Stem Mastering vs Stereo Mastering: Which Do You Need?

Stereo mastering

You send one finished stereo file. The master shapes the whole track at once: tone, loudness, translation. It's the standard for good reason, it respects the decisions you made in the mix.

Stem mastering

You send four to eight grouped stems, such as drums, bass, music, vocals and effects. The master can now adjust those groups against each other, a little more kick, a little less vocal, while still working as a master rather than a full remix. How stem mastering works.

Choose stereo mastering if

• You're happy with the balance of your mix
• An experienced engineer mixed the track
• You want the master to stay true to the mix decisions

Choose stem mastering if

• The kick and bass relationship isn't quite settled
• One element sits slightly wrong and you can't fix it yourself
• You produced and mixed the track yourself and know your room isn't perfect

When neither is the answer

If several things in the mix need changing, stem mastering becomes a mix under another name. In that case, a proper mix will get you further.

Still not sure?

Send the stereo mix. I'll listen and tell you honestly which option your track needs, including if the answer is the cheaper one. Get in touch.