Warren...I only discovered your channel in the past 4 months. I am a 68 year old guitarist, song writer, engineer and producer. I had a home studio using Digi and Pro-Tools. I have thoroughly enjoyed every single video of yours that I have seen. But this particular video is my favorite. I have learned so much about who you are, your values, your vision and your integrity. BTW - I watched this because I have been wondering the same things about stems and tracks. I felt like I was lost in the Dark Ages. I like learning about your dance music career. I began my DJ career when Punk/New Wave hit Chicago in 1977 and expanded into Reggae, Electronica, post-punk, New Romance and 80's Dance. It was then inevitable for me to grow into House and Techno. I was fortunate enough to know and work with Frankie Knuckles, Joe Smooth and Vince Lawrence in Chicago's wild and crazy House Music scene. Today, I am retired and living on the Central Gulf Coast of Thailand playing in a band and I DJ parties and events for Expats from all over the world 🌎. I am very lucky to be able to do this and I and grateful as hell for the ability to still be so deeply involved in music. Take care Bro... if you ever make it to Thailand 🇹🇭 look me up fer sure.
100% Positivity, this is why this is my favourite channel. When I first got on to both TH-cam and Facebook I made a promise to myself that I would never do negative stuff, even though I so often want to, but I've stuck to my guns and I keep it positive. Good on ya Warren, you're my role model!
New Falconer Records thanks ever so much my friend! That’s very kind of you!! I’m so glad to be able to help! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
These points Warren is making add up to great advice on how to comport oneself in the world. His points are specific to the recording industry but apply to any industry. You could subtitle this video "How to Be a Person". Thanks as ever Warren!
That’s a good point right there! But there may be some times when you think you are giving it all away or giving too much and it’s good to weigh the situation. Sometimes people (like me) get possessive over their compositions and need a check haha
Your closing comments prove your point about being gracious and respecting your fellow musician. Thanking us for our questions is one thing but the care you take in answering them (even if you think they meander, they are always interesting and insightful) is why we love watching. Thank you Warren, for excellent advice that we can trust and means something. Rock On!
A *track,* sometimes called multi-tracks or individual raw audio, are the individual sounds for each channel without any processing. A *Stem* is say the drum section mixed down to two tracks/stereo. Each individual drum sound, provided they were recorded separately to their own channel/track, *IS* *NOT* sent as a separate audio file. Instead they're blended/mixed down to a single stereo that represents each section of the song. Drums, vocals, guitars. Effects processing is also included in each stem. So with sending tracks, you send the raw un-processed audio that represents each sound that was given it's own channel when it was recorded. And sending stems is sending the sections of the song. Rather than sending a kick, snare, Hi-Hat, toms tracks, you send the whole drum mix as a single mixed down audio file with effects and everything.
Yes!!! I’ve been so confused about stems. I’ve always seen either tracks, or multi-tracks. This whole stems thing is so new to me. Actually it’s all new to me these days. Been out of the loop for 20+ years. Going to sign up on your site now. You’ve made my day. Thanks!
This is another fantastic FAQ Friday and as always , I thank the PLAP crew and Warren for the opportunity to learn and share. I have had more than one client ask me for individual stems from a recording and that made sense in that all they wanted were the raw tracks but this truly can be a problem in particular when you are on a narrow deadline. Anyway, I have been recording since 1974 and sometimes think I have seen it all yet I learn something new new every time you share a video and for that and so much more, I thank you and your team for sharing invaluable time and experience.
Great info about stems and one that I definitely got wrong when I first got back in to recording as everyone was using “stems” and “tracks” interchangeably.
Hey Warren, I have been following your advice for about 3 years now and I want to thank you for all the amazing help and improvments I have seen. However, recently I have been having some troubles. I record, produce, and mix primarily hip hop and reference my tracks against Dr. Dre ussually as he has some of the best hip hop mixes that exist. I am trying to achieve the modern sound he had on Compton as well as on records like Ice Cube's Everything's Corrupt, and Eminem's Kamikaze where there is a lot of very boomy and present bass, but it isn't eating up the dynamics and clarity of the midrange. In older hip hop mixes it feels that the mid range was just louder, now everything feels more tonally balanced, more dynamic, and clearer. I am not sure how I can move toward this sound. I feel like my mixes are balanced to the point that everything sounds good together, but I end up sacrificing the clarity and presence of my mids and highs for the big boomy bass sound in the kicks. Any advice?
Old hip hop records: Record on (2" ) tape and use an old quality sound board, push those faders, the tape will compress the tracks. Push a drum machine on tape and man that sounds thick!! And tape compression makes the mids stand out warmly. Also..sticky Shed.( Look it up) .crappy tapes that lose highs...give that quality just at the right time in the tapes life..beside that..doh!! I dunno!!
