Technical Guide
How to Prepare Stems for Mixing
Studio Essentials • 5 min read
The quality of a final mix depends heavily on the quality of the files delivered to the engineer. When you send "stems"—individual tracks or groups of tracks—you are providing the raw materials for your song. If these materials are clipped, poorly named, or inconsistent, the mixing process becomes a rescue mission rather than a creative enhancement. This guide outlines the exact technical requirements we use at Banaedgezen to ensure your vision is translated perfectly into a professional master.
Understanding the Difference Between Stems and Multitracks
Before exporting, it is crucial to understand the terminology. In the strictest sense, "multitracks" are every single individual recording (e.g., every single vocal take, every single snare hit). "Stems" are typically grouped versions of these tracks (e.g., all drums combined into one stereo file, all backing vocals into another). For our Single Track Mixing service, we generally prefer individual multitracks to allow for maximum precision, though grouped stems are acceptable for complex orchestral or electronic arrangements.
Technical Specifications for Export
To maintain sonic integrity and avoid digital artefacts, your files must adhere to specific standards. We operate in a high-resolution environment in our Melbourne studio, and we require your files to match this quality to avoid degradation during processing.
- Sample Rate: 44.1kHz or higher (96kHz is welcome if recorded at that rate).
- Bit Depth: 24-bit is the industry standard. Avoid 16-bit or 32-bit float unless specifically discussed.
- File Format: WAV or AIFF. Never send MP3 or AAC files as stems; the compression artefacts are permanent and cannot be removed.
Managing Headroom and Clipping
One of the most common mistakes is sending files that are "hitting the red." If your individual tracks are clipping (peaking above 0dB), the distortion is baked into the file. No amount of mixing can remove digital clipping.
We require a minimum of -6dB of peak headroom on all tracks. This means your loudest peak should not exceed -6dB. This provides the mixing engineer with the necessary "breathing room" to apply EQ, compression, and saturation without introducing unwanted distortion. If you have used a limiter on your individual tracks, please disable it before exporting.
| Requirement | Standard | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Level | -6dB to -12dB | Prevents clipping during processing |
| File Type | WAV / AIFF | Lossless audio quality |
| Bit Depth | 24-bit | Optimal dynamic range |
| Naming | Clear & Descriptive | Faster workflow and fewer errors |
Organisation and Naming Conventions
Imagine an engineer opening a session with 60 tracks named "Audio 1", "Audio 2", and "Track 15". This leads to confusion and wasted time. Clear naming allows us to focus on the music rather than the file system. Please use a consistent format: [Instrument]_[Channel]_[Processing].
Examples of good naming:
- Kick_In_Dry.wav
- Snare_Top_Compressed.wav
- LeadVocal_Main.wav
- Synth_Bass_Mono.wav
- BackingVocals_Left.wav
The Importance of Consolidated Files
All stems must be "consolidated" or "bounced" from the very beginning of the project. This means every file starts at 0:00, regardless of when the instrument actually enters the song. If your files are trimmed to start only when the instrument plays, they will be out of sync the moment they are imported into our session. Ensure every single WAV file is the exact same length as the entire song.
Local Considerations for Melbourne Artists
Operating in the vibrant Melbourne music scene, we work with a diverse range of home studios across Victoria. Whether you are recording in a bedroom in Brunswick or a project space in South Yarra, the physics of sound remain the same. We encourage local artists to double-check their exports on a neutral system (like a set of studio monitors or high-quality headphones) before sending. If you are unsure about your technical setup, feel free to contact us for a brief consultation.
Final Pre-Flight Checklist
Before you upload your files to our secure server, run through this final check:
- [ ] All effects that are "baked-in" are intentional; all others are removed.
- [ ] No limiters are active on the master or individual tracks.
- [ ] Every file starts at the exact same timestamp (0:00).
- [ ] Files are exported as 24-bit WAVs.
- [ ] Peaks are consistently around -6dB.
- [ ] Folders are organised by instrument group (Drums, Bass, Vocals, etc.).
Proper preparation is the first step toward a world-class record. By following these guidelines, you ensure that the transition from your creative space to our control room is seamless. If you are also wondering about the financial side of the process, we recommend reading our guide on Understanding Mixing and Mastering Costs to plan your project budget effectively.