ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on mix submission requirements. Interactions with the mix engineer, artist and clients are discussed to achieve the best outcome for the submission to mastering. The wider implications of potential parts production requirements when the main mastering is complete are investigated. The different variant types from instrumental mixes, cleans or stem outcomes are explored. There are also elementary principles to receiving and requesting sources from the mix engineer that need to be understood. Resolution forms part of this, and in the modern digital construct, engineers should be working at the highest resolution practical. Therefore, all mixes should ideally be supplied at 32 bit minimum. The source dynamics should not be overly compressed or limited, allowing the mastering engineer to choose the appropriate methods of restriction. The top and tail of files require scrutiny to achieve positive outcomes from the mastering process. These considerations alongside many others are discussed in detail, including the consequences of ignoring best practice.
