Why we ask for clear rules
At Soapwoodcoreco sessions can span dozens of tracks. If every producer uses different start positions, sample rates or file names, time goes to importing instead of listening. Clean stems are not red tape — they are part of the hourly (€88) or per-track (€185) fee you pay.
Read mixing budget guide first so you know which model fits. Questions? Contact — we reply within 2 business days.
Core formats
Default: 24-bit WAV, interleaved stereo or mono per stem. Use one sample rate for the whole project — usually 48 kHz for modern pop and podcast, 44.1 kHz if your release is strictly CD-legacy. Do not send MP3 or AAC unless we explicitly agree to an emergency export; quality and sync suffer.
Float WAV (32-bit) is fine if your DAW exports it, but 24-bit fixed is easiest for us to archive. Avoid normalising on export: leave headroom (peaks around −6 dBFS) so we keep dynamics.
Naming and folders
Per song structure:
01_SongTitle_DrumKick.wav01_SongTitle_BassDI.wav01_SongTitle_VoxLead.wav
Use ASCII without spaces (underscores), track number first, instrument obvious. Zip per song or one zip with subfolders 01_Title, 02_Title. Add a text file with BPM, key and DAW version.
Start point and length
Export all stems from the same timeline start — bar 1, not shifted per track. Length equals the full song including fade and reverb tail; cutting at the last drum hit yields dry mixes.
If you use tempo maps, also deliver a bounce without tempo changes or document shifts in the text file. Live recordings from our band recording usually align; home DAWs are the main source of sync issues.
What counts as a stem
Yes: individual drums (kick, snare, overheads), DI and amp guitar separate, backing vocals per part, synths per patch where possible. No: a stereo bus with drums and bass premixed, unless you deliberately order a ‘2-track repair’ at hourly rates.
FX returns: export reverb/delay sends separately if they matter, or set wet/dry in the DAW and deliver dry stems. Mention sidechain compression — we recreate it in the mix if you explain the trigger source.
Upload, size and security
Large projects rarely fit email. Use a cloud link (WeTransfer, Dropbox, Google Drive) with download without login where possible. Test the link before sending; expired links cost 2 days of planning.
We store material for 12 months on secured storage. Unreleased music: mention NDA needs in your email — details are in our privacy policy and data processing agreement for business clients.
References and mix notes
Attach at most two reference tracks (streaming links are fine) and say what you mean: ‘low-end punch only’, not ‘sound like everything’. Note problems: ‘vocal sibilance verse 2’, ‘bass muddy in chorus’.
That fits 2 revision rounds — changing refs every email burns rounds faster. For vocals without edit, consider vocal recording or basic edit with us (€165) first.
Podcast and voice-over stems
Podcast material is often mono per host. Deliver one track per speaker, not a stereo ‘both mics’ file unless it is an intentional stereo field recording. Light edit per episode (€55) is separate from mixing; see podcast recording.
Music under voice needs rights clearance — see podcast music rights. We cannot publish commercial tracks without a licence for you.
Checklist before sending
- 24-bit WAV, one sample rate, no MP3.
- All stems same start and length.
- Clear names and folder per song.
- BPM, key and notes in a text file.
- Working download link and contact details.
- References and mix notes attached.
After receipt we confirm scope and start after a 30% deposit. Delivery formats (mixdown WAV, optional instrumental) are agreed in the quote under terms and conditions.
