Best software/methods for remote collaboration?

[Heartbreaker_Esq]

I would like to collaborate on songwriting and recording projects with people out of state. I was hoping to get some advice on the best and most frictionless ways of working together, preferably free, and with the least amount of new software to learn.

I understand some people use the same DAW, and send whole projects back and forth, or use cloud storage. But I primarily use GarageBand, so that's not likely to work. Other folks send .wav files through file sharing services like dropbox and wetransfer (I think I remember @klasaine talking about this at one point). And I think @mexicanyella and @ToNka_0000 use Bandlab, which sounds interesting, although I'm not sure I understand it fully.

What are your tried-and-true methods for remote collabs? Recommendations welcome.

 

[AAT65]

I’ve used GarageBand to do remote recordings with the band - you can export tracks as wav files (in GarageBand or whatever DAW your partners use) and then import them at the other end, or open projects in iCloud and share that way. https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/garageband-ipad/chs39284d66/ipados

 

[Heartbreaker_Esq]

I’ve used GarageBand to do remote recordings with the band - you can export tracks as wav files (in GarageBand or whatever DAW your partners use) and then import them at the other end, or open projects in iCloud and share that way. https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/garageband-ipad/chs39284d66/ipados

If I remember correctly, aren't .wav files too big for most of the typical email providers? If so, what file transfer method are you using?

 

[AAT65]

We transfer files through Google Drive as a rule. I never email large files.

 

[FendrGuitPlayr]

Google Drive works well and 15GB free. You can pay for more storage if needed.

 

[Manual Slim]

My guy sends me a cd of whatever he's recorded, I load it into an old Fostex MR16, record my parts, mix it to taste, send it to a Fender Super 210, and record the final mix through the air using my phone's voice memo app. It's definitely not for everyone but it's our signature sound.

 

[klasaine]

.wav files will attach to google drive.
Personally, I like to send files via Dropbox or WeTransfer. Both services offer a free tier. Occasionally stuff can get corrupted or just not send in google drive. It’s rare but it happens.

 

[loudboy]

Everyone needs to using the same DAW software, with the same load of VSTs, etc.

I use Wetransfer to send files back and forth.

Be OCD about version naming, backup, etc.

 

[Peegoo]

It does help if everyone uses the same DAW software because a different program used by a collaborator may require you to sync the WAV files when importing into your DAW.

It's a little extra work.

 

[klasaine]

Depending on how you need or want to collab, you don't really have to send all the session files or stems. A.wav of the stereo mix of wherever the project is at is perfectly serviceable for at least tracking. If you want to collaborate on the mixing and Mastering, then yeah the same daw and the same plugs are a necessity.
*Always send .wav files back and forth. Mp3s can lose or gain samples when they're exported. After a few times back and forth you'll hear or feel the offset.

 

[TomBrokaw]

Everyone needs to using the same DAW software, with the same load of VSTs, etc.

I use Wetransfer to send files back and forth.

Be OCD about version naming, backup, etc.

Yes. Nothing more annoying than a file that has been "identified" with "[duplicated timestamp](2)" so you don't know what it is.

I've resorted to just going by year: "[songtitle] Full Mix/Guitars Only/Instrumental 2024".

 

[loudboy]

Yes. Nothing more annoying than a file that has been "identified" with "[duplicated timestamp](2)" so you don't know what it is.

I've resorted to just going by year: "[songtitle] Full Mix/Guitars Only/Instrumental 2024".

Or you overwrite that perfect lead vocal take...

I just use numbers - Title 01, Title 02, Title 03, etc.

When it comes time for mixing, it switches to Title Mix 01, etc. and the corresponding bounces get the same name - Title Mix 01 Raw and then Title Mix 01 Mastered.

Done it that way for decades on hundreds of songs, haven't lost anything yet.

 

[mexicanyella]

Tonka_0000 and I use the Bandlab mobile app, which is so straightforward you will actually get dumber using it.

Which is kind of fun.

Pros: free, works on iPhone or Android, there is a web version too if you prefer to work on a full sized screen at a desk. But seriously, I am doing everything on an old iPhone 6S, and the tiny touch screen works surprisingly well! It has not been much of a gripe for me at all. And the biggie, what got us using it in the first place, is that being cloud based, and me having terrible provider internet but good cellular internet...it allowed us to upload/download instantly through the app. We can even work on the same song at the same time (he’s in England and I’m in Missouri) although that can get confusing.

Cons: it’s cloud based, so if your connection goes down you have to wait while that gets sorted out. The mobile app is a streamlined version, so some features are not available like volume and pan automation. I’ve missed this a few times but it’s not the end of the world. In the iOS version, you’re working in .m4a files, which are lossy like .mp3s. Not sure if the android version works in .mp3 or not... @ToNka_0000 could answer this.

Anyway, some people prefer to avoid the lossy files, as mentioned above in another post. In my case, it’s worth it to have a fast easy way to record stuff, and I’m not yet feeling limited by audio quality. I think I am a bigger limitation than the file format, is what I’m saying.

