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The Freemasons: a fine example of a productive production team.

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In theory, working with another person on a track (or, indeed, other persons) should ensure that you get better, faster results than when you're working on your own, but it doesn't always seem to work out that way.

Frequently, collaborations can turn into aimless, non-productive affairs, or even end up with one or more people downing tools and storming out of the studio. This, we think you'll agree, is something that's best avoided.

We've put together a list of 16 tips that will help ease the process of collaboration and make your creative partnerships all the more enjoyable.

1. Get fast uploads

If you're collaborating online, you're going to be bouncing a vast amount of data back and forth on the internet, and some programs, like Propellerhead's forthcoming Record, create very large files indeed. Make sure you get an internet connection with high upload speeds, as well as download.

2. Naming conventions

When sending and receiving files, it can be difficult to keep track of the latest version. A useful trick is to keep the version number of the project and your initials in the file name, so that you can always tell who last edited it and also be sure that it's the latest version.

3. Share the load

It's very easy to get caught up in the details and forget that there's somebody else working on the project, even when you're sitting next to each other, so set a time limit for each addition, almost like a game of chess. Each person gets to do whatever they like for as long as they're in the driving set – saving it as a new version each time the swap is made.

4. Import issues

Learn how to import parts into projects in your particular DAW (for example, Live enables you to drag complete projects or individual tracks/patches in from the browser). Sometimes it might involve saving channel strips and importing a corresponding MIDI file; other projects might require swapping processed audio stems. Talk it over and find best way for you and your platform(s).

5. Sensible swapping

Rather than sending the complete file every time you share a new version of a project over the net, find a simpler alternative. If you're only changing small parts, consider sending a channel strip and MIDI or audio file, rather than the whole project. And if no new files have been added, send the project file.

6. Get your files in order

Keep track of any new files you are adding to a project compared to the list you started with, that way you need only send the additions and the project file to your online collaborator. A good way to do that is to do a screengrab of your resources folder as soon as you receive the file from the other person. And also make sure you delete any unused files.

7. Match your setups

Collaboration is always easier when you both have the same plug-ins, so if you are planning to make a it a long term commitment, consider homogenising your setups, as this will save a lot of part bouncing. Alternatively, many sequencers let you freeze parts so that the project plays back properly without all the plug-ins on frozen channels.

8. Find some direction

Sit down with your collaborator and go through each other's top ten tracks before starting any new project together. Discuss what you want, and highlight the elements you would like in your own track.

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