Useful for preparing a project in Accra, Ghana or for remote collaboration. This is a planning guide, not a substitute for an agreed production brief or quote.
Start with an agreed version
Before exporting, confirm the song arrangement, key, tempo, vocal comp and production choices. Print a rough mix that shows your intended balance and creative effects. A reference mix is not a replacement for individual audio tracks, but it makes your direction much easier to understand.
Export from a common starting point
For individual tracks and multitrack mixing, export files from the same timeline start even when a part begins much later in the song. That way the files line up when imported into a fresh session. Ask the engineer whether they want multitracks, grouped stems or both; they are not the same deliverable.
Keep the original sample rate and sensible headroom
WAV is generally a practical interchange format for mixing. Keep the project's native sample rate and export a consistent bit depth where possible. Avoid clipped tracks, unnecessary master limiting and normalization unless specifically requested. There is no single magic peak level; clean, unclipped audio and appropriate dynamic range matter more than a fixed number.
Label tracks so another person can work quickly
Use names such as Lead_Vocal, Harmony_High_L, Bass_DI, Acoustic_Guitar_R or Kick_In rather than Audio_23. Remove unused takes and identify any alternate versions. If you send grouped stems, label the group clearly, such as Drums_Stem or Backing_Vocals_Stem.
Print intentional effects, but keep options
If a delay, guitar tone, synthesizer patch or tuning effect is central to the arrangement, provide a printed version. If feasible, include a dry alternative. Explain which processing is a creative decision that must stay and what can be adjusted during mixing.
Create a clear handover folder
Include a text note with tempo, key if useful, song version, sample rate, rough mix, one or two sonic references and specific concerns. Mention your desired delivery: final stereo WAV, instrumental, clean edit, performance track or platform-specific masters. Agree on revisions and delivery timing in advance.
Before you send your brief
- Every exported file starts at the same timeline position.
- No source track is clipped or unintentionally distorted.
- Track names are readable and consistent.
- Rough mix and reference tracks are included.
- Tempo, sample rate and creative requirements are documented.
Ready to move from plan to production?
Describe your requirements and we'll discuss the appropriate next step and project scope.
Discuss mixing, mastering or recording in Accra