Everything You Need to Know About Track Stems and Why You Need Them

Everything You Need to Know About Track Stems and Why You Need Them

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music studio
music studio
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If you’re serious about recording your songs professionally, you can't overlook the importance of using tracked-out stems of a beat. These stems provide immense value, but only if used correctly. For many artists, this concept might be new, but by the end of this guide, you'll understand why investing in a beat license that includes these stems is crucial for your music career.

What are Tracked-Out Stems?

Tracked-out stems, also known as ‘Tracked Out Files’ or ‘Track Stems’, are typically included in higher-tier licensing options from online producers. These are more expensive but offer significant advantages.

There are two main types of stems:

  1. Individual Stems (Tracks): These are separate audio files for each instrument or vocal track, such as the kick drum, snare, guitar, piano, lead vocal, backing vocals, and ad-libs. When you buy beats online, these individual tracks are usually what is referred to as stems.

  2. Group Stems: These combine a group of sounds into a single audio file. For example, all drum tracks, all guitar tracks, or all recorded vocals in one file. Group stems are often used by mastering engineers, video editors, and film producers.

Individual Stems vs. Group Stems

To enhance the quality of your song, individual stems are preferable over group stems. Individual tracks offer greater control over the mix, allowing for precise adjustments to each element of your song.

The Importance of Tracked-Out Stems

Professionals use stems to maintain control over various aspects of the song, including:

  • Overall Mix Quality: Adjust individual elements to achieve the best sound.

  • Song Arrangement: Rearrange parts of the song easily.

  • Volume Levels: Fine-tune the volume of each track.

  • Frequency Control: Adjust frequencies of individual tracks to avoid clashes and create space.

This control is essential for delivering a song that meets industry standards.

For Independent Artists

Many independent artists record and mix their own songs. If you fall into this category, tracked-out stems will allow you to make your vocals stand out and improve the overall quality of your tracks. Small tweaks to the beat stems can make a significant difference. You don't need to be a professional audio engineer to make these adjustments.

Why Stems Are Superior to a Single MP3 or WAV File

If you’re serious about your music, avoid using MP3 files due to their poor quality. Professional audio engineers prefer high-quality files to work with. Sending an MP3 file to an engineer will limit their ability to produce a high-quality mix.

Additionally, single-track MP3 or WAV files are often mastered by producers before being sold, which complicates further mastering after recording your vocals. You can't master an already mastered track, which can severely impact your song's final quality.

The Cost of Tracked-Out Stems

Licenses that include tracked-out stems are more expensive, typically ranging from $100 to $200. This investment is worth it, as it greatly enhances your control over the instrumental, improving the chances of producing a high-quality song.

Moreover, these licenses usually come with better user rights, allowing you to distribute your music across multiple streaming platforms, increasing your exposure and potential return on investment.

Budget Constraints

If your budget doesn't allow for a license with tracked-out stems, aim for at least a WAV version. Although it offers limited mixing and mastering flexibility, a skilled audio engineer can still produce a decent mix. However, avoid using this option for singles, albums, EPs, official music videos, or tracks intended for platforms like iTunes, Spotify, or Apple Music.

Making the Right Choice

If you’re deciding which license to buy from my store, I hope this guide has provided the clarity you need. For further questions, feel free to reach out via the contact page on my website.

Remember, if budget constraints are an issue, you can always upgrade your license later, paying only the difference between the prices. This option may not be available with all producers, so always check their policies.

Benefits of Using Tracked-Out Stems

The advantages of using tracked-out stems go beyond basic control. Here are some detailed benefits:

  1. Enhanced Mixing Capabilities: With individual stems, you can adjust the levels, panning, and effects of each instrument separately. This allows for a more nuanced and detailed mix, ensuring that each element of your song is balanced and clear.

  2. Better Vocal Placement: When mixing vocals with a single instrumental track, it can be challenging to find the right space for your voice. Tracked-out stems allow you to carve out specific frequencies and create a pocket for your vocals, ensuring they sit well in the mix.

  3. Creative Flexibility: Having access to individual stems opens up a world of creative possibilities. You can rearrange sections, add effects to specific instruments, and experiment with different sounds without affecting the entire track.

  4. Improved Mastering: Mastering is the final step in music production, where the overall sound of the track is polished and optimized for various playback systems. Stems give mastering engineers the flexibility to make subtle adjustments to each element, resulting in a more cohesive and professional final product.

  5. Collaboration Opportunities: If you’re working with other musicians, producers, or engineers, tracked-out stems make collaboration easier. Each collaborator can work on different aspects of the track without interfering with others, leading to a more efficient and harmonious workflow.

Case Study: The Impact of Tracked-Out Stems on a Hit Song

Let’s consider a hypothetical case study to illustrate the impact of using tracked-out stems:

Artist A purchases a non-exclusive license for a beat with a single MP3 file and records a song. Despite their best efforts, the mix sounds cluttered, and the vocals struggle to shine through. The mastering engineer does what they can, but the final product lacks the polish of a professional track.

Artist B, on the other hand, invests in a license that includes tracked-out stems. They work with an audio engineer to mix and master the track, taking full advantage of the individual stems. The engineer adjusts the levels, EQ, and effects on each instrument, creating a balanced and dynamic mix. The vocals are clear and prominent, and the final product meets industry standards.

When both songs are released, Artist B’s track stands out for its professional sound quality, gaining more streams, playlist placements, and attention from music labels. The investment in tracked-out stems pays off, leading to greater exposure and potential career opportunities.

Conclusion

Investing in tracked-out stems is a smart move for any serious artist. The control and flexibility they offer can make a significant difference in the quality of your music. While it may require a higher upfront cost, the benefits far outweigh the investment. Don’t let budget constraints limit your potential—choose the right license and take your music to the next level.

FAQs About Tracked-Out Stems

Q: What are tracked-out stems?
A: Tracked-out stems are individual audio files for each instrument or vocal track in a beat, offering greater control over the mix.

Q: Why are tracked-out stems more expensive?
A: They provide enhanced mixing capabilities and better user rights, allowing for higher quality and more professional-sounding songs.

Q: Can I upgrade my license later?
A: Yes, many producers allow you to upgrade your license by paying the difference in price, but always check the specific producer’s policy.

Q: Are MP3 files suitable for professional music production?
A: No, MP3 files are of lower quality and not suitable for professional mixing and mastering. Always opt for higher-quality files like WAV or tracked-out stems.

By optimizing your music production process with tracked-out stems, you ensure your tracks stand out in a competitive market, giving you the best chance for success.