass all plugins on your bus/aux channels and on the Stereo Out (master) channel strip.
4. Select File > Export > All Tracks as Audio Files… (or Selected Tracks… if you're only exporting some).
5. In the export window, set the following:
Bypass Effect Plug-ins: Turn this On for a fully dry export. If a track needs its essential creative processing kept in (amp sim, etc.), turn bypass Off just for that track and export it separately, labeling it "printed".
Normalize: Off
Include Audio Tail: On, so reverb and delay tails on any printed tracks aren't cut off.
File Format: WAV, 24-bit, matching your project's sample rate.
6. Set the export range to cover the entire song, from the very beginning to a few bars past the last note or tail.
7. Click Save, choose a destination folder, and Logic will render every track as its own WAV file.
8. Name the folder using this format: ArtistName_SongName_ForMix (e.g., JaneDoe_Runaway_ForMix). Place your rough mix file inside that same folder, then zip the folder before sending it.
Ableton Live
1. Name your tracks so each one is clearly identifiable — Kick, Snare, Bass, Lead Vocal, etc.
2. Make sure your arrangement covers the full song.
3. On each track, including the Master track, bypass any plugins you don't want printed. Leave in only essential creative processing (as described above), and if possible, duplicate that track and export a dry version too.
4. Select the entire arrangement, then open the export window: File > Export Audio/Video.
5. In the export window, set the following:
Rendered Track: All Individual Tracks
Render Start / Render Length: Covering the full song, start to finish
Include Return and Master Effects: Off (unless a return effect is essential creative processing, in which case export that track a second time with it on)
Normalize: Off
Sample Rate: Match your project (44.1 kHz or higher)
File Type: WAV, 24-bit
6. Click Export and Live will render each track as its own audio file in your chosen folder.
7. Name the folder using this format: ArtistName_SongName_ForMix (e.g., JaneDoe_Runaway_ForMix).
8. Place your rough mix file inside that same folder, then zip the whole folder and send the zip file.
Cubase
1. Name your tracks so each one is clearly identifiable (Kick, Snare, Bass, Lead Vocal, etc.).
2. Make sure every track starts from the same point (bar 1) and that your project's cycle/locator range covers the full song.
3. Bypass all insert effects on each track. Leave in only essential creative processing, and if possible, bounce a second dry version of that track separately.
4. Bypass all insert effects on your group/FX channels and on the Stereo Out (master) bus.
5. Set your Left and Right Locators to span the entire song, start to finish.
6. Select all the tracks you want to export (or select none to export everything, depending on your Cubase version's default behavior).
7. Go to File > Export > Audio Mixdown…
8. In the Audio Mixdown window, set the following:
Channel Selection: Choose to export each track/channel individually. This is usually a checkbox or dropdown labeled something like Channel Batch Export, or by selecting multiple channels before opening the dialog.
File Format: WAV, 24-bit
Sample Rate: Match your project
Insert Effects / Normalize: Leave Normalize off, and only include inserts on tracks with essential creative processing you're intentionally printing.
9. Choose a destination folder and click Export.
10. Name the folder using this format: ArtistName_SongName_ForMix (e.g., JaneDoe_Runaway_ForMix). Place your rough mix file inside that same folder, then zip the whole folder before sending.
FL Studio
FL Studio exports stems from the Mixer, not the Playlist, so a bit of prep matters here:
1. Name your mixer insert tracks so each one is clearly identifiable — Kick, Snare, Bass, Lead Vocal, etc.
2. Make sure every instrument/channel is routed to its own individual Mixer Insert track.
3. On each mixer insert, bypass all effects. Leave in only essential creative processing, and if possible, duplicate that insert's routing to export a second, dry version.
4. Bypass all effects on your bus/group inserts and on the Master insert.
5. Select the full song in the Playlist (drag across the entire timeline, including a few bars of tail at the end).
6. Go to File > Export > WAV.
7. In the export settings, set the following:
Mode: Full Song
Split Mixer Tracks: Enable this option. This is the key setting that renders one WAV file per mixer insert instead of a single stereo file.
Bit Depth: 24-bit
Sample Rate: Match your project
Normalize: Off
Dither: Off
Master Effects: Make sure master bus processing is not being printed into the individual stems.
