FAQ - Occupy Studio

WHAT TO CONSIDER

Preparing Your Mix

When you send your files, please provide us with as many mix notes as possible regarding production, mixing effects and reference links to songs you'd like the mix to emulate. We require WAV or AIRFF files (44.1, 48KHz). These should be bounced from bar one and all be the same length and the same sample rate.

Production & Mixing Effects

We ask that you please supply multi-track files dry, without reverb or effects. But, if you feel that a specific effect, processing or creative element (filter sweeps, delays etc.) is an integral part of the sound then feel free to leave those effects enabled.

Pro Tools

Our engineers work in Pro Tools so please ensure you bounce the multitrack to audio with all the audio files starting in the same place for synchronization. If your DAW has a normalize option when bouncing, please make sure it is turned off.

Revisions

Depending on the package you choose, you will have either one or two mix revisions. A revision includes, minor tweaks to the balance and effects used within the mix. Once our mix is finished it will be sent to you, this is the time to return an email with your revision request.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What format do I send my tracks in?

WAV or AIFF please.
Uncompressed with a bit depth of at least 16bit, ideally 24bit and a sampling frequency of 44.1kHz up to 48kHz. No pre-processing using limiting or normalizing – we need as much headroom as possible to work with to make sure that your tracks sound as good as possible when we mix & master it.

Please note track duration must be no longer than 10 minutes.
Each version or mix of a track will be charged separately.

Will I hear directly from the engineer working on my track?

Yes. If needed, our engineers will get in touch with you about your track directly via email.

Can I get revisions?

Yes, depending which package you select, you will either have one or two revisions. Any extra revisions will cost extra.

What should my files look like when uploading?

We accept WAV or AIFF files at 44.1, 48kHz; 16/24 or 32 bit. Please supply us with mono or stereo files, clearly named and without audio clipping. You will need to provide multi-tracks that are consolidated or bounced from the start point of your song (bar 1 beat 1 or start time code). All files must be of the same duration, sample rate and bit depth. Sorry, but we cannot accept DAW sessions (i.e Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase etc).
We ask that you also double check your audio files before uploading. Reload them into a new Session/Project, checking that they are the correct placement and length, Also checking that any crossfades have been included when consolidating or Bouncing in Place.

Please note Track duration must be no longer than 10 minutes.
Each version or mix of a track will be charged separately. (instrumental, radio edit, etc.)

How will you deliver my track when its finished?

Your track will be delivered via email. You will need to reply to this email for any questions, concerns , or revisions. Rest assured that all files will maintain quality as they are being transferred back & forth.

How much headroom do I need?

Plenty of headroom please. Artifacts like clipping and distortion cannot be removed in the mix process, so allow plenty of headroom when printing your multi-tracks. This means turn off any limiters or compressors that will alter the dynamics of the track.

Can I use special characters in my track name or project name?

Please do not use £$“ % / ,. ?! or any other special characters in your track and project name as this can cause problems.

What is a reference track? May I send one?

We encourage reference tracks. A reference track could be a song you have heard on the radio/ internet. It gives us a reference of the style, tonal balance, & over all vibe of how you’d like your song to be. This is typically a track by an artist that is not yourself.

I have reverbs & delays (or other time based effects) on individual tracks, should I remove the effects?

I need more help.

Then get in touch. The best way to contact us is via our email using the contact email at the bottom of this page. Please put “Online Service Help Desk” in your subject line.

I need my track faster than what is offered, what can I do?

This service will cost you extra, & will be determined on a case by case scenario. Please email us at the contact email at the bottom of the page. Be sure to include “URGENT TURNAROUND” in the subject line of the email.

I recorded the tracks my self, & the quality is NOT great. Can Occupy still help?

We may be able to help. If you believe the recordings are “poor” please contact us before making any sort of payment. You can email us at the contact email at the bottom of the page. Please include “Recording Quality Help Desk” in the subject line of your email. We will ask you to send us a stereo two track of the song & we will determine if we can help. If you’ve already uploaded & paid, no worries, if the tracks don’t fit our criteria for quality recordings, we will refund you 100%.