CORE AUDIO – How to Prepare Your Stems for Mixing & Mastering

1. Introduction

Welcome to CORE AUDIO. We specialize in mixing and mastering techno – from hard and raw to deep and melodic. To deliver the best possible results for your track, it's essential that the files you send us are clean, well-organized, and exported properly.

This guide walks you through how to prepare your stems for a smooth, professional mixing or mastering session. Even if you’ve never exported stems before — don’t worry. Follow this guide and you’ll be ready in no time.

2. What Are Stems?

A "stem" is a group-based audio export from your project. For example:

• One stereo file for all drums

• One for synths

• One for FX

• One for vocals

It’s not the same as exporting each track individually — though that’s sometimes okay too. Stems are processed (or partially processed) versions of your sounds that represent key elements of your track.

Why use stems?

• They are DAW-independent (we don’t need your project file)

• You retain your creative processing (FX, automation, color)

• We gain full control over balancing, EQ, dynamics and stereo imaging

3. Why CORE AUDIO Works With Stems

At CORE AUDIO, we want to respect your sound while giving it maximum clarity and punch. Stems let us strike that balance.

Working with stems means:

• No plugin/version conflicts

• No worries about your system, CPU or routing

• We can address mix problems with precision

• You don’t lose your creative intent — we enhance it

Stems are also industry standard. Labels, sync agencies and DJs often request them later. You're always future-ready.

4. How to Group Your Stems

There’s no single "correct" way, but we recommend grouping your mix like this:

5. Export Settings (Checklist)

Make sure to follow these export guidelines:

• ✅ Export all stems from the exact same project start to end (same length)

• ✅ Leave headroom – ideally peaks between -6dB and -3dB

• ✅ Do not export with a limiter or master processing, unless requested

• ✅ Use WAV or AIFF, 24-bit, 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz

• ✅ Name your files clearly (e.g. Kick.wav, Bass_Sub.wav, Synth_Lead.wav)

• ✅ Bounce in mono or stereo as appropriate (e.g. Kick = mono, Pads = stereo)

• ✅ Include a reference mix (your full track with effects and master chain)

• ✅ Include a .txt or email with: track name, BPM, key, sample rate

6. What to Send – Depending on Service

We offer different service tiers. Please prepare your files based on what you’ve booked:

Full Mixing (Mixdown from Individual Tracks)

• Export every track individually

• Include your automation, sound design FX, and creative processing

• Don’t apply master bus FX unless required

• Group your tracks in folders if needed (e.g. Drums, Synths, FX)

Mixing + Mastering

• Same as Full Mixing: Send all individual tracks

• Optional: Include a rough premix or demo version

• If you’re unsure, we can help with grouping

Stem Mastering

• Send up to 10 grouped stems (e.g. Kick, Bass, Drums, Synths, FX, Vocals)

• No master FX (limiter, clipper etc.)

Stereo Mastering

• Send 1 stereo WAV or AIFF file (your pre-master)

• Include one reference track (what it should sound like)

• Leave headroom (peak around -6dB)

7. FAQ

Q: Should I include my master chain?
A: No – remove final limiters, maximizers, etc. We need clean dynamic range to work with.

Q: What if I used automation and sidechain?
A: That’s fine! Bounce stems with automation and FX unless requested otherwise.

Q: My DAW doesn’t have stem export – what do I do?
A: Solo each group and export manually. Just make sure all files start and end at the same position.

Q: Can I send dry & wet versions?
A: Yes, if you want. Dry = unprocessed, wet = with your FX. Label both clearly.

8. Need Help?

If you're unsure or overwhelmed, just send us your rough bounce first. We’ll guide you from there.

📧 chris@coreaudio.com
📎 Or DM us on Instagram: @coreaudio.studio

Let’s make your mix sound how it should: deep, heavy and club-ready.