File Formats and Delivery
In professional music production, the handling of data after recording and the choice of delivery formats are critical processes that directly influence the final sonic quality. At Maravediflow, we implement strict file management based on industry standards to ensure artists can transition smoothly to the next stages of mixing and mastering. This guide details the specific file formats we provide and the secure methods we use for data transfer.
1. Recommended Audio Formats
In digital audio, saving data in "lossless" formats is mandatory for any project intended for professional release. Compressed formats like MP3 are suitable for listening and previewing, but using them for editing or mastering leads to permanent quality degradation and the introduction of audible artifacts.
Maravediflow provides deliveries in the following industry-standard formats:
- WAV (Waveform Audio File Format): The primary uncompressed format. It is highly reliable and compatible with every Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) available today.
- AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format): The Apple-standard uncompressed format, offering sonic quality identical to WAV.
By preserving the raw waveform data, these formats allow engineers to apply deep EQ cuts or heavy compression during the mixing phase without introducing noise or "brittleness" into the high frequencies, maintaining a clean and professional sound.
2. Sampling Rates and Bit Depth
The resolution chosen during recording determines the level of detail captured from the source. Depending on the project goals, we propose the following technical specifications:
| Setting | Primary Use | Technical Characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| 44.1kHz / 16bit | CD Quality / Final Delivery | Standard for consumer listening environments |
| 48kHz / 24bit | Film, Broadcast / Production Standard | Wide dynamic range, resilient to heavy editing |
| 96kHz / 24bit | Hi-Res / High-Definition Recording | Extreme resolution for precise time-stretching |
For projects proceeding to our Mixing & Mastering service, we strongly recommend a minimum of 24-bit depth. This ensures that low-level signals and subtle nuances of the performance are preserved, preventing quantization noise and providing the engineer with a professional-grade signal.
3. Multitracks vs. Stem Files
Understanding the difference between multitracks and stems is essential for coordinating the delivery process.
Multitracks: These are the raw, individual recordings of every single source. For example, a drum kit would be delivered as separate files for the kick, snare, hi-hats, and overheads. This level of granularity is indispensable for a full re-mix or detailed surgical editing of a performance.
Stems: These are grouped mixes of related tracks. Common stems include "Drum Stem" (all drums mixed together), "Vocal Stem" (lead and backing vocals), and "Instrumental Stem". Stems are highly useful for live playback, synchronization with video, or when sending a project to a second engineer for final polishing.
4. Delivery Methods and Media
Depending on the total data volume of your session in our Yokohama studio, we offer several secure transfer options:
- Cloud Storage: For projects under 5GB, we provide secure transfer links via encrypted services. These links are temporary and should be downloaded immediately.
- Physical Media (SSD/HDD): For high-resolution recordings or massive multitrack sessions, we recommend providing your own external SSD. We perform a direct copy to ensure data integrity and speed.
- Studio Archive: Following our business rules, Maravediflow stores all session data in our secure archive for 12 months. While we maintain this backup, clients are responsible for securing their own copies.
5. Technical Standards in Yokohama and Japan
In the Japanese recording industry, particularly within the Yokohama and Tokyo studio circuits, extreme precision in file labeling is expected. To avoid confusion during the mixing stage, we adhere to a strict naming convention.
An example of our labeling: 20260520_SongName_Vocal_Main_01.wav
By specifying "Date_SongName_Part_Status", any engineer can instantly identify which take was the primary choice. Every delivery is accompanied by a "Track List" document, which serves as a map for the project, detailing the role of each file and any specific notes from the recording session.
6. Post-Delivery Checklist
Once you receive your files, we recommend performing the following quality control checks immediately:
Verify that all files open without corruption and playback is consistent.
Confirm that sampling rates and bit depths match the agreed specifications.
Check that all requested stems or multitracks are present in the folder.
Ensure there is no unintentional clipping or digital distortion in the peaks.
Summary and Next Steps
Correct file delivery is the foundation for releasing your music in a professional state. If you have technical concerns regarding your DAW settings or hardware compatibility, our engineers are available to provide guidance before the session ends.
If you are currently planning a session and want to know how to prepare your equipment and artists, please refer to our Guide to Recording Preparation.