Standard Session File Delivery Guidelines
Don't waste expensive studio hours on file troubleshooting. Follow these technical standards for a seamless transition between rooms.
Covers 2 studios: NRG Recording Studios, Record Plant.
Guide insights
The LA industry standard is 48kHz / 24-bit WAV files. While some audiophiles prefer 96kHz, 48kHz is the sweet spot for compatibility with video and modern streaming. Always ensure your session is 'Consolidated'—meaning every track starts at bar 1, beat 1—so it lines up perfectly in any DAW.
Name your tracks clearly. 'Vocal_Lead_Main' is better than 'Audio_01_Copy.' Include a 'Leadsheet' or a text file with the BPM (Tempo) and the Key of the song. This allows the engineer to set up their grid and tuning plugins in seconds.
If you are bringing 'Stems,' ensure they include the effects (reverb/delay) if those are critical to your sound. However, also provide a 'Dry' version of the vocals just in case the mix engineer wants to use their own high-end hardware processing.
Use cloud storage as your primary delivery method, but always carry a physical SSD as a backup. Internet at studios can be spotty, and a large session can take hours to download when you could have just plugged in a drive.
NRG Recording Studios
North Hollywood, CA
Verified Feb 6, 2026A production-forward studio with recording plus video, photography, and electronic press kit support. A good match for artists who need both studio time and media assets for releases.
Record Plant
Los Angeles, CA
Verified Feb 6, 2026A Los Angeles studio focused on recording, mixing, and mastering with a simple booking path. A strong option for artists who want a focused audio workflow without extra production layers.
FAQ
What is a 'Consolidated' track?
A single continuous audio file that starts from the beginning of the song, regardless of where the actual audio appears.
Why is 48kHz the standard?
It provides high fidelity while remaining compatible with standard video production (48k) and streaming requirements.