PREPARING AUDIO FILES FOR FILM MIXING

Preparing your audio files for film mixing and 5.1 upmixing is a crucial step in ensuring a seamless and high-quality final product. By following this comprehensive guideline, you can deliver your audio files in the optimal format, allowing our team to efficiently process and integrate them into the final mix.

First and foremost, it is essential to ensure that all audio files are in an uncompressed, high-quality format, such as WAV or AIFF, with a minimum bit depth of 24-bit and a sample rate of 48kHz. This will preserve the integrity of your audio and ensure that no quality is lost during the mixing and upmixing process.

Next, it is important to properly label and organize your audio files. Each file should be named, indicating the content, source, and any relevant metadata. This will help our team quickly identify and locate the necessary files, streamlining the mixing and upmixing workflow.

When it comes to the channel configuration, we recommend delivering your audio in a stereo format, with the left and right channels clearly designated. This will allow our team to accurately upmix the audio to a 5.1 surround sound format, ensuring an immersive and enveloping listening experience for the audience.

Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that your audio files are free from any unnecessary clipping, distortion, or background noise. Properly normalizing and cleaning your audio files will help our team achieve a seamless and balanced final mix, without the need for extensive post-processing.

By following these guidelines, you can be confident that your audio files will be ready for film mixing, resulting in a high-quality, professional-grade final product that will captivate your audience.

Files to Provide for Full Film Mixing

Export audio tracks in AAF or OMF2 from the video editing program, preferably at 24-bit/48Khz in WAV or AIFF format. 16-bit/44.1Khz is not recommended but can be accepted if that is the only option.

For upmixing, and mastering export the following stereo audio stems:

• Dialogue (DIA)
• Music (MX)
• Sound Effect/Foley (SFX or FX)
• Foley Separated (If needed)

Picture Guidelines

Please provide a reference video with the stereo rough mix embedded.

• The film should be picture-locked and approved for mixing.
• At least full HD format: 1920 x 1080, MOV or MP4
• Burn in | Timecode in the footage is preferred, although it is not required.
• Accepted codec examples: Avid DNxHD, DNxHR, Apple Pro Res, Dv25, Dv50, h265, h264
• The video file should be in the same frame rate as the final production. Any discrepancy in frame rates will result in syncing issues.