How to Prepare Stems
Clean, aligned files with no master processing make a better mix. Follow the six steps below, tick the checklist and send them over.
Six steps to perfect stems
Stems are separate audio files of every instrument or group in your song. Each one is exported at full length, so they play back together exactly like your project.
Finish & clean up your project
Stems are a snapshot: what you export is exactly what we will mix. Lock the arrangement first, so nothing changes after the files leave your computer.
- Delete muted or unused tracks and old ideas
- Print edits, comping and crossfades — final automation included
- Bounce in place any instrument we can’t open (VSTi, hardware)
- Save a backup copy of the project before exporting
Switch off the master-bus processing
Bypass the limiter, clipper, maximizer and any mastering EQ or compressor on the master channel — we will do that properly at the end. Effects on individual tracks (reverb, delay, saturation, sidechain) are part of your sound, so leave them on.
- Bypass headphone / room-correction and metering plugins too
- Rely on a bus compressor for “glue”? Mention it in your notes
- Not sure about an effect? Send both versions: with and without
Leave headroom — never clip
Every stem should peak around −6 dBFS and never touch 0 dB. Loudness doesn’t matter at this stage; clean, undistorted peaks do. We balance the levels in the mix.
- If a stem clips, lower its fader — and lower all the others by the same amount to keep your balance
- Don’t normalize the stems
- Watch the master meter while exporting: no red
Same start, same length
Export every stem from the very beginning of the project (bar 1 / 0:00) to the very end — even if the instrument is silent for the first minute. All files then line up the moment we drop them into a session.
- Don’t trim the start of the file to where the sound begins
- Extend the end so reverb and delay tails ring out
- Don’t render loops: render the full song length
Pick the right export settings
The settings below keep your audio exactly as you hear it. Never send MP3 or other lossy files — quality lost there can’t be brought back.
- WAV, 24-bit (32-bit float is fine too)
- Keep your project’s sample rate (44.1 or 48 kHz) — no conversion
- Stereo sources stay stereo, mono sources can stay mono
Name, zip & send
Number the files in playing order, name them clearly, and add a short note. Put everything into one ZIP — with a download link if it’s very large.
- Add the BPM and key to the ZIP name
- Include a reference track (MP3 is fine) and a few lines of notes
- Separate vocal parts: lead, doubles, adlibs, backing
How to group your stems
Not sure how many files to send? These layouts work well.
Beat / instrumental
Typically 8–16 stems
Rap / vocal song
Beat stems + every vocal part
Rule of thumb
If you might want it louder or quieter on its own, it deserves its own stem.
- 8–30 stems is a normal range
- Don’t merge everything into one file
- Don’t send 100 tiny clips either
Where to find the export settings
Menu names can differ slightly between versions.
FL Studio
Open File → Export → WAV file. Enable Split mixer tracks, set the resolution to 24-bit (or 32-bit float) and the tail to Leave remainder. Bypass the limiter on the Master channel first.
Ableton Live
File → Export Audio/Video. Set Rendered Track to All Individual Tracks, file type WAV, bit depth 24 (or 32), sample rate = project. Turn Normalize and Dither off and keep the Master chain empty. Return tracks should be exported as their own stems.
Logic Pro
File → Export → All Tracks as Audio Files… Choose WAV, 24-bit, Normalize: Off, and keep volume/pan automation included. Bypass the plug-ins on the Stereo Out channel.
Cubase / Nuendo
File → Export → Audio Mixdown. In Channel Selection tick the channels you want and enable Channel Batch Export. Choose WAV 24-bit, the project sample rate, and leave Normalize and Dither off.
REAPER
File → Render. Set Source to Stems (selected tracks), Bounds to Entire project, format WAV 24-bit (or 32-bit float). Normalize off, dither off. Select all tracks before you render.
Studio One
Song → Export Stems… Select the tracks you need, choose WAV 24-bit at the project sample rate, and export.
Final checklist
Tick everything off — then you’re ready.
Add a short brief
Save it as _NOTES.txt in your ZIP. It helps us hit the sound you’re after.
Questions about stems
Do I always need stems?
For Mix & Master — yes. If you only need mastering, send one stereo WAV (24-bit) with peaks around −6 dBFS and no limiter on the master.
Can I send fewer stems?
Yes. Group related sounds, but keep vocals separate (lead, doubles, adlibs) and keep drums and bass apart from melodies.
My instrument can’t be exported on its own. What now?
Use “bounce in place” or “freeze” to render it to audio first, then export as usual.
Should vocals be sent with effects?
Keep creative effects on. If you’re unsure, send a dry version and a version with effects. For corrective tuning, send the vocal untuned and tell us in the notes.
Which file formats do you accept?
WAV (preferred) or AIFF at 24-bit or 32-bit float. We can’t get good results from MP3 or other lossy files.
The files are huge. How do I send them?
Zip them and share a download link (Google Drive, Dropbox, WeTransfer) instead of attaching the files.
Stems ready?
Send them over and we’ll take it from here. Not sure about something? Ask before you export.