How to Prepare Stems for Mixing and Mastering | Pro Guide
Preparing your stems correctly for mixing and mastering is critical. Poorly exported files limit what can be achieved — no matter how strong the production is. If these requirements are ignored, the final result will not translate reliably across playback systems.
This is how professional mixing and mastering is handled.
Before sending your project, it must meet these requirements:
- Dry stems only — no processing printed into the files: No EQ, compression, limiting, reverb, or stereo processing
- Creative FX: Keep only if they are essential to the sound and must remain unchanged
- Headroom: Peak level between -3 dB and -6 dB — this is essential for proper mastering
- File format: WAV, AIFF, or FLAC
- Bit depth: 24-bit or 32-bit float preferred
- Sample rate: 44.1 kHz – 96 kHz
Send your files as a single ZIP or RAR archive via any file-sharing service (WeTransfer, DropMeFiles, etc.) and provide the download link.
If your project meets these requirements, the result will translate cleanly and consistently across all playback systems — without unexpected issues.
Send Your ProjectWhat to Include
- All individual stems (exported dry)
- 2–3 reference tracks
- Your rough mix (optional)
- A text file with BPM, notes, and contact details
Reference tracks help define direction, but the final result always depends on the source material.
Below is the exact step-by-step process we expect.
This is the exact process we expect before mixing and mastering. Following it ensures consistent, predictable results.
Step 1: Clean Up the Mix
Disable all processing on individual tracks and the master bus. Remove EQ, compression, limiting, reverb, delay, and stereo effects.
Step 2: Set Proper Levels
Check your master output. Peaks should stay below 0 dB, ideally between -3 dB and -6 dB to avoid clipping.
Step 3: Export Stems
Export each track individually in WAV format using your project’s original sample rate. Use 24-bit or 32-bit float.
Step 4: Prepare and Send
Place all files into one archive: stems, rough mix, references, and notes. Upload and send the download link.