Stem mastering guide
Stem Preparation
Aligned, clearly named stems provide control without turning the project into a new mix.
Choose useful groups
Create musical groups that make sense for the song and match the stem-mastering option ordered.
- Typical groups are drums, bass, instruments, synths, lead vocal, backing vocals and effects.
- Do not export every channel separately; that is a mixing project.
- Avoid duplicating the same signal in more than one stem.
Keep every stem aligned
Every file must start at exactly the same timeline position and have the same length, even when a part enters later.
- Use the same sample rate and bit depth for every stem.
- Include complete fades and effect tails.
- Do not trim silence differently from one file to another.
Print the intended sound
Keep creative processing that defines the production and remove only final loudness limiting or accidental clipping.
- Print essential delays, reverbs and sound-design effects.
- If an effect is uncertain, include a clearly labelled dry alternative.
- Do not normalise individual stems.
Verify the sum
Import the exported stems into an empty session at unity gain. Their sum should reproduce the approved mix as closely as possible.
- Include the approved rough mix as a reference.
- Use simple filenames such as 01_Drums, 02_Bass and 03_Music.
- Add notes about balances or elements that need special attention.
Before uploading
Same start and length · same format · no clipping · clear filenames · rough mix included · summed stems verified.
Guides
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