Stem Mastering: The Bridge Between Mixing and Mastering

Stem mastering differs fundamentally from traditional stereo mastering. While standard mastering involves processing a single stereo file, stem mastering allows us to work with multiple mix groups—typically drums, bass, vocals, and instruments. This approach grants us the ability to make targeted corrections that would be impossible in a finished stereo mix without negatively affecting other elements of the arrangement.

At our studio in Linz, we utilize a professionally monitored environment to ensure every frequency occupies its rightful place. Whether it is tightening the kick drum's relationship with the bass or embedding vocals more transparently into the mix, stem mastering restores the control often lost during the final export. This is particularly valuable for productions aiming for high commercial competitiveness in today's streaming landscape.

Who is Stem Mastering for?

This service is primarily designed for music producers, mixing engineers, and independent artists who already have a solid mix but feel that certain elements are not harmonizing perfectly. For instance, if you find that the vocals are too dominant in the stereo master, but lowering the overall signal robs the drums of their energy, stem mastering is the definitive solution.

EDM producers, hip-hop beatmakers, and rock bands also benefit significantly from this process. In genre-specific contexts where low-end pressure is critical, separating the bass and kick allows for far more precise saturation and compression. It is the ideal tool for projects requiring maximum dynamic impact while maintaining professional loudness.

How the Collaboration Works

The process begins with a detailed alignment regarding your vision. Since stem mastering involves a deeper intervention in the mix than a standard master, clear communication about the desired aesthetic direction is essential. We exchange reference tracks and define which specific areas of the mix require optimization.

Technical execution is handled online. You upload your files to a secure server, and we process them in our Linz studio. For clients based in Linz, there is an option to review the results together in our control room to make final fine-tunings. Communication is handled transparently via email or phone, strictly adhering to the agreed delivery timelines.

What You Need to Prepare

To ensure a perfect result, the quality of the submitted files is critical. We require your mix groups (stems) as separate WAV files. These must be of identical length and perfectly synchronized so that they align exactly when imported into our DAW.

We require a minimum resolution of 44.1 kHz and a bit depth of 24 bit. It is vital that the stems are exported without master-bus processing (no limiters, no global EQ). Please leave sufficient headroom, with peak levels ideally between -6 dB and -3 dB, to give us the necessary room for processing.

What You Receive Upon Delivery

Upon completion, we provide a package optimized for all common professional uses. You will receive the final master as a high-resolution WAV file (24 bit) as well as an MP3 version for quick preview and distribution.

Additionally, we provide a brief technical report detailing the achieved integrated loudness (LUFS) and the True Peak, ensuring you know exactly how your track compares to commercial productions. Upon request, we can provide instrumental or TV-mix versions, provided the corresponding stems were supplied.

Delivery Times and Schedule

The average delivery time for a stem master is 5 workdays. This period includes analysis, actual processing, and internal quality control. If you are under urgent time pressure, we offer a rush tariff with a 30% surcharge, which guarantees faster delivery.

Within the delivery window, up to 3 revision rounds are included. We view these correction phases as an integral part of the creative process to ensure the final result matches your expectations exactly.

What is NOT Included in Stem Mastering

It is important to understand that stem mastering is not a complete remix (mixing) of your track. We process groups, but we do not perform individual track editing (e.g., we do not separately EQ 12 different percussion tracks). If a mix has fundamental balance issues, we recommend our single track mixing service first.

Similarly, vocal tuning or timing corrections of instruments are not part of this package. These tasks fall under our Vocal Editing & Tuning service. Stem mastering focuses on sonic refinement and technical optimization of existing groups.

Pricing and VAT

Our pricing is transparent and fairly calculated. The listed prices include the statutory Austrian VAT of 20%. For business clients (B2B), we list the net amount separately. Billing is based on the services included in the package.

Payment is handled according to our Terms: we require a 50% deposit upon order placement, with the remaining 50% due after delivery of the final master. B2B clients benefit from a payment term of 14 days.

Detailed Scope of Work

• Phase and frequency balance analysis of the stems
• Targeted processing of up to 6 instrument groups
• Application of high-end compression and saturation
• Precise low-end management for maximum impact
• Final stereo mastering and LUFS optimization
• Delivery as WAV (24 bit) and MP3
• Up to 3 revision rounds for fine-tuning