Stem mastering £40.00 per track (up to 8 stems)
Stem mastering is different from 2 track stereo mastering. Stem mastering uses a number of grouped instruments such as drums,
keyboards, bass, guitars and vocals. For electronic styles typical stems might be drums, bass, sub bass, lead synth 1, lead
synth 2, effects sweeps etc.This allows the mastering engineer additional scope to discretely enhance any specific set of
instruments within a mix down. It also affords enhancement based on the summing of the stems.Additionally, standard stereo
mastering processes are included.Stem mastering can produce subjectively improved sonic results.
It is worth clarifying that stem mastering is not mixing. Mixing uses very
heavy fader and send automation, effects, tuning etc.
Stem mastering uses occasional automation
and no tuning or effects. It does allow the mastering enginer to target the use of eq, dynamic adjustment and other forms
of processing to the stems often producing an improved master.
When is stem mastering
worth considering?
Stem mastering is worth considering if you feel there are some
specific issues which could be improved upon by a fresh set of ears in a highly linear monitoring environment. It can be considered
if there are concerns relating to balance or dynamics of specific instrumentation. Stem mastering is not the same as mixing.
Mixing balances individual multi track recordings and involves many man hours and copious use of automation, equalization,
dynamic control and effects processing. Stem mastering tends not to use lots and lots of automation, occasional tweaks are
more common.Stem mastering uses groups of instrumentation and allows additional sonic tweaks and targetted adjustment in addition
to global stereo processing.Stem mastering allows additional and specific enhancement to instruments such as width, depth,
warmth, punch, gluing, summing improvements, adding "air" and reduction of harshness.
How do I prepare tracks for stem mastering?
It is important that your stems "sum or recombine" to sound identical to your mix down.
Please supply 24 bit stereo interleaved files of identical length/duration.Export your stems from exactly the
same time code position in your digital audio workstation time line so they will synchronize in my digital audio workstation.
This will invariably involve setting left and right locators when you bounce/export your files. When preparing files consider
that ideal stems should combine/sum in your digital audio workstation and sound virtually identical to the stereo mix down
when combined and played together.
I have been mixing into a limiter will this
affect my stem exporting ?
If this is the case please send a stereo mix down with
the limiter on in addition to your unlimited stem exports, so I can hear what you have been hearing.
Is there any other information you require?
If you have a reference track you aspire to (i.e. a commercially released track) by all means send it along as a guide.
(Please do not send a reference that is sonically too disparate to your mix down, there are limits
to what can be achieved.)
Any notes about sonic issues that have been of
concern during the mix down would be of use. Pointers such as bass line sounds muddy, drums require more punch, could be useful.Also
please confirm the aspects of the mix you are happy with so I can avoid changing things you like already.
Free preview is not available for stem mastering work and payment needs to be made in advance of the job
being scheduled. However revisions are free of charge, within reason, to your satisfaction.
Please deliver files using www.wetransfer.com
Use email safeandsound123atgooglemail.com (at being @ with
no gaps)
Or call to discuss your stem mastering requirements Barry +44 (0) 781 027137
