Stem Mastering

Mastering typically happens using a stereo or dual-mono mix of the final sessions. But sometimes, if there are doubts about the mix from the band or the mixing engineer, stem mastering can really help

What is Stem Mastering?

Stem mastering is a process where the mixes are separated into groups (or stems) of instruments at the levels they were mixed at so that when the stems are loaded into a new session, the mastering engineer has access to the individual instruments in the context of the mix. For example, if the drums need a boost to its low frequencies, the necessary changes can be made clinically without affecting areas such as the bass guitar, which will usually sit adjacent in the mix. Stem mastering can also be beneficial to increasing the perceived volume of a master in some instances. It should be stressed, however, that this isn’t a fix-all solution to problematic mixes, but it certainly gives the mastering engineer a much broader scope in which to work.

How do I prepare my tracks to send to you for stem mastering?

Ideally, the stems should be separated as below, but feel free to send an email if your band uses any unorthodox instrumentation, and you’re unsure as to how to proceed.

Labeling your tracks

Stem 1 – Drums
Stem 2 – Guitars
Stem 3 – Bass
Stem 4 – Vocals
Stem 5 – Backing Vocals
Stem 6 – Leads
Stem 7 – Everything else, keyboards etc.

Leaving headroom

Again, please make sure there is headroom in the stems, and files should be submitted as .wav or .aiff files – all starting from the same zero point in your mix session.