8. Click Start to render.
9. Name the destination folder using this format: ArtistName_SongName_ForMix (e.g., JaneDoe_Runaway_ForMix). Place your rough mix file inside that same folder, then zip the folder before sending it.
Mix Prep Instructions
Step 1: Export a Rough Mix (Mandatory)
The very first thing I'd like you to do is bounce/export a stereo WAV or MP3 file rough mix exactly as your session sounds now (full effects, levels, and balance) and include it with your multitrack files you'll create in the next step.
This is required because your rough mix is my road map to your vision. Without it, a mix could go in a thousand different directions. With it, I know exactly where to start. It doesn't have to sound fantastic. My job is to elevate it substantially.
Step 2: Export Your Raw Multitracks
In the next step, select your DAW and follow the instructions to create your individual multitrack files. The goal is to export one WAV file per track, all plugins bypassed (clean, unprocessed audio for every instrument and vocal).
Exception: If an effect defines the instrument's actual character (not corrective), keep it in — or better yet, send both a dry and processed version. For example:
• Guitar amp simulators
• Defining distortion (e.g., synth bass, distorted guitar)
• Vocal pitch correction with Auto-Tune/Melodyne
• Sound-design effects
• Anything that can't be recreated if removed
Project Details
What distribution formats will you be using?
Is there a concept or theme I should know about? What are the most important sound elements in your song(s)? Who is your core audience? What do you hope to achieve with this project?
Upload Your Files
Click the button below and you will be redirected to a Dropbox upload page. Upload the zip file(s) you created in the file prep instructions.
Onboarding Summary
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Terms of Service
Effective Date: August 3, 2012
These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the services provided by TitanTraxx ("TitanTraxx," "we," "our," or "us"). By submitting a quote request, booking a project, making a payment, or sending audio files for service, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms.
1. Services
TitanTraxx provides professional audio services including, but not limited to:
• Mixing
• Mastering
• Audio editing
• Vocal tuning
• Drum replacement or augmentation
• Time and phase alignment
• Other post-production services agreed upon in writing
Each project is performed using professional judgment, techniques, and equipment to achieve the highest quality result possible.
2. Quotes and Booking
All quotes are valid for the period specified on the quote unless otherwise noted.
A project is considered officially booked only after all of the following have occurred:
• Your booking or project form has been submitted.
• Your audio files have been received and approved.
• All required project information has been provided.
• TitanTraxx has received the required 50% deposit.
TitanTraxx reserves the right to decline any project for technical, scheduling, or business reasons.
3. Payment
A non-refundable deposit equal to 50% of the total quoted price is required before work begins.
The remaining balance is due after the project is completed and before final deliverables are released.
Accepted payment methods will be communicated during booking.
Failure to pay the remaining balance may delay delivery of final files.
4. Project Start and Turnaround
Project turnaround begins only after:
• approved files have been received,
• all required information has been supplied,
• and the deposit has cleared.
Estimated completion dates are provided in good faith but are not guaranteed.
If additional services become necessary after reviewing your files, TitanTraxx will discuss those recommendations before proceeding.
5. Client Responsibilities
The client agrees to:
• Submit properly organized audio files.
• Verify that all files are complete and free from corruption.
• Maintain backup copies of all submitted material.
• Obtain all necessary licenses, permissions, and copyrights.
• Respond to revision requests in a timely manner.
The client represents that they own or have permission to use all submitted material.
6. Reference Mixes
For mixing projects, the client must provide either:
• a rough mix of the song, or
• one or more commercially released reference tracks that accurately represent the desired sonic direction.
Reference material greatly improves communication and helps ensure the finished mix aligns with the client's expectations.
7. Creative Judgment
Mixing and mastering involve subjective artistic decisions.
By hiring TitanTraxx, the client acknowledges that creative decisions regarding balance, equalization, dynamics, stereo imaging, effects, and overall sonic presentation are part of the professional service being provided.
While client feedback is welcomed throughout the revision process, TitanTraxx retains discretion over the technical methods used to achieve the final result.
8. Revisions
Every project includes unlimited revisions for ninety (90) calendar days following delivery of the initial completed mix or master.
