Stem Mastering
Elevate your mixes to a polished, distribution‑ready sound. Our studio‑grade monitoring and acoustics give you the clarity you need to shape each track with precision.
Stem mastering is the final step in the creative pipeline when you have separated elements—drums, bass, guitars, vocals, and effects—ready for fine‑tuning. Unlike stereo mastering, it allows you to adjust each component while preserving the overall balance, giving you full control over the final product. In a studio that spans 24 m², our acoustic treatment and dual‑monitor setup (ATC SCM25A and Focal Shape) give engineers a neutral listening environment that translates across all playback systems, from earbuds to club PA.
Our Four‑Step Process
- Initial Assessment. We review your stems, verify format, and set up a project template that matches your distribution target. All files are checked for bit‑depth, sample rate, and any clipping or phase issues before work begins.
- Dynamic Processing. EQ, compression, limiting, and stereo imaging are applied to each stem for optimal cohesion. We use a consistent chain that respects the sonic character of each element while maintaining a natural blend.
- Mix‑Level Balancing. Sub‑mixes are re‑balanced to meet loudness standards and to create a transparent, cohesive final master. We enforce a minimum headroom of ‑6 dB to avoid clipping on high‑end gear.
- Export & Delivery. You receive WAV (24‑bit, 48 kHz) and MP3 (320 kbps) files, plus a loudness report and a brief guide on distribution upload. All deliverables are compressed into a single ZIP with clear folder structure.
| Package | Price (AUD incl GST) | Price (AUD excl GST) |
|---|---|---|
| Stem Master (up to 5 stems) | $400.00 | $363.64 |
Who Should Consider Stem Mastering?
If you are a home producer, independent artist, or small label looking to release music on streaming platforms, vinyl, or club systems, stem mastering offers the precision you need. It is ideal for projects that require intricate vocal or instrumental balance, such as pop tracks that will be streamed at high bitrate or house mixes that will be played on a 400 W PA. The service is also valuable for bands that want to keep songwriting flexibility while ensuring each track meets loudness and dynamic guidelines.
What to Prepare Before Sending In
- All stems in WAV format, 24‑bit, 48 kHz, single‑channel (mono) where applicable.
- File names that clearly indicate the instrument or vocal part (e.g., drums.wav, bass.wav, lead‑vocal.wav).
- A short project note with preferred loudness (e.g., ‑14 LUFS for streaming) and target platform (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.).
- Any specific instructions such as “retain natural reverb on vocal” or “no compression on kick.”
- Optional: a reference mix or a master from a previous session for comparison.
What You Get at the End
- Mastered WAV (24‑bit, 48 kHz) ready for upload to any streaming service.
- MP3 (320 kbps) for quick preview and press kits.
- Loudness report (LUFS, true‑peak) in PDF format.
- Documentation of any changes made, including a brief explanation of processing decisions.
- Recommendations for distribution or vinyl cutting, including suggested pitch track and stem order.
- Two rounds of revisions within the initial 5‑day delivery window; further adjustments are billed at $50 AUD per hour.
- Digital delivery via secure download link, with the files stored for 6 months for archival purposes.
Turnaround Times
Standard delivery is 5 business days after receipt of final stems. The studio’s monthly capacity is 15 tracks, so we keep a buffer to meet client deadlines. If you need a faster turnaround, a rush fee of 30% applies, and the project will be moved to a priority slot. All revisions are included within the first 5‑day window; additional adjustments cost $50 AUD per hour.
What Is Not Included
- Redesign of the original mix, such as adding new instrumentation or re‑scheduling sections.
- In‑grid or side‑chain processing beyond what is required for loudness compliance.
- Physical delivery of files; you'll receive a secure download link.
- Hardware calibration or studio maintenance outside of the mixing session.
- Consultation on marketing, label negotiations, or distribution strategy.
How Price Is Calculated
The base price is a flat rate of $363.64 AUD per project (excluding GST). GST is added at 10% (AUD $36.36) for a total of $400.00 AUD. The price covers up to five stems; additional stems incur a $75 AUD surcharge per stem. All fees are invoiced in Australian Dollars, and payment is due within 14 days of invoice. For B2B clients, the payment term is 14 days, and we provide a digital receipt upon payment. After the 6‑month storage period, archived project files are automatically deleted to maintain our data‑management policy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Sending compressed files such as MP3 or AAC; always send WAV.
- Mixing stems in stereo rather than mono; this can lead to phase issues.
- Failing to label tracks clearly; this causes confusion during processing.
- Expecting the master to replace a finished mix; stem mastering is an enhancement, not a rewrite.
- Over‑compressing before sending stems; keep the dynamic range intact for our processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the delivery take?
We deliver within 5 business days for standard projects. Rush orders are available for an additional 30% fee and can be completed in 2 business days.
Can I request changes after the master is delivered?
Yes, two rounds of revisions are included. After that, revisions are charged at $50 AUD per hour.
What file formats will I receive?
You will get a 24‑bit, 48 kHz WAV file, a 320 kbps MP3, and a loudness report in PDF.
Do you offer a discount for multiple stems?
For projects exceeding five stems, we charge $75 AUD per additional stem.
Is my source material protected?
All client files are treated as confidential and are deleted from our servers after the 6‑month storage period, unless we have written permission to retain them.
Ready to take your stems to the next level? Contact us today to discuss your project, or explore our full range of services. For a deeper dive into the differences between online and studio mastering, check out our guide on Online vs In‑Studio Mixing. Please review our Terms and Conditions for detailed service terms.