Recording/File Guidelines [MANDATORY READ FOR ALL MEMBERS]

After a while working with files for U!P, I've identified some things that I'd like to set definitive standards for when members record. If you have any questions about these guidelines, please let me know! I'm here to help. These guidelines are not to make things harder or to single anyone out - they are to make my life and those of volunteer mixers easier by identifying certain things that I would like to be standard throughout all files submitted to U!P.

Please note: I am aware that sometimes these things will slip through the cracks. It's okay! I've sent in files with coughs or the original track by accident before, too. However, being aware of the recording guidelines and all that you as a singer can do to help make the process efficient is greatly appreciated by those who are responsible for putting it all together c:

• All files submitted to U!P should be .ogg or .mp3. No other file formats will be accepted. If you cannot export to one of these file formats, please contact a member of the production team, and we will be happy to assist you in getting set up to do so.
• Unless a file is completely unmixable (e.g. it only contains half the song; it was accidentally exported with the backing track; there was a mike issue and there are small pops on the entirety of the recording), redos will not be requested. If you are not satisfied with the quality of your recording, please do not submit it until you are. Our mixers will do their best with the files they receive, but we're not miracle workers, nor do we like to be The File Quality Police; we're all doing this for fun, so if you want to sound your best, send your best shot of a file in and don't rely on the mixers to fix issues with your recording itself.
• Please be polite to our mixers. Do not export your file with things like coughs, sneezes, talking in the background, clicking, typing, singing lines that you're not assigned, etc. Having to silence extra things like this adds time to the mixing process and creates frustration especially when a mixer has multiple people sending files with extra noises. Please make a habit of checking your recordings before sending them. Be aware that your microphone picks up keyboard sounds or mouse clicks, and do the mixer the courtesy of silencing them prior to exporting.
• When recording, please begin recording at the beginning of the song, even if your first line isn't until 45 seconds in. Please time your file to the original song. If you have two lines that are very far apart, I am expecting to see silence in your file relative to the time between your two lines. Please do not send a file that has your lines one on top of another without any space in between. It is a huge inconvenience to retime an entire file when mixing. Recording to the original in multiple takes can be accomplished using a recording program such as Audacity. If you need assistance, ask one of the production team and we will be happy to help!
• Please take care with your pronunciation and phrasing. I know that not everyone is as comfortable singing in Japanese as those of us who have taken lessons or been doing this for years. However, we all started somewhere, and had to work hard to get to the point where we are now, so that means it's something any one of us can do! I, as well as many other members of the group, am happy to record help files or provide coaching with pronunciation if you need it, but it's up to you to ask! As stated above, the quality of your files is ultimately on you, so please don't stumble your way through a fast line and then send it in, expecting that the mixer will fix what is ultimately laziness on your part. I have before and am not afraid to in the future cover solo lines or silence group lines that absolutely will not fit. However, I don't want to do that, so please let me or someone else on the production team help if pronunciation, timing, etc. is a weak point for you!
• Running through the song prior to recording can be a huge help. If it's a song you've newly learned, try to sing the whole thing as assigned prior to actually recording it. Identify problem spots and practice them a little bit more before you do your file to turn in.
• Please try to keep your recording situation consistent within a song. Stay about the same distance away from your microphone throughout the song. If you have to record in two different takes, make sure the two takes sound like they were done in the same one. Don't send me a file that's half done with your old in board microphone and half done with your shiny new handheld. I want all of your lines to sound like they were done in one shot.
• Please use only mediafire.com or box.com to upload your files for U!P.
• Unless you are turning in more than four files, please do not zip your files prior to uploading them.
• If you are unable to use either of the above services, please contact me so we can figure out an alternative.