recording studio

Select Recording Studios Blog

Recording Formats

When you’ve poured your energy into a recording session, the last thing you want is confusion about how you’ll receive your final tracks. At Select Recording Studios, we believe the delivery process should be simple, flexible, and professional—just like the recording experience itself.
Here’s everything you need to know about the formats we provide, how you’ll receive your music, and how we protect your work long after your session ends.

The Most Popular Audio Formats: WAV and MP3

The two most commonly requested formats are WAV and MP3—and we’re happy to provide both.
WAV (.wav) – The Professional Standard

WAV files are the industry-standard format for high-quality audio. They are:
• Uncompressed
• Full resolution
• Ideal for streaming platforms, radio, and further mastering
• Perfect for professional distribution

If you’re planning to release your music commercially or send it for additional production, WAV is the format you’ll want. It preserves every detail captured during your session.

MP3 (.mp3) – Convenient and Shareable

MP3 files are compressed, making them:
• Smaller in file size
• Easy to email and share
• Compatible with all devices

Many clients request MP3 versions for quick listening, sending to friends, or uploading to social media. While MP3 doesn’t retain quite the same level of detail as WAV, it’s incredibly convenient for everyday use.
Most of our clients choose to receive both formats—WAV for professional use and MP3 for convenience.

CD Copies Available

Although digital delivery is now the norm, we still offer CD copies upon request. Some artists prefer a physical version of their work—whether for personal archives, promotional use, or simply as a keepsake.
If you’d like a CD copy, just let us know during your session, and we’ll prepare it for you.

Flexible Delivery Options

We understand that everyone prefers to receive their files differently. That’s why we offer multiple delivery methods:

Email
Perfect for MP3 files or smaller projects. We can send your tracks directly to your inbox.

Transfer Services (e.g., TransferNow)
For larger WAV files or full albums, we use professional file transfer services. This ensures fast, secure delivery without compromising quality.

Memory Stick (USB)
Prefer something physical? We can load your recordings onto a USB memory stick for you to take home straight away.
Our goal is to make sure you leave with your music in the format and method that works best for you.

Free Backups – Your Music Is Safe With Us

One of the biggest concerns artists have is:
What happens if I lose my files?

At Select Recording Studios, all of your recordings are backed up free of charge.
Unfortunately, many recording studios either:
• Delete session files within a month
• Or charge a fee to store and back up your work

We do things differently.
We securely back up your sessions at no extra cost, giving you peace of mind long after your recording day is over. Your creativity deserves protection—and we take that responsibility seriously.

Need the Original Stems? No Problem.

If requested during your recording session, we can also provide all the original stems from your project.
Stems are the individual audio tracks that make up your song, such as:
• Lead vocals
• Backing vocals
• Drums
• Bass
• Guitars
• Keys
• Effects

Having your stems means:
• You can remix your track in the future
• Send files to another producer
• Make alternate versions
• Keep a complete personal archive
We’re happy to provide these, so you have full control and flexibility over your music.

Designed Around the Client Experience

At our London recording studios, we always strive to give clients the best experience we possibly can—from the first take to final delivery.

That means:
• Clear communication
• Professional-quality exports
• Flexible delivery options
• Secure backups
• No hidden fees

Recording music should be exciting—not stressful. We want you to walk away confident, knowing your music sounds amazing and is safely stored.

Final Thoughts

When you record at Select Recording Studios, you can expect:
• Final mixes in WAV and/or MP3 format
• Optional CD copies
• Delivery via email, transfer service, or USB memory stick
• Free secure backup of your recordings
• Optional access to all original stems

Your music matters. And so does how you receive it.
If you have specific format requests or questions before your session, just let us know—we’re always happy to help.

At Select Recording Studios, we don’t just record your music. We protect it, deliver it professionally, and ensure you leave with an experience as polished as your final track.