Exporting Mix Files
Once your mix is complete and all permutations have been recorded, you will most likely have to create files for clients to listen to or for actual delivery of the masters. You can do all of this from right within the same Nuendo project using the advanced export features.
Most often, the file that is needed is an MP3 file for the artists and producers to listen to in order to evaluate the mix outside the studio. You might need to apply some mastering processing in order to provide a file that is relatively loud enough compared to commercially available material. Usually this means using a peak limiter to increase the overall level of the mix and exporting either a 16-bit WAV file for CD burning or an MP3 or AAC file for emailing and iPod listening.
Let’s use that example to outline the exporting process:
1. Solo the mix track. This will eliminate any other signals passing through the mixer.
2. Switch the Control Room monitor source to the Main Mix (DIG MIX). This will allow you to listen to the mix file coming from the audio track instead of the summing device. (See Figure 16.25.)
Figure 16.25 Switching the Control Room to the DIG MIX.
3. Insert your favorite mastering plug-in or peak limiter.
4. Adjust its level, threshold, and other parameters as desired.
5. Ensure that dithering is enabled at the 16-bit level for CD-compatible files. (See Figure 16.26.)
Figure 16.26 PSP Xenon set for a CD level and dither.
6. Double-click the cycle marker for the mix to set the left and right locators. These define the area of the project that will be exported.
7. Select File>Export>Audio Mixdown… to open the Export Mixdown window.
8. From the channel selection pane, check the box for the Main Mix Audio Channel. You may have to scroll down in the pane because this is one of the last tracks created in the project. (See Figure 16.27.)
9. Choose the naming scheme and add any text as needed. I use either the channel name or the project name in most cases. You can also choose Name and manually enter any name you wish. (See Figure 16.28.)
10. Select the file type and adjust the relevant parameters, such as bit depth and sample rate for WAV or bit rate for MP3s.
11. Determine the file path and enter that into the path field or by navigating the Path dialog box.
12. Press Export and the file will be created.
Figure 16.27 Channel selection.
13. For additional file types, merely change the file type, adjust any parameters, and export again.
The original 24-bit mix files are still in the Audio folder inside the project folder. These exported versions can be stored anywhere. This completes the process and demonstrates some of the many options you have available while mixing in Nuendo.