Why format and structure matter
Our mix engineers work in a treated control room on reference monitors. Stems that arrive with mixed sample rates, clipped peaks or vague names burn time on import instead of balance and space. Mixing starts at €275 per track (€1,100 for an EP up to five songs), including 2 revision rounds — extra stem review is €85 per hour.
Clean delivery avoids arguments about which take is «the» take. That matches how we have worked since 2019 in Westerpark: clear files, clear feedback.
Base format: WAV or AIFF, not mp3
Deliver lossless audio: WAV or AIFF, 24-bit preferred, 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz — pick one project rate and stick to it. Mp3 or AAC works for references, not as the sole source for a professional mix.
Export stems without master-bus processing that squashes dynamics unless we agree otherwise. Leave headroom: peaks around −6 dBFS give us room for EQ and compression. Avoid normalisation that hides clipping.
Stems vs stereo bounce
For full control, send multitracks: each drum mic or group, bass DI and amp, guitar DI and amp, keys, FX returns and vocals as separate files. All stems must start at the same point (sample zero or labelled timecode). Include any amp re-amp paths only if we agreed on re-amping in the quote.
A stereo bounce of your rough mix helps as a reference, not as a stem replacement. If you work in a DAW, export «stems from start» at identical length. Unsure? Send a session screenshot without sensitive metadata via contact.
Naming and folders
Use short, consistent names: Song_TrackType_Detail.wav, e.g. NightDrive_Drum_Kick.wav. Skip spaces; use underscores or hyphens. One folder per song plus a README.txt with tempo, key and notes.
Zip or cloud links are fine; verify uploads complete before the agreed deadline and tell us the password separately if you use one. We keep project material for 12 months per privacy policy — maintain your own second copy on a drive you control.
Recorded at Namdazivo vs elsewhere
If you tracked Band recording or Vocal recording here, raw files already match our internal template. Mix can move straight to Namdazivo B.V. engineers without conversion hassle.
From another studio in the Netherlands or abroad, export from the native session. Re-encoding a temp demo mp3 to WAV does not restore lost detail. After mix, see Mastering from €95.
Revisions and feedback
2 revision rounds are included in €275. Batch feedback: timecodes, what should sit louder/quieter, which elements lead. Scattered messages over weeks make scheduling harder.
If stems change after mix start (new vocal take), we bill extra time at €85 or an agreed block. See terms and conditions for delivery timing and 14-day B2B payment.
Format overview
| Item | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| File type | WAV/AIFF 24-bit | mp3-only stems |
| Sample rate | 44.1 or 48 kHz consistent | Mixed rates per track |
| Length | Identical start for all stems | Offsets without notes |
| Reference | Stereo rough mix + notes | Clipped master bounce |
Pre-upload checklist
- Check clicks/pops on vocal and drum edits.
- Bypass master limiter on export.
- Label takes; mark the «main» vocal.
- Add tempo and key in README.
- Confirm the link works via contact.
Still tracking? plan a band budget. Speech-only podcast material: podcast consent. General questions: FAQ or 020 228 7654.
