Free DAW, free plugs, 9-step workflow, export settings. When ready, upload for pro.
Table of Contents
- 1. Download the Free Toolchain (Win / Mac)
- 2. Setting Up Your First Project (Sample Rate, BPM, Folders)
- 3. Step-by-Step Mix Workflow (9 Steps, No Shortcuts)
- 4. Export Settings for Streaming (-9 LUFS, -1 dBTP, 48 kHz)
- 5. Free Plug-In Chain Cheat-Sheet (EQ → Comp → Reverb)
- 6. Common Beginner Mistakes (and 30-Second Fixes)
- 7. When Your Demo Outgrows the Bedroom – Upgrade Path
- 8. FAQ: Latency, CPU, Headphones, Upgrades
- 9. Ready for Radio? Upload Stems for Pro Mix & Master
1. Download the Free Toolchain (Win / Mac)
- DAW: Cakewalk by BandLab (Win) or GarageBand (Mac)
- Meter: YouLean Loudness Meter 2 (free)
- Plugs: TDR Nova (EQ), TDR Kotelnikov (comp), OrilRiver (reverb)
- Samples: Cymatics “Essential” pack (royalty-free)
Total cost: $0
2. Setting Up Your First Project (Sample Rate, BPM, Folders)
- Sample rate: 48 kHz (streaming default)
- Bit depth: 24-bit (gives headroom)
- BPM: 90 (easy to loop)
- Create folders: Drums, Vox, Music, Bounces (stay organised)
3. Step-by-Step Mix Workflow (9 Steps, No Shortcuts)
| Step | Tool | Setting | Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Gain-stage | Fader | Peak -12 dBFS | Headroom for plugs |
| 2. High-pass | TDR Nova | 80 Hz HPF on vox | Remove rumble |
| 3. Cut mud | TDR Nova | -3 dB @ 220 Hz | Clear low-mid |
| 4. Add air | TDR Nova | +2 dB @ 10 kHz shelf | Brightness |
| 5. Compress | Kotelnikov | 3:1, 10 ms att, 100 ms rel, 3 dB GR | Control dynamics |
| 6. De-ess | Nova band | -4 dB @ 7.2 kHz, 3:1 | Tame sibilance |
| 7. Space | OrilRiver | Plate, 1.2 s, 15 % wet, HPF 200 Hz | Depth without mud |
| 8. Bus glue | Kotelnikov | 2:1, 30 ms att, 200 ms rel, 1 dB GR | Glue |
| 9. Loudness | YouLean | -9 LUFS int, -1 dBTP peak | Streaming target |
Hear the free-template result here.
4. Export Settings for Streaming (-9 LUFS, -1 dBTP, 48 kHz)
- Format: 24-bit WAV, 48 kHz
- Integrated LUFS: -9 (YouLean meter)
- True-Peak max: -1 dBTP (YouLean True-Peak button)
- No dither (24-bit → 24-bit)
- Name file: Artist_Title_Master.wav
5. Free Plug-In Chain Cheat-Sheet (EQ → Comp → Reverb)
| Slot | Plug-In | Preset Starting Point |
|---|---|---|
| EQ 1 | TDR Nova | HPF 80 Hz, -3 dB @ 220 Hz, +2 dB @ 10 kHz shelf |
| Comp 1 | TDR Kotelnikov | Peak, 3:1, 10 ms att, 100 ms rel, 3 dB GR |
| De-ess | Nova band | 4 kHz–9 kHz, -4 dB, 3:1, split-band |
| Reverb | OrilRiver | Plate, 1.2 s, 15 % wet, HPF 200 Hz |
| Bus comp | Kotelnikov | RMS, 2:1, 30 ms att, 200 ms rel, 1 dB GR |
6. Common Beginner Mistakes (and 30-Second Fixes)
| Mistake | Quick Fix |
|---|---|
| Export at 44.1 kHz | Set project to 48 kHz first |
| Compressor auto-gain on | Turn off, use make-up manually |
| Reverb 100 % wet | Dial to 15 %, HPF send @ 200 Hz |
| No peak meter | Add YouLean on master bus |
| Forgot instrumental bounce | Mute vox, export again |
7. When Your Demo Outgrows the Bedroom – Upgrade Path
- DR < 8 dB → send to human mixer (we keep 8–10 dB)
- Phase issues (mono collapse) → pro phase alignment
- Need Dolby Atmos or > 8 stem mix → upload for hybrid analog chain
- Playlist skip-rate > 25 % → manual Melodyne + analog glue
Upload your dry stems here and we’ll return radio-ready files.
8. FAQ: Latency, CPU, Headphones, Upgrades
Q1. Latency crackling?
Raise buffer to 256 samples, freeze tracks, close Chrome.
Q2. CPU dying?
Bounce reverb to audio, disable plug-ins while tracking.
Q3. Which headphones?
Closed-back (Audio-Technica M50x) < $150; flat enough for first mixes.
Q4. When to buy monitors?
After you can mix closed-back headphones to -9 LUFS; then upgrade.
Q5. Can I open your session?
Yes, send Cakewalk .cwp or GarageBand .band; we deliver Logic/Pro Tools back.
9. Ready for Radio? Upload Stems for Pro Mix & Master
- Bounce dry stems, no plugs on stereo bus, -12 dBFS peaks
- Label “Lead Vox”, “Drums Bus”, “808”, etc.
- Upload here → Mixing + Mastering
- Approve 30-second pro mix in 24 h
- Download radio-ready WAV → -9 LUFS, Apple Digital Masters