Session Preparation Checklist

Open preferences and make sure the project is set to the intended sample rate. Confirm that all audio files are at the same rate. Consolidate those that are not. I work at 48kHz unless specifically requested otherwise.

Export a reference version of how your song currently sounds, and bring the file into the session.

Remove clicks, pops, or timing issues. It helps to disable delays/reverbs while doing this.

Replace all VST2 plugins with their VST3 equivalents. TIP: open plugin window and save preset -> click the hot swap button -> select the VST3 version -> open plugin window and load preset

Move any volume and pan automation currently on the track mixer to a Utility audio effect, then delete the automation on the track mixer. This keeps global track controls clean and easily adjustable while mixing without affecting your automation.

Some plugins add noise to emulate analog gear. The most common culprit is the "analog" switch on Waves plugins. Please turn this off if unintentional.

Freeze all tracks using third-party plugins to prevent crashing, compatibility issues, and reduce CPU load.

Organize background vocals into separate tracks by section (verse bgs, pre bgs, chorus bgs, bridge bgs, etc.) so that they may be found easily. Rearrange the tracks in order of appearance, so the first vocal heard in the song is at the top of the vocal group, and last is at the bottom.

Remove any unused audio clips, MIDI clips, and empty tracks to keep the session organized.

Rename a track so that it is relevant to the clip(s)/sounds on it. Put a # follow by a space before each track name. This will automatically number the track so that if it is moved, the number changes accordingly (e.g., # Kick, # Snare, etc). If you are a Suite/Max for Live user, Side Brain has made a device that does this automatically.

Consolidate edited audio clips in a track where appropriate to simplify the arrangement and reduce file clutter.

Group all Percussion, all misc sound effects (SFX), all Basses, all Guitars, all Keys and/or Synths, all Vocals.

Assign colours to the tracks in different track groups (mine is browns = drums, orange = sfx, blues = basses, greens = guitars, pink/purples = synths and keys, reds = vocals, peach = symphony type instruments etc.) for visual organization.

Go to File → Collect All and Save. Enable all 4 buttons to ensure that all relevant samples and files are collected into the project. Hit save.

Either compress the folder containing the session, or while Ableton is open select Manage Files, and use Ableton Live's built in feature to create a Pack of the the project that can be sent.

Once you have shared the session, that will be the version that will be used. Hands off! If you need to make a change after sending, please email me to give me a heads up.