Mixing-downI recently received a question from Devlin, who lives in North Carolina here in the states. In response, I thought it best to share the process I follow when exporting a final mix. In relation to his final mix, Devlin asks ...

I never know how to export my tracks, do I export as a .WAV or .MP3? What sample rate should I select, and what bit depth should I choose? I know that .WAV files are bigger but are they actually "better" quality than .MP3's?

Export a .WAV file in the same quality as your project

When a project is compete, I always export a .WAV file at the exact sample and bit rate of the original project. I record most of my projects at 48khz and 24 bits, so I would export a .wav at those sames settings with no dithering applied (for more information on dithering check out this post).

This is very important because the final step before distributing a project should be the "mastering process". This is often done to a stereo file (or several stereo files from your sub buses called stems) of the final mix. I prefer this step to be done at the same quality my entire project was recorded at.

Export a CD quality .WAV file as well

From here I take that same multi-track mix and export another .WAV. Only this time as a 44.1khz/16 bit file using the default dithering settings.   I do this because that data and bit rate is the same as an audio CD. Also some mastering engineers prefer to master in the same quality that the final project will be distributed in. This is often the standard audio CD (though .MP3 releases are getting very popular with the era of downloading digital music today).

Doing this export simply gives me another mastering option. It also gives me a copy of my mix that requires no conversion to be burn directly onto an audio CD. This can be helpful to test my mix in other systems as well.

Export an .MP3 of the final mastered mix

Now, the question of .MP3 versus .WAV. In general .WAV is a much higher quality file than .MP3. Though really high .MP3 quality can get pretty close. I don't recommend using .MP3 as a final mastered format if you have .WAV as an option.

In my opinion  .MP3 is best for a project that is already mastered or at the very least, ready to be distributed for others to listen to. It works great for download quality format because the file size is much smaller than .WAV. These smaller files can still maintain an acceptable level of quality for personal listening.

My preference is to use iTunes here to convert the fully mastered copy of my final mix to .MP3. At this stage I can also add my artwork and other embedded song info to the files themselves. This really helps to create that professional touch to my audio files.

What are your thoughts or comments? Please add them to the section below.

Download Now - Understanding Compression In The Home Music Studio
Almost there: please complete this form and click the button below to gain instant access.
 Your privacy is protected. I will never share your email.
Close
50% Complete
Enter your email address and click the button below to get instant access!
Almost there: please complete this form and click the button below to gain instant access.
 Your privacy is protected. I will never share your email.
Close
50% Complete
Enter your email address and click the button below to get instant access!
Download Now - Understanding Compression In The Home Music Studio
Almost there: please complete this form and click the button below to gain instant access.
 Your privacy is protected. I will never share your email.
Close
50% Complete
Enter your email address and click the button below to get instant access!
Almost there: please complete this form and click the button below to gain instant access.
 Your privacy is protected. I will never share your email.
Close
50% Complete
Enter your email address and click the button below to get instant access!
Download Now - Understanding Compression In The Home Music Studio
Almost there: please complete this form and click the button below to gain instant access.
 Your privacy is protected. I will never share your email.
Close
Enter your email address and click the button below to get instant access!
Almost there: please complete this form and click the button below to gain instant access.
 Your privacy is protected. I will never share your email.
Close
Enter your email address and click the button below to get instant access!
Download Now - Understanding Compression In The Home Music Studio
Almost there: please complete this form and click the button below to gain instant access.
 Your privacy is protected. I will never share your email.
Close
50% Complete
Enter your email address and click the button below to get instant access!
Almost there: please complete this form and click the button below to gain instant access.
 Your privacy is protected. I will never share your email.
Close
50% Complete
Enter your email address and click the button below to get instant access!
Close
Update: XNL Audio has increased their base pricing for Addictive Drums 2. To purchase your copy now please use the below coupon code at checkout to get an additional $10 off.
Code: coachingclub10
Close
Update: XNL Audio has increased their base pricing for Addictive Drums 2. To purchase your copy now please use the below coupon code at checkout to get an additional $10 off.
Code: coachingclub10
Having trouble signing in?
HomeMusicStudio1.com was recently moved to a new server since our community has grown too large for our previous setup. You may need to clear your browser cache/history in order to login.
Having trouble signing in?
HomeMusicStudio1.com was recently moved to a new server since our community has grown too large for our previous setup. You may need to clear your browser cache/history in order to login.