@@rawkinj6609 thanks for your insight. I'm always mixing through an SSL emulation and it definitely adds to the sound. I know tape tends to be a bit more midrangey in terms of reproduction and I can definitely hear it on records from the 80's and early 90's. I know though that with Eminem in particular since the mid 2000's his engineer has printed the mix from their SSL to Pro Tools (as per a 2010 sound on sound interview with mike strange). I have heard Dre still prints to tape, but side by side the differences between Compton and Kamikaze are negligable and therefore I feel like there has to be something more to it than just the equipment. I find my mids just seem to lose a lot of their energy when I mix in heavy kicks with alot of sub material, then you add a bass to that and as most would expect the mids and highs suffer from it. On the newer records it seems like the bass is retaining much of its boom, and is the bass elements are still heavy and loud in the mix, but the midrange and highs are clearer and bite a lot more than records from 10 - 15 years ago.
I do filter my lows alot with high and low passes and my balance is good and everything fits well, but to get the boom I'm hearing I lose midrange energy, and for more midrange energy I can't get the same boom I am hearing on other records. I have tried just EQing my mids and highs up on the mix buss or in mastering and while that gives clarity it doesn't help with how energy is being sucked up by low end reproduction and I am just baffled at how good and how booming the low end is still on Dre, Em, and Cubes records without sucking so much energy out of the mix. I feel like their has to be some production, arranging, and/ or mixing tip to help get closer to the sound I am hearing from the big guys.
Sometimes you HAVE TO write sheet music to make the song sound great. The band that I play in has a horn section (trumpet, alto-sax and trombone) and there’s no other way to make them play well TOGETHER but to write the exact part for each one of them. Of course they all do improvise or play by ear if needed. But there has to be a written sheet music to let them do the job the best! Same goes with string section, I’m sure.
Thanks for clarifying stems vs. tracks. I was one of the people that thought stems were individual tracks as well, and now can use more accurate verbiage when communicating.
What a knowledgeable Production wizard with a TH-cam Channel! Is there anyone with more knowledge who uploads videos? I haven't found anyone.. Not saying it's the end all be all channel.. Just saying no other channel would dare contradict what this man says
I’ve been learning the business side of music and it can get crazy. I wished all the producers and songwriters could watch this video to learn to be fair about the splits
Because I started mixing in the live arena i always equated stems with the busses on my mixer. Now that Ive traded stage for studio I actually tend to still mix that way but hybrid.
I really enjoyed this one, you covered some great topics especially our attitudes. Perspectives we hold mean everything to those around us. Good explanation about stems, too, I never knew about this. Right on, bro, this one goes in my favorites playlist!
Wow its very late right now in India. Its 12 midnight. But as alwys great video. And thanks for listening to my suggestion on the t racks video. You are the only one who takes suggestions seriously
Thanks, I have been having a slight conversation with a few people, who claimed that Stems are the "professional" name for the individual Tracks... They might not change their belief, but at least I have been reassured that I was not wrong about the subject :)
Søren Steinmetz Interesting! Within this thread alone there are multiple different conflicting explanations!! Thanks for your marvellous comment my friend!
I understand what your saying but it is probably best to do the paperwork up front so that there is no confusion. However I am always happy to be right up in the action with artists making the music. Helping artists with ideas to make the song even better.
For contracts, a good way is to discuss all the details, especially consideration for both sides, and take notes. Once you have the terms worked out and noted create a simple contract. Valid contracts have EQUAL consideration. So as long as it’s not one sided no one should feel overwhelmed.
I was wondering when you get finished mixing clients mixes do you let them figure out their own distribution or do you have connections that put their music out there to all the music platforms
I worked and taught in Mental Health, especially psychotherapy, for over 20 years. My catch-phrase to students was...Never Assume that you know what the client means, if they are using jargon. Always, always, ALWAYS check with them to clarify exactly what they mean when they are using technical language.
I've never heard of this miscommunication involving tracks and stems, thanks for the heads up. BTW, stems can be any format, mono, stereo, 5.1 or even non-channelbased audio, it just refers to submixing elements that belong in the same group of instruments or whatever (in film it'd be dialog, music, FX, etc.). There are many reasons for using stems vs tracks, depending on the situation. Remixing, re-editing and mastering come to mind but I also adhere to printing stems for archival purposes. Imaging re-opening that archived ProTools session from 2001 and finding hat you don't have the old plug ins anymore or that the session isn't forward compatible enough. If you had printed stems you could just drop them into any DAW without needs for plug ins since all that was printed already. Just line them up and hit play, there's your mix ready to be re-edited, remixed, remastered or whatnot. One thing to include would be notes about master bus processing (compression, etc) because the stems won't likely have sub-master processing that would totally recreate the effects of all those tracks hitting the master bus at the same time. A little note about what type comp was used with what settings will allow you to put something roughly equivalent into the master-bus of your restored stem based session. I'd recommend to include stem print tracks in everyone's mixing template, that way you can print all stems in one pass after the mix is done. Little time spent today saves you a ton of hassles later. Sorry for sounding all grown up and stuff.
Great advice! I've definitely thrown around the term "stem" myself without fully understanding it. I guess it doesn't make much sense if I'm sending a mono bass track.
