Stems is for DJs

Stem files allow you to interact with four different musical elements of a track independently while DJing – expanding performance possibilities that make your DJ sets stand out.

These four ‘stems’ of a track can be modified individually to create spontaneous instrumentals, remixes, or mashups. Transition between elements stem-by-stem instead of using global volume and EQ control for an entire track. Or apply effects just to a specific stem. And to get really creative, swap elements across multiple decks – take the vocals from one track and mix it with the beat from another, for example.

FIND IT IN STEMS FORMAT

With music being released as Stems from a growing list of labels, you’ll likely find what you’re looking for as Stem files. Releases in Stems format can be found at online stores like Beatport, Juno, Traxsource, and whatpeopleplay with more online stores joining regularly.

View the list of online stores offering music as Stems here.

PLAYING WITH STEMS

Currently, you can play with Stems using Native Instruments’ Traktor Pro 3 – the first DJ software supporting the Stems format. The Traktor Kontrol S4, S8, and F1 hardware controllers provide hands-on control of Traktor’s Stem Decks. And more Stems-ready software and hardware from other developers is expected.

When Stem-supported software or hardware are not available to you, Stem files can also be played as regular stereo files with any standard mp4-compatible DJ application or media player. No special software or hardware required.

View the full list of compatible software and hardware here.

THE STEM CREATOR

If you also produce and play your own tracks, creating your own Stem files is quick and easy with the free Stem Creator application. The Stem Creator for DJs and Producers includes a useful quick-start guide. Download it now, and get started making Stems.

Stem Creator downloads

MASTERING STEMS

Whether you master your own music or send it to a mastering studio, there are a few things to consider before finalizing a Stems track with the Stem Creator. In these videos, acclaimed mastering engineer Kevin Grainger and his team at Wired Masters in London provide a quick overview and in-depth breakdowns of the mixdown and mastering process for Stems.

STAY UP TO DATE

Get regular updates on the latest Stems news and releases with the official Stems newsletter. You can sign-up here.

ABOUT THE FORMAT

Stem files use the .mp4 container format to store the four individual stems of a track within a single file. Using the file extension .stem.mp4, this single file can be managed just like an mp3 file. A standard master version of the track is also included in the file and can even be played in stereo with any compatible audio player following standard mp4 specs, like iTunes for example. To play with a track’s individual stems, Stem-compatible software or hardware is required.

More questions? Answers covering several topics are available on the FAQ page.

Stems is for DJs

FIND IT IN STEMS FORMAT

PLAYING WITH STEMS

THE STEM CREATOR

MASTERING STEMS

STAY UP TO DATE

ABOUT THE FORMAT

Follow Stems

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