The words stems and multitracks are often used interchangeably, but they describe different deliverables. The distinction matters because it determines how much control the next engineer has and how faithfully the production can be reconstructed.
Multitracks rebuild the mix. Stems rebuild the master or alternate version.
What multitracks are
Multitracks are individual recorded or printed sources: kick, snare, bass DI, lead vocal, harmony, guitar, synth, and so on. They allow detailed balance, processing, editing, panning, and automation.
- One source or role per file
- Common start point
- Usually pre-mix-bus
- Maximum control
What stems are
Stems are submixes of related elements that reproduce the approved mix when played together at unity. Examples include drums, bass, guitars, keys, lead vocals, background vocals, and effects.
- Grouped elements
- Includes internal balances
- Often includes processing
- Useful for mastering, live performance, film, and alternates
What to send for mixing
Send multitracks unless the mixing engineer specifically requests stems. If a processed sound is essential, include the processed version and, when useful, a clearly labeled dry safety version.
- Committed creative effects
- Dry vocal safety
- Amp tone plus optional DI
- Printed virtual instruments
- Effect returns when integral
What to send after mixing
After approval, stems may be requested for mastering, performance, sync licensing, remixes, or archival use. Agree on stem groups and whether they should include master-bus processing.
- Instrumental
- Acapella
- TV mix
- Drums stem
- Music stem
- Vocal stem
- Effects stem
Avoid the silent failure
Always import delivered stems or multitracks into a blank session and play them from the same start point. This catches missing effects, timing errors, muted tracks, truncated tails, and incorrect sample rates.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Clyde Rose
Clyde is the founder of Sum & Difference. His perspective is informed by commercial-studio work beginning in 2005 and experience across recording, production, mixing, critical listening, studio design, acoustics, and workflow consulting.
About Clyde and Sum & Difference →PRINTABLE FIELD WORK
Delivery Type Decision
Choose the deliverable based on what the recipient needs to change.
Does the recipient need individual-source control or approved-group control?