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How to export a mix for mastering.

Export the approved stereo mix as a lossless file at its native quality. Check the sample rate, bit depth, normalization and dither settings, then listen to the exported file before sending it.

2 min read

On this page

Export checklist
Stereo mix or stems?
What filename should you use?

Drawing of a generic export dialog · labels vary by DAW

Set it once, check it against the list.

1File type

2Sample rate

3Bit depth

4Normalize

5Dither

6Channels

7Range

8File nameArtist - Song - Mix 04.wav

8 of 8 settings match the checklist

File type. WAV · matches the checklist
Sample rate. 48 kHz · session rate · matches the checklist
Bit depth. 32-bit float · matches the checklist
Normalize. off · matches the checklist
Dither. A 32-bit float export needs no dither.
Channels. Stereo, interleaved · matches the checklist
Range. Whole song, with the tail · matches the checklist
File name. artist, title and a clear version, with plain hyphens · matches
Then listen. Import the export into a blank session, disable warping, and listen to the start, loudest section, and ending.

Change any setting to see the checklist’s note for it. Nothing is exportedEvery note quotes the export checklist on this page

Export checklist

File formatChoose WAV, AIFF or FLAC. Avoid MP3, AAC, and other lossy formats for the source.
Sample rateKeep the session's native sample rate and do not upsample. Bounce Sessions accepts 44.1 to 96 kHz, so export a higher-rate session at 96 kHz.
Bit depthExport 32-bit float if your DAW offers it, otherwise 24-bit. Bounce Sessions reads 16-, 24- and 32-bit files, plus 20-bit WAV and 8-, 12- and 20-bit FLAC, but not 64-bit float.
NormalizationTurn normalization off. It changes gain after your mix bus and adds no useful quality.
DitherA 32-bit float export needs no dither. If you export 24-bit, leave your DAW’s dither on; at 24-bit it is inaudible. The 16-bit delivery file is dithered at mastering.
Stereo mixExport one interleaved stereo file for automated mastering. Stems are a different service and decision process.
Full rangeStart before the first sound and let the full tail finish. Avoid an accidental loop selection.
Quality checkImport the export into a blank session, disable warping, and listen to the start, loudest section, and ending.

Upload the export and hear the master against it, at full length. The preview is free.

Master a track, free

Stereo mix or stems?

A stereo mix is the finished two-channel balance and is the correct input for Bounce Sessions automatic mastering. Stems are grouped parts such as drums, vocals, and instruments. They allow deeper intervention, require more decisions, and belong in a personal mastering or mix-revision conversation.

What filename should you use?

Use artist, title, and an unambiguous version such as “Artist - Song - Mix 04.wav”, with plain hyphens. Avoid calling a file “final” until it has passed the quality check. The audio itself matters; the clear label protects the handoff.

Before upload

Confirm that this is the same mix everyone approved. Format settings cannot repair a version mistake.