Stem
An individual audio track or group of tracks isolated from a full mix, used for remixing, mastering, sync licensing, or live performance.
Definition
Stems are the individual audio components of a song separated into discrete files. A typical stem set might include separate files for drums, bass, vocals, synths, and effects — each of which can be manipulated independently. Stems are different from multitracks: multitracks contain every single recorded element (each mic, each instrument take), while stems are submixed groups.
Stems are essential for remixing, mastering, live performance, sync licensing, and immersive audio formats. When a music supervisor needs to remove vocals for a background placement, or a DJ wants to isolate the acapella for a remix, stems make this possible without re-recording.
Why It Matters
Having properly organized stems extends the commercial life and versatility of every recording. A single song with complete stems can generate revenue through the original release, remixes, sync placements (instrumental versions, vocal-only versions), live performances (with stem-based playback), and immersive audio remasters.
For producers, delivering clean stems is a professional standard. Labels, sync agents, and mastering engineers all expect properly labeled, gain-staged stems. Artists who maintain organized stem archives have a significant advantage when opportunities arise that require quick delivery of separated elements.
Examples in Practice
A music supervisor requests vocal-free stems to place a song under dialogue in a film scene, paying full sync fees for the instrumental version extracted from the original stems.
A DJ receives official stems from a label to create an authorized remix, isolating the vocal and building an entirely new production around it for club release.
A band uses stem playback during live shows, triggering backing vocals, string arrangements, and effects from stems while performing guitars, drums, and lead vocals live.