Adding multitrack stems
If you have access to multitrack stems for a given recording, you can upload them to Soundslice and use them in your practicing/teaching.
A stem is a single instrument’s audio with respect to the full recording. For example, if you have a recording of a rock band playing, you might also have stems of “just the lead guitar” or “just the drums” or “just the vocals.”
This help page is about how to add and edit stems within the slices you’ve created. We also have a separate help page about using stem playback in the player.
Adding a stem
We support stems on any MP3 recording. So the first thing you’ll need to do is create an MP3 recording. This recording should generally be the full mix.
Once you have an MP3 recording, open the Recordings screen in our editor. Find your recording in the list and click “Stems” at right:
This takes you to the “Add stem” screen. Here, select one or more MP3 files from your device and click “Upload.”
Tip: You can select multiple MP3s and upload them together, to save time.
Once the stems are uploaded, we’ll take you to the list of stems for that recording. From here, you can rename your stems and upload more:
Requirements for stems
In order for your stems to work properly, please make sure each stem is aligned in time with the main recording. In other words, if you played the stem and your main recording at the same time, starting playback at the same exact moment, they should align.
It’s OK if a stem ends “early” — that is, it’s OK if the stem’s duration is shorter than the duration of the main recording.
Renaming a stem
By default, each stem’s name will be the name of the uploaded MP3 file. Here’s how to rename a stem:
- Open the Recordings screen.
- Click “Stems” next to the appropriate recording.
- You’ll now see the stems list. Click the name of the stem to rename it.
Reordering stems
The newest stem will always be added at the bottom of the list. If you’d like to reorder the stems, click on the left edge of the stem, then drag up or down. The new order will be saved immediately.
Deleting a stem
To delete a stem, do the following:
- Open the Recordings screen.
- Click “Stems” next to the appropriate recording.
- You’ll now see the stems list. Find the stem, then click “Delete” at right.
- We’ll ask you to confirm the deletion. Then the stem will be deleted.
Exporting a stem’s audio
You can export a stem’s MP3 file as follows:
- Open the Recordings screen.
- Click “Stems” next to the appropriate recording.
- You’ll now see the stems list. Find the stem, then click “Export” at right.
- A new browser tab will open, with the stem’s raw MP3. Depending on which web browser you’re using, you can right-click on the audio to save it to your computer.
Can Soundslice automatically create stems for the music I’ve uploaded?
No, we don’t do that; maybe in the future. You’re responsible for sourcing your own stems.
Where can I get stems?
If you’re creating your own music for use in Soundslice lessons, you can create stems by exporting them from your DAW.
If you’re trying to learn from an existing recording that you didn’t create, you probably don’t have access to the raw stems. In this case, you might want to try the new crop of software that can automatically create stems from a recording. Search the Internet for “music stem splitter,” “vocal remover” or “source separation” and you’ll find lots of these tools. Some of them are free.
Are stems supported for other types of recordings, such as videos?
No. We only support stems for MP3 recordings.
Why don’t I see the “Stems” option next to my MP3 recording in the Recordings panel?
Make sure you’ve enabled enhanced slowdown (see here). Stems are only available with enhanced slowdown active.
Can I replace a stem’s audio file?
No. Just create a new stem and delete the old one.
What happens if my slice has multiple recordings?
No problem. Each recording can have its own stems.
Is there a limit on number of stems for a recording?
Yes. Our current limit is 16 stems per recording. Hopefully that’s more than enough for your needs.
Should I add a “full mix” stem?
No, this isn’t really necessary. The “original” recording — i.e., the one that’s audible if you haven’t enabled stem playback — should be the full mix.
How do I set syncpoints for a stem?
You don’t. Stems use their “main” recording’s syncpoints, so there’s no need for stem-specific syncpoints. Our system expects that each stem is rhythmically aligned with the main recording. See “Requirements for stems” above.