What we Need From You

Stereo Mixing and Mastering

  1. Access to your Session and Audio Files

  2. Stereo Reference Mix

Dolby Atmos Mixing and Mastering

  1. Audio Files and Assets

    1. The final signed-off Stereo Mix (e.g. 24 bit / 48 kHz .wav) to use as tonal and balance reference

  2. Multi-Track Stems or Session Data

    1. Organized, High Resolution tracks (dry vocals, background vocals, drums, bass, synths, effects etc.) or a Full DAW Session

  3. Creative Panning Direction

    1. Intentional Immersion Notes

      Guidance on which elements should remain anchored in the front/bed (Lead Vocals, Snare, Kick, Bass etc.) versus what should be moved into 3D space as Objects (Background Vocals, Delays, Reverbs, Synths, Ambient Movements etc.)

    2. Binaural Preferences

      Instructions on how metadata should translate to headphone/binaural playback (e.g., Near, Mid, Far, or off settings), though note that platforms like Apple Music apply their own proprietary Spatial Algorithms.

  4. Technical Delivery Expectations

    1. Target Loudness Specs

      Delivery requirements matching platform guidelines (such as standard broadcast or streaming targets like -18 LKFS / -1db True Peak Max.

    2. File Formats Required

      The primary ADM BWF (,wav) master file, alongside any requested stereo down mixes, 5.1 / 7.1 re-renders, or mp4 previews

Podcast Mixing and Mastering

  1. Raw Audio Files (Stems / Tracks)

    1. Uncompressed Audio

      High-quality uncompressed audio files, ideally in .WAV or AIFF format (at least 48 kHz / 24-bit) rather than compressed MP3s.

    2. Isolated Tracks (Multitrack Stems)

      Separate each individual track for each Speaker/host/guest rather than a single pre-mixed stereo bounce.  This allows us to fix cross-talk, adjust individual volume levels, and treat voices independently.

    3. Remote Recordings

      If hosts or guests recorded remotely (via platforms like Zoom, Riverside, or Streamyard), provide the local separate track recordings (WAV stems) for each participant rather than the web-conferencing manager.

  2. Supporting Assets & Music

    1. Intro / Outro Music & Theme Song

      High-resolution audio files of the podcast’s theme music (preferable separate from the voice tracks or on its own track).

    2. Ad-Hoc Sponsor Segments

      Separate audio files or placement markers for mid-roll ads, sponsor reads, or promotional clips

    3. Sound Effects (SFX) / Transition Cues

      Any specific jingles, background ambience, or stingers you would like to have integrated.

  3. Editorial & Content Guidance

    1. Show Notes or Rough Cut / Assembly Edit

      Clarification on whether the audio needs content editing (removing “ums”, stutters, long pauses, or bad takes) or if a rough cut has already been locked.

    2. Timecodes for Edits

      Specific timestamps or notes if certain segments, coughs, or mistakes need to be taken out.

    3. Pronunciation Guide / Script

      Names of guests, tricky jargon, or proper nouns so we know what to double check.

  4. Technical and Delivery Targets

    1. Target Loudness Specs

      Delivery requirements matching platform guidelines (such as standard broadcast or streaming targets like -18 LKFS / -1db True Peak Max.

    2. Style Preferences

      Notes on the desired vibe (e.g., clean and clinical, warm and broadcast heavy, or heavily sound-designed with rich music beds).

Audio Post Production

  1.    The Video / Picture Reference

    1. Locked Picture

      A video export (usually with a 2-pop or timecode burned-in) where the cuts will not change.  Changing the video edit later breaks the audio sync.

    2. Reference Video File

      Low-to-Medium resolution H.264/MP4 video matching the project’s exact frame rate (e.g., 23.976, 24, 29.97 fps).

  2. Audio Files and Stems

    1. Raw Audio Tracks

      Individual production dialogue, Lavalier mics, boom mins, and production sound reports.

      Separate Elements - Dialogue, music, and SFX provided on separate, clearly labeled tracks or stems.

      Music and Score Files - High-resolution uncompressed audio files for any background music, plus cue sheets or license info if needed.

      Audio Format & Specs - Uncompressed WAV or AIFF files, preferably at 48 kHz / 24 bit (Film / TV standard).

  3. Project and Session Data

    1. AAF or OMF Export

      An Advanced Authoring Format (AAF) or Open Media Format (OMF) export directly from the non-linear video editor (Premier, DaVinci Resolve, Avid, Final Cut Pro) with audio “handles” (extra audio data before / after cuts).

    2. Track about & Naming

      Clearly organized folders and explicitly named tracks (e.g., “Lav_ActorA”, “Boom_Wide”).

  4. Technical and Delivery Guidelines

    1. Target Mix Format

      Confirmation of whether the final mix should be Stereo, 5.1 surround sound, or Dolby Atmos.

    2. Loudness / Delivery Specs

      The required broadcast, web, or streaming loudness standards (e.g., -24 LUFS for TV, -14 LUFS for Web/YouTube) and required export stems (M&E, Dialogue, Music, SFX).

    3. Reference / Creative Notes

      A spotting sheet or director/producer notes highlighting problem areas, desired mods, or specific sound design cues.