Revisions are intended to refine the originally agreed-upon project and include reasonable adjustments requested by the client.
Unlimited revisions do not include:
• recording new performances,
• replacing major musical arrangements,
• adding new tracks or stems,
• remixing substantially different versions of the song,
• or any work outside the original project scope.
After ninety (90) days, the project will be considered complete and archived.
Any work requested after the revision period may be treated as a new project and billed at TitanTraxx's current rates.
For group projects, the client agrees to designate one primary contact responsible for submitting consolidated revision notes.
9. Communication
Prompt communication helps keep projects on schedule.
If the client becomes unresponsive for more than fourteen (14) consecutive days during an active project, TitanTraxx may place the project on hold until communication resumes.
Extended inactivity may require rescheduling based on current workload.
10. Delivery
Final files will be delivered electronically.
Depending on the purchased service, deliverables may include:
• High-resolution WAV files
• Mastering files
• Streaming-ready files
• Instrumentals
• A cappellas
• Alternate versions
• Additional requested formats
Final files are released only after full payment has been received.
11. File Storage
TitanTraxx may retain project files for a limited period after completion.
Long-term archiving is not guaranteed.
Clients are responsible for downloading and securely backing up all delivered files.
12. Ownership
The client retains ownership of all original recordings submitted for service.
TitanTraxx retains ownership of all proprietary workflows, templates, presets, processing techniques, and engineering methods used during production.
Nothing in this agreement transfers ownership of TitanTraxx's intellectual property.
13. Portfolio Rights
Unless otherwise agreed in writing before work begins, TitanTraxx may use completed work for portfolio, website, social media, educational, or promotional purposes after the music has been publicly released.
Clients requiring complete confidentiality should notify TitanTraxx before booking.
14. Cancellations and Refunds
The initial 50% deposit reserves production time and compensates TitanTraxx for scheduling and preliminary work.
Accordingly, the deposit is non-refundable once work has begun.
Refunds will not be issued because:
• the client changes creative direction,
• the client changes their mind,
• the client decides not to release the music,
• the client becomes unresponsive,
• or the client simply prefers a different artistic approach.
If TitanTraxx is unable to complete the agreed service for reasons solely within TitanTraxx's control before work has substantially begun, any payments received may be refunded at TitanTraxx's discretion.
15. Client Content
The client warrants that submitted material does not knowingly infringe upon the copyrights, trademarks, or other legal rights of any third party.
The client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless TitanTraxx from claims arising from materials supplied by the client.
TitanTraxx reserves the right to decline projects containing unlawful or prohibited material.
16. Limitation of Liability
TitanTraxx's total liability for any claim relating to services provided shall not exceed the total amount paid by the client for the specific project giving rise to the claim.
TitanTraxx shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or lost-profit damages.
17. Force Majeure
TitanTraxx shall not be responsible for delays or failure to perform caused by circumstances beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to:
• natural disasters,
• power outages,
• internet outages,
• equipment failure,
• illness,
• government actions,
• labor disputes,
• or other unforeseen events.
Completion dates may be reasonably extended under such circumstances.
18. Website Use
All content on TitanTraxx.com—including text, graphics, branding, logos, and other materials—is the property of TitanTraxx unless otherwise noted.
No content may be copied, reproduced, redistributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission.
19. Privacy
Any personal information collected during booking or communication will be handled in accordance with the TitanTraxx Privacy Policy.
20. Changes to These Terms
TitanTraxx reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time.
Updated Terms become effective immediately upon publication on the website unless otherwise stated.
21. Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by and interpreted under the laws of the State of Louisiana, without regard to its conflict of law principles.
Any legal action arising from these Terms shall be brought in the state or federal courts located in Louisiana, and both parties consent to the jurisdiction of those courts.
22. Severability
If any provision of these Terms is determined to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
23. Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with any written quote, invoice, or project-specific agreement, constitute the entire agreement between TitanTraxx and the client regarding the services provided.
They supersede all prior oral or written discussions relating to the project.
Contact
TitanTraxx
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
https://www.titantraxx.com
For questions regarding these Terms, please contact TitanTraxx through the contact form available on the website.