Understanding mix delivery formats and stems

Why agree formats upfront

A mix is not a single file — it is sample rate, bit depth, headroom and naming. Wrong choices mean extra export time (€75 per revision hour) or masters that reject on your distributor. Discuss deliverables when quoting via contact; we confirm in writing what €240 covers for songs up to 48 tracks.

We keep projects 24 months; download copies in time. Longer retention may carry a fee — see terms.

Stereo mix: common settings

For most streaming we deliver stereo WAV or AIFF, 24-bit, usually 48 kHz unless vinyl or broadcast specs differ. We leave headroom for mastering — typically a few dB peak — so mastering (€95 per stereo song) can set loudness and tone without clipping.

MP3 or AAC only on request for reference or quick approval; release should stay lossless. Name your distributor so we do not skip metadata placeholders if you fill ISRCs yourself.

Stems and multitracks

Stems are grouped buses (drums, bass, vocals, keys) — useful for remixers or live playback. Multitracks are every individual recording. Stems need bounce time and strict naming; mastering charges €45 per extra stem per song when separate masters are required.

Request stems when booking. We usually deliver WAV per stem, synced to session zero, unprocessed on the bus unless you want otherwise. Podcast dialogue rarely needs stems — see podcast recording.

Loudness and streaming in the Netherlands

Spotify, Apple Music and others normalize playback; heavily limited mixes often sound quieter after upload. We mix musically, not to a fixed LUFS target unless you ask. Mastering sets release loudness and true peak.

Broadcast or advertising faces stricter rules (EBU R128 is common in Europe). State medium and territory; you may need a separate M&E stem or shorter edit. That sits outside standard €240 and is quoted as extra hours.

Revisions and versioning

Each mix includes 2 revision rounds — vocal up, guitar EQ, shorter intro. Bundle feedback in one email with timestamps («chorus 1:42») so we avoid conflicting edits. After that the hourly rate is €75.

We label exports (v1, v2, final) and keep a changelog. EP packages (€890 for four songs) get a consistent sound — plan a listen in our control room or on high-quality files at home.

Handover: cloud, drive and DAW session

Default delivery is encrypted download link. Large stem packs can copy to your SSD in the studio — bring a formatted drive (exFAT or APFS). We work in professional DAWs; native session export depends on compatible plugins.

Do not re-import only MP3 into a new mix if you care about quality. If you tracked elsewhere in Amsterdam, send raw files in original format; we convert only when needed and document it.

From mix to master and distribution

Common flow: rough mix approval → final WAV → mastering → distributor upload. Mastering here includes one free revision round per song as on mastering. EP sequencing (gaps, crossfades) — discuss with Noah or via contact.

Large band sessions: budget mix apart from tracking — see band budget. Vocalists needing vocal stems after booth sessions pair this with voice preparation for faster edits.

Quick reference table

License podcast inserts separately — read podcast music rights. Questions about file privacy: privacy policy.