Archiving and Backing Up the Final Mix

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Once your mix is completed, it is time to properly back up and store your data for possible future use. Carefully consider the possible uses for this material. For instance, foreign language versions of a film or television show might require a different set of foley tracks. The reason for this is that some foley elements are captured along with the dialog when it is recorded on the set. As that dialog is being removed for a dubbed foreign language version, certain foley elements might need to be included in order to replace those lost with the dialog tracks. If a movie is to be subtitled in a foreign language, most likely the original print master will be used as only the visuals will be altered .

It is a common practice to gather additional foley sounds while recording in anticipation of a foreign language dub of the film. When you are creating mix stems , you might need to create an alternate foley mix stem to compensate for the elements lost with dialog tracks. This foley mix stem would have to be archived in a proper format so that it is clear what it should be used for. Paperwork is boring but necessary.

Mix Stems: Dipped or Not Dipped

In commercial video production, it is common to have mix stems or subgroups that vary in gain (are "dipped") to accommodate dialog or narration. When these mix stems are printed by themselves , the retained dynamic changes make them unusable for revisions that include changes in the dialog or narration. It is always advisable to print stems that have no volume automation or gain riding , in order to provide usable mix components for future revisions. Sometimes, side-chain gain reduction is applied to the music stem in order to "duck" the dialog when it enters. If the mix stem is printed with this type of processing applied, it can sound very unnatural and become relatively unusable. At least make a pass with and without this type of processing applied in order to provide choices later on. Be sure to document all this information carefully with the mix stem master recordings.

Pro Tools Data

Archiving of the Pro Tools data is imperative. It is possible that mix stems and print masters will all be recorded inside Pro Tools. All of these files must be archived dependably. Additionally, copies must be sent to the relevant video or film mastering facilities for proper encoding to the actual picture master itself. Current practices will vary depending on the facility involved. DVD-ROM is a convenient way to transfer large quantities of data that results from several print masters and their associated mixed stems. Be wary of using proprietary formats, such as Retrospect data, or tape storage systems unless the mastering facility specifically requests it. When you use DVDs you have the advantage of being able to record data in a raw form that can be accessed by nearly any computer system with a DVD drive.

All final mixes , mix stems, print masters and any other file associated with your mixdown should have reference tones printed along with two beeps for synchronization. Be sure to properly document any CD, DVD, or multi-track master tape so that people involved with the project will have a clear understanding of what is contained in that media.

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