Once you have run all stems for you track, open a new session in your DAW and import all stems. Some examples of this would be multiple “synth” stems for chords/sustained synths and a lead synth. However, it can be helpful in some instances to further breakout your stems if you are unhappy with the current balance and wish to provide more flexibility. Most tracks can be condensed down to 6 basics stems: Kick, Drums, Bass, Synths/Music, Vocals, and SFX. A “Reverb” or “Delay” stem is not useful as it will likely contain many elements from different stems. If an element has effects such as reverb or delay that are being sent to a bus, those effects should be printed to the main stem. Render/bounce the stem as a 24 bit stereo. If any of these elements are being bussed together and processed, leave that processing on. For example, if you are creating your “Drum” stem this may include snare/clap, hi-hat, loops, etc. Solo the track(s) for whatever group you would like to render. EQ or gentle compression that is critical to the sound you have achieved in your current mix may be left on. Multi-band compression should be removed as well. This includes aggressive compression, limiting, and saturation/clipping. Now for the stems, remove any master buss processing that has been added solely in the interest of Loudness. If you have multiple versions, you would like mastered (such as an extended or instrumental mix) repeat the process until you have all pre-masters ready for delivery.

Ensure that your mix doesn’t clip or peak over 0 dB and, if it does, reduce the gain to a suitable level before rending to a 24 bit. Now for the Pre-Master, remove any master buss processing that has been added solely in the interest of Loudness.

It gives us a better idea of what you are aiming for sonically and should help us get your mix they way you like it quicker. This will serve as a “reference” mix for us to compare to while working on your new master. wav file with any master buss processing left on. If ordering a Stereo Master or Stem Mix & Master, please read below įirst, render/bounce your track as a 16 or 24 bit.

Master my track