Stem-mastering is a technique derived from stem mixing. Just like in stem-mixing, the individual audio tracks are grouped together to allow for independent control and signal processing of each stem and can be manipulated independently from each other. Even though this method is not commonly practiced by mastering studios it does have its proponents. (Wikipedia)

How to create stems step-by-step: Please make sure you provide 24bit wav or aiff files -3db (below the max. master signal) only.

1. Decide how many stems you are going to have. This means deciding which tracks you want to group. We recommend separating the recording into the following stems:

• The bass drum on it’s own separate stem
• The bass on it’s own separate stem
• The rest of the drums/percussions on a stem
• All of the chord/layers together on a stem
• The vocals on a own stem
• Anything left over on a stem

2. Select the tracks that will be in the stem. Solo the tracks that you do want included or mute all the tracks that will not be included in the stem.

3. Create the stem. Export/Mixdown the entire track (which will only be the the solo tracks, or the non-muted tracks, whichever you chose to do).

4. Name the stem exactly as followed:

• 1_label_artist_track_remixer_kickdrum.wav (or .aiff)
• 2_label_artist_track_remixer_bass.wav (or .aiff)
• 3_label_artist_track_remixer_percussion.wav (or .aiff)
• 4_label_artist_track_remixer_chords.wav (or .aiff)
• 5_label_artist_track_remixer_vocals.wav (or .aiff)
• 6_label_artist_track_remixer_whole-track.wav (or .aiff) (please also provide the full track)

5. Repeat for each stem.

6. Check to make sure the stems line up correctly. When you finish you will have a .wav file for every stem. Load all of the files into your digital audio workstation, line them up on the left together at the exact same timestamp and play them to ensure that they have exported correctly and are in time with each other.

7. Check again if all stems are named correctly as mentioned in step 4 and pack them into one ZIP folder named: yourlabel_releasename.zip

Creating stems for mastering means separating a mix into stems (also called submixes). You simply mute all the tracks that will not be contained in the stem, then mixdown/export the entire song. You will want to make sure that you are mixing down to stereo and not mono.

Another option is that you can solo the tracks that will be contained in the stem instead of muting the ones that will not.

All stems combined together you should bring up the full mix again. Therefore we kindly ask you to line up all the stems in your digital audio workstation, play them together and listen to them, to check that they have been exported correctly.

You can send us your stems in one .zip folder via dropbox, WeTransfer or any other ftp service

The loudness may slightly differ from one release to another. It always depends on the tracks themselves as to how loud the can be mastered (e.g. if there are many vocals or chords). So you probably want to have a consistent level on each EP which we will pay attention to.

Yes we also do stereo master although the possibilities are reduced. The price will be equal.

Paypal (preferred), bank account

Every master gets an invoice including VAT. We only accept prepayment. As soon as the money has been received your mastering will be carried out.