How to Export Tracks for Mixing or Remote Drum Recording (Pro Tools, Logic, Studio One, Ableton, and GarageBand)

If you’re sending your project to Drum Arsenal Productions for remote drum tracking, mixing, or mastering, properly exporting your tracks is the most important first step. Doing it right makes sure everything lines up perfectly, nothing is missing, and we can get straight to making your song sound great.

No matter which DAW you use, the goal is the same:
✅ Clean, clearly labeled audio files
✅ All tracks start from 0:00
✅ Each track is exported in mono (unless it’s a true stereo source, recorded in stereo)
✅ Export your tracks at 24-bit (or 32-bit float if available)
✅ Everything is in one organized folder

Below is an easy-to-follow guide for each major DAW.

Exporting Tracks In Pro Tools

1. Open Your Session and Save a Copy
   Go to File > Save Copy In... and save a new copy of your session. This keeps your original untouched.

2. Select All Tracks
   Highlight every audio and instrument track you plan to send (including printed effects or virtual instruments).

3. Consolidate from 0:00
   Set your timeline to start at 0:00. Select all tracks and choose Edit > Consolidate Clip (Shift + Option + 3).
   This makes each track one continuous file that lines up perfectly from the start of the session.

4. Check Track Types

   • Mono sources (vocals, bass, snare, etc.) → export as mono.

   • Stereo sources (keys, overheads, etc.) → export as stereo.

5. Export Audio Files
   Go to File > Export > Selected Tracks as Files.
   Choose: WAV, 24-bit, and your original sample rate (usually 44.1 or 48 kHz).

6. Label and Organize
   Rename files clearly: “Kick,” “SnareTop,” “BassDI,” “OH,” etc.
   Save everything to one folder — that’s what you’ll send to Drum Arsenal Productions.

Exporting Tracks In Logic Pro

1. Save a Copy of Your Project
   Go to File > Save As... and make a new folder version before exporting.

2. Set the Start Point at 0:00
   Drag the playhead to the very beginning of your session (0:00) so every track lines up from the same point.

3. Export All Tracks
   Go to File > Export > All Tracks as Audio Files.

4. Choose Correct Settings

   • Format: WAV

   • Bit Depth: 24-bit

   • Check “Normalize: Off”

   • Uncheck “Include Effects” (unless you want them printed)

   • Check “Trim Silence at File End” if desired

5. Export in Mono
   Logic automatically exports stereo or mono depending on your track format — just double-check that all mono tracks are mono and stereo are actual stereo tracks.

6. Label and Save
   Logic names files by track name, so make sure your tracks are labeled clearly before exporting (Kick, Snare, LeadVox, etc.).

Exporting Tracks In Studio One

1. Save a New Copy of Your Song
   Keep your original safe before exporting.

2. Highlight the Full Range
   Click and drag to select your entire song starting from 0:00.

3. Open Export Stems
   Go to Song > Export Stems.

4. Choose Export Settings

   • Format: WAV, 24-bit

   • Sample Rate: Match your session (44.1kHz or 48kHz)

   • Preserve Mono Tracks: ON

   • Include Effects: OFF (unless desired)

   • Real-Time Export: OFF

5. Export & Organize
   Studio One will create one clean audio file per track. Label everything clearly, place in one folder, and you’re done.

Exporting Tracks In Ableton Live

1. Set the Project Start at 0:00
   Make sure all clips and regions begin at 0:00, even if they don’t play right away.

2. Freeze & Flatten MIDI Tracks (If Needed)
   For any virtual instruments, right-click the track → Freeze Track, then Flatten. This converts them to audio.

3. Export Individual Tracks
   Go to File > Export Audio/Video.
   Under “Rendered Track,” select All Individual Tracks.

4. Set Export Options

   • File Type: WAV

   • Bit Depth: 24-bit

   • Sample Rate: Match your session

   • Normalize: Off

5. Export and Label
   Ableton will export each track automatically. Double-check names and organize everything in one folder.

Exporting Tracks In GarageBand

1. Convert Software Instruments to Audio
   GarageBand can only export one track at a time, so start by soloing your first track.

2. Solo and Export Each Track

   • Solo the first track.

   • Go to Share > Export Song to Disk.

   • Choose Uncompressed (WAV), 24-bit, and export from 0:00.

   • Repeat for each track.

3. Check Format
   Export each as mono unless it’s a stereo track like a piano or overheads.

4. Label Clearly
   Name each file (Kick, Snare, Guitar, Vox, etc.) as you go.

5. Zip and Send
   Once all tracks are exported, place them in one folder, zip it, and send it to Drum Arsenal Productions.

✅ Final Checklist Before You Send

• Every track starts at 0:00

• All audio is consolidated (no cutoffs or edits missing)

• Files are clearly labeled by instrument, folder is labeled with sample rate, bit depth, and tempo

• Export your tracks at 24-bit (or 32-bit float if available) — this preserves headroom and detail.
  Avoid 16-bit, as it limits dynamic range and increases the risk of clipping., use sample rate from recording session

• Folder is organized and zipped

Ready to Take Your Song to the Next Level?

Once your files are ready, send them to Drum Arsenal Productions for remote drum tracking, mixing, or mastering. I’ll take your clean, organized stems and turn them into release-ready mixes with real drums, analog tone, and professional polish.
➡️ Start your next project today