When stems are the right handoff
Stems are separate audio files per instrument or group — drum bus, bass DI, double-tracked lead, and so on. You send them when producing at home, when an outside producer wants a Amsterdam mix, or after recording here and editing elsewhere. Mixing starts at €185 per song; an EP up to six tracks is €680.
We cannot undo clipped or wrong-rate exports in mixing. Unsure about scope? Contact us with a track list; we reply within 2 business days.
Format and headroom
Send uncompressed WAV or AIFF, preferably 24 bit. Pick one project sample rate — 44.1 kHz for audio-only release, 48 kHz if video is involved — and export everything at that rate. Keep peaks well below 0 dBFS; we need mix headroom, not a squashed pre-master.
Bypass limiters, maximizers and heavy bus compression on printed stems unless that sound is intentional. A light channel-strip print is fine if you note it in a text file.
Naming and folders
Use clear names: 01_Kick.wav, 02_SnareTop.wav, LeadVox_Main.wav. Avoid spaces and cryptic codes. One folder per song: Artist_TrackTitle_Stems/ plus Ref/ for a rough reference mix at moderate level.
Include README.txt with BPM, key, bar length and which vocal is the lead. Multiple songs: one archive per track, not one giant dump.
Vocals and tuning
Print vocals dry — no reverb or delay baked in unless it is part of the artistic effect and labeled. If tuning is applied, say so; an extra untuned safety take helps. For sessions recorded in our booth, ask the engineer for raw takes and session notes.
Grid alignment can be loose if the feel is intentional; mention that in the readme. For recording prep, see prepare your voice.
Drums, bass and synths
Drums: close mics plus controlled room or overheads if used. Bass: DI and amp channels separately when both exist. Synths: one stem per patch when you might mute layers later; otherwise a stereo stem with a descriptive name.
Send effect returns only when they define the sound; otherwise describe the reverbs you had in mind.
Label amp sims or re-amped tracks clearly so we know what can be replaced safely. Keep mono sources mono unless the arrangement deliberately widens them later in mix.
Reference and feedback
Include one reference track with a short note: what to borrow and what to avoid. Mix includes 2 revision rounds; extra work follows our rates and terms. Feedback works best when specific (“lead vocal +1 dB in chorus two”) rather than only “warmer”.
Large uploads: cloud link with download access or courier an SSD to Obligerpath B.V., Overtoom 141, 1054 HG Amsterdam — coordinate via contact.
Rates, VAT and next steps
| Package | Guide price |
|---|---|
| Single track | €185 |
| EP (up to 6) | €680 |
| Album (up to 12) | €1,150 |
After mix, many projects need Mastering — read LUFS levels before mastering. Upload handling: privacy policy.
Pre-send checklist
- One sample rate, 24 bit WAV, no clipped exports.
- Readable file names; readme with BPM and key.
- Reference mix plus taste notes.
- Dry vocals; tuning status stated.
- Questions via contact or [email protected] anytime.
Tracking at the studio? See Vocal recording and Band recording for live rooms in Amsterdam-West.