I’m not sure if the mobile app imposes a limit of one track being recorded at a time. But my iRig 2 interface does. This too has been less of a real world problem than I anticipated. I haven’t felt like I needed to multi-mic anything yet.

@FortyEight, our other collab band partner, being the drummer, needs multiple inputs (he does quite well with two-channel drum miking though) but he works in Reaper. So our process is, he either starts us off with a drum track or drum and bass track and sends us that and I drop it into Bandlab...or we send him a stereo .mp3 file of an existing song and he plays to that, then sends us what he recorded and we sync it up. The syncing has been annoying a few times but it’s not insurmountable.

Not trying to be a Bandlab sales rep. Just describing why its features suit our particular situation. Happy to answer further questions if you decide you want to look into that one further.

 

[FortyEight]

most daws are compatible by sending .wav files. or mp3s. When i was working with a drummer we just would send wav files back and forth. mainly him sending me his drums cuz i did the mixing and the rest.

i send my mp3s to @mexicanyella for their bandlab mixes. but its not ideal. there is some kind of change going on to the files that they dont line up as easily as a typical daw file. and its been a PIA to square away properly.

I have no clue how garage band files are and if they are compatible with other daws.

 

[black_doug]

It’s been ten years since the last time I did this but we used wav files and Dropbox. It was for someone to do the mixing for my demo.

I’m watching because I may have some collaboration again in the near future.

 

[loudboy]

most daws are compatible by sending .wav files. or mp3s. When i was working with a drummer we just would send wav files back and forth. mainly him sending me his drums cuz i did the mixing and the rest.

i send my mp3s to @mexicanyella for their bandlab mixes. but its not ideal. there is some kind of change going on to the files that they dont line up as easily as a typical daw file. and its been a PIA to square away properly.

I have no clue how garage band files are and if they are compatible with other daws.

I've had good luck with a client bouncing down garage band files to .wav and sending them to me.

 

[ToNka_0000]

Tonka_0000 and I use the Bandlab mobile app, which is so straightforward you will actually get dumber using it.

Which is kind of fun.

Pros: free, works on iPhone or Android, there is a web version too if you prefer to work on a full sized screen at a desk. But seriously, I am doing everything on an old iPhone 6S, and the tiny touch screen works surprisingly well! It has not been much of a gripe for me at all. And the biggie, what got us using it in the first place, is that being cloud based, and me having terrible provider internet but good cellular internet...it allowed us to upload/download instantly through the app. We can even work on the same song at the same time (he’s in England and I’m in Missouri) although that can get confusing.

Cons: it’s cloud based, so if your connection goes down you have to wait while that gets sorted out. The mobile app is a streamlined version, so some features are not available like volume and pan automation. I’ve missed this a few times but it’s not the end of the world. In the iOS version, you’re working in .m4a files, which are lossy like .mp3s. Not sure if the android version works in .mp3 or not... @ToNka_0000 could answer this.

Anyway, some people prefer to avoid the lossy files, as mentioned above in another post. In my case, it’s worth it to have a fast easy way to record stuff, and I’m not yet feeling limited by audio quality. I think I am a bigger limitation than the file format, is what I’m saying.

I’m not sure if the mobile app imposes a limit of one track being recorded at a time. But my iRig 2 interface does. This too has been less of a real world problem than I anticipated. I haven’t felt like I needed to multi-mic anything yet.

@FortyEight, our other collab band partner, being the drummer, needs multiple inputs (he does quite well with two-channel drum miking though) but he works in Reaper. So our process is, he either starts us off with a drum track or drum and bass track and sends us that and I drop it into Bandlab...or we send him a stereo .mp3 file of an existing song and he plays to that, then sends us what he recorded and we sync it up. The syncing has been annoying a few times but it’s not insurmountable.

Not trying to be a Bandlab sales rep. Just describing why its features suit our particular situation. Happy to answer further questions if you decide you want to look into that one further.

Yeah, Bandlab gives you a format choice, and like @FortyEight said, it gives a .Wav option, so loss isn't a problem.

I prefer using it on PC, but handy to have the mobile option. It offers a huge amount for a free DAW. And it's optimised for collaboration.

 

[G Stone496]

I’ve used GarageBand to do remote recordings with the band - you can export tracks as wav files (in GarageBand or whatever DAW your partners use) and then import them at the other end, or open projects in iCloud and share that way. https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/garageband-ipad/chs39284d66/ipados

Yep, Garage Band or its big brother Logic Pro X

 

[mixmkr 2024]

I never have heard anyone complain about my audio quality sending mp3 files...gasp!
Look at Twanger....I see no gripes there and those are all mp3 basically. YouTube is worse.

Pro serious work ...no way...but for casual recording that 99% of the people won't hear the differences.

But mp3 are nice and small for emails etc.

 

[FortyEight]

i never had any issues with the drummer i was working with wav files coming through on a normal email. i also send my mixes as a wav to people to check out through email. that being said 2 out of 3 gmail accounts are at their limit. but i can make room by getting rid if old sent wavs.