Essential Tips Before Mastering or Collaborating
In the world of modern music production, collaboration is constant and mastering is often outsourced. That means your session isn’t always the final product — your stems are. Whether you’re sending them to a mixing engineer, a vocalist, or a mastering specialist, the way you export your stems can make or break the next stage.
Here’s how to export your stems cleanly, clearly, and professionally — and earn respect as a reliable producer.
What Are Stems (And Why They Matter)?
Stems are individual audio files that represent key elements of your track: drums, bass, synths, vocals, FX, and more. They allow others to remix, re-mix, master, or build upon your production without needing your full session or plugins.
Sending stems:
- Makes collaboration easier
- Prepares your track for remixers
- Helps mastering engineers improve your final sound
- Future-proofs your music across systems and platforms
Pre-Export Checklist
Before you hit export, take a few moments to prep your session:
- Name Your Tracks Clearly
No more “Audio 12” or “VST Track 6.” Use names likeLead_Vocal,Kick,Clap+Snare,808_Sub. - Clean Up the Project
Delete unused channels. Disable plugins you’re not using. Bounce any CPU-heavy virtual instruments to audio if necessary. - Check Your Gain Staging
Make sure nothing is clipping. Keep levels clean and consistent, ideally peaking around -6dB to -3dB for headroom. - Turn Off Your Master Bus Processing (unless you’re exporting mix stems for reference)
You want the mastering engineer to work with raw, uncolored audio.
Exporting Stems the Right Way
Here are essential tips for exporting stems like a pro:
- Solo and Export One Stem at a Time (or use batch export if your DAW supports it)
Ensure FX tails and automation are included. - Export From Start to Finish
Every stem should start at bar 1, even if the sound comes in later. This keeps everything perfectly aligned. - Render With Effects (unless asked otherwise)
Include your channel FX like EQ, compression, saturation — but exclude mastering chain effects like limiters or stereo wideners unless the recipient requests it. - Use High-Quality Settings
WAV, 24-bit, 44.1kHz or 48kHz. Avoid MP3 unless specifically requested. - Double Check
Re-import all stems into a fresh session and listen. If they line up and sound like your mix, you’re good.
Labeling and Delivering
- Organize into folders:
/DRUMS,/SYNTHS,/VOCALS,/FX, etc. - Compress the folder into a ZIP or RAR
- Use cloud delivery: Google Drive, WeTransfer, Dropbox — avoid cluttered email attachments
Optional: Include a rough mix for reference — it helps the person receiving your stems understand your vision.
Final Thoughts
Exporting stems isn’t glamorous, but it’s one of the most underrated skills in music production. Done right, it opens the door to smooth collaborations, professional masters, and respectful partnerships.
So the next time someone asks you to “send over the stems,” don’t rush it. Export with care, clarity, and consistency.
That’s how pros work.
