File naming
Track number – Artistname – Songname – Type
Examples:
01 Artist – Song – ABLETON_PROJECT.zip
01 Artist – Song – STEMS_2-6.zip
01 Artist – Song – STEMS_7-18.zip
01 Artist – Song – STEMS_19-25.zip
If you’re sending a bundle, name the folder/ZIP the same as the track/project.
- Choose the option and send the right materials
A) Ableton In-Session Mastering (1 .als project)
Send:
- Ableton Live project (.als)
- In Ableton: Collect All and Save (so there are no missing files)
- Zip the entire project folder into .zip
- 1–2 references (link or files)
- A short note: goal (streaming / club) and your sound preferences
Very important: the project must open without messages like “missing files”.
B) Ableton In-Session Stem Mastering (2–6 stems)
Send:
- 2 to 6 stems (audio files)
- (Recommended) stereo bounce of your mix (for comparison)
- 1–2 references
- A short note: goal (streaming / club) and sound preferences
C) Ableton In-Session Stem Mastering (7–18 stems)
Send:
- 7 to 18 stems (audio files)
- (Recommended) stereo bounce of the mix
- 1–2 references
- A short note: goal and preferences
D) Ableton In-Session Stem Mastering (19–25 stems)
Send:
- 19 to 25 stems (audio files)
- (Recommended) stereo bounce of the mix
- 1–2 references
- A short note: goal and preferences
- Stem rules (most important)
To make sure stems play perfectly and stay aligned:
- All stems must start at the same point (best from the very beginning of the track).
- All stems must be the same length (even if an element plays only for a moment).
- No clipping (distortion / red meters).
- Do not put a limiter/clipper on the master.
If a limiter/clipper is part of the sound character — mention it in the brief.
- Plug-ins and compatibility
If you send an .als project and use third-party plug-ins that may not open on our side, we may ask for:
- Freeze/Flatten selected tracks, or7
- audio export (print) of problematic elements.
Creative effects (sound design) that are part of the sound — keep them.
- Audio file format (for stems and exports)
- WAV / AIFF
- 24-bit or 32-bit float (recommended)
- Sample rate as in the project (e.g., 44.1 / 48 kHz)
- Simple stem split example
This is only an example — adjust to your track and stem limit.
2–6 stems (simple):
Drums.wav
Bass.wav
Music.wav (synths/guitars/other)
Vox.wav (if present)
FX.wav (optional)
7–18 stems (more detailed):
Kick.wav, Snare.wav, Hats.wav, Drums_Other.wav
Bass.wav
Chords.wav, Lead.wav, Pads.wav
Vox_Lead.wav, Vox_BGV.wav
FX.wav
19–25 stems (most detailed):
split groups even further (e.g., separate toms, claps, separate leads, multiple vocal layers, etc.)
Before sending, check:
- the ZIP unpacks correctly,
- nothing is missing,
- stems start together and have the same length.
References: if you have a limited number of references, please send them as well.
- Upload: https://blackviewstudio.wetransfer.com
Always use this link to upload — this way the transfer won’t expire.
Most important: make sure to listen to the files before sending.
I can’t wait to master / stem master your projects straight from Ableton Live 12. If you have questions before placing the order, feel free to reach out — I’ll be happy to help.
BR,
Damian 《BV》
