How to prep stems for mixing (the 10-minute checklist)

Mixing is faster and more creative when the session is prepped well. Here’s the checklist we send to every client before they upload their stems.

The 10-minute checklist

• Bounce all stems from bar 1 (including silence) so everything lines up on import.
• Remove bus processing unless it’s an intentional effect you want kept.
• Name tracks clearly — Kick, Snare Top, OH L, Vox Lead, BGV, Guitar DI, Bass. No “Audio 1”.
• Group by colour or type: drums, bass, guitars, vocals, synths.
• Remove unused takes or put them in an “alt takes” folder out of the way.
• Include 2–3 reference tracks and tell us what you like about them.
• Export at your original sample rate, 24-bit. No dither. No master bus limiter.

When stems arrive tidy, more time goes into tone, depth, and emotion — not admin.

Ready for a stress-free mix? Get a free quote and mention “stems prepped”.