You are correct, *traditionally speaking, in my opinion: the term "stems" has evolved to include full exported tracks that may be broken fragmented regions in the original session, exported OMF style to a single "file" of the track which new jacks call "stems". Traditionalist know tracks are tracks and stems are stereo sums of pre-mixed grouped track sections of the mix (drums, GTR, VOX etc), but if the kids call OMF exported files "stems" then we have to adhere that the terminology is evolving.
I listened with great interest to your presentation today and loved it. There was a goldmine of information there and I hope everyone takes your advice to heart. I was not blinking my eyes until you said, "I even play country music." Now there was a statement that rang contrary to your proper steeping of tea!!!! JUST KIDDING! However, I am still wondering what exactly you will offer, in return, to hold my short attention span for 25 and 1/2 minutes. Again,Warren, well done and outstanding advice that I should have had many times in my 64 year music career.
Hello Warren, great topic video on collaboration FAQs. I love your approach of simple, fair, and friendly in collaboration. My take away is enjoy the project, be fair, and and don't treat people any other way than the way you want to be treated. Awesome Warren!
FAQ question: In the era of digital everything, do you think something / anything is missing when using IRs over a mic’d up cab? I’ve been using IRs in my Axe-Fx with my favorite tube amp as a new father. I used to mic everything up but have a child now and can’t rock the house at any hour inspiration strikes. I like both ways but just wanted your opinion on what not using a mic and cab might add or subtract from the performance capture.
yay, Great information again. great to clarify these things in advance. Also, Electronic music has helped us all make major growth in Technology. I was Blessed to tour as an opening act on U2 ZOOTV tour. Was Brillant to watch it done so well. Made friends with the crew and watched them work each and every day.. Embrace the Tech into your rock. cheers, all.
I had a situation where I was approached by a person whose wife wrote poetry and wanted a certain poem set to music. I accepted the challenge and also noted that as co-writer of the song that I did not want to sign off on any copyright I'm entitled to from the get go, of which they agreed - not that it was going to be a big hit or anything. After completing the piece, of which I made amendments to the original poetry so they could be used in lyrical form (as there were no verses nor chorus or bridge - I essentially adapted the poetry to fit these qualities, at very little expense to the original work - all with the authors permission). When I finished the musical composition and recorded a demo (the demo was not the best quality) in which they were thrilled with the song, beyond there imagination. I put life into her words and so there you go. A short while later her husband calls me and tells me that they want to move forward with making a professional recording of it using some of the best local talent. Nice. They also wanted to take proceeds of what money it may make locally and donate their portion of it to a local charity. Nice. He then asked if I wanted to sell my copyright portion so they could, in essence, "give" the song to the charity so they could receive all compensation for the work for their cause. I wasn't against the charity and I would have worked something out with this gentleman but I did say that I didn't want to give up the copyright and he hung up on me and I've never spoken to him again. The song is in limbo and I feel I did the right thing because, for one, this charity may or may not be around forever. Who gets the money for the song (if it makes much) after the charity is no longer around? I wasn't against proceeds going to a charity (for a time), i was just against giving up my copyright, if indeed it made money. Also, I could control my portion of it for my needs, if needed, since I am not a rich songwriter at all. I nice dinner out at Wendy's perhaps. What say ye?
I always do contracts. Publishing companies provides many of the documents needed when artists use the services. I have company contracts and terms and conditions of services.
It's why you're one of the best. It's a great topic ...I'm guilty as charged. I think maybe clarify ...do not assume we are all on the same playing field. I'm an electronic music too. It totally does make sense. I hate using terminology wrongly as well. Thanks again.
Great video! Thank you so much! But I have a question: When bouncing, how do you go about master bus processing? The SSL bus compressor doing about 2-3 dB of compression?
Question: how much time should I put into recording/mixing/engineering a week to get to a higher tier of production skill? I started in music as a guitarist and currently dedicate about two hours mon-fri to guitar practice. I soon realized to reach my goals I had to take up recording, mixing, and engineering as well. Currently I spend 6ish hours each weekend on these production aspects. I'm concerned that 6 hours over weekends isn't enough time to grow my production skills though. Would love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks Warren, excellent FAQ Friday. I leave you a question. we always mix singles, but when we want to make an album, how do we make the mixes of all the songs have a unique sound concept? We export all the parameters of our first complete mix to the other songs for example?. Have a nice wwekend!
flavanthensome marvellous question! For me there is no one size fits all! If everyone is in the room contributing to a song from scratch then I will suggest an even split! If someone brings an idea already realised then the other percentages are negotiated on the amount of change that they created to the song.
flavanthensome as far as payment, yes that also is negotiable upon the budget. Make sure that they feel looked after and it doesn’t break the bank for you!
Hey Warren, another fantastic FAQ! I've finally got a question of my own! I'm in the middle of building a dedicated studio after years of working with bands in my home studio. When is the right time, of there is one, to register myself as a business for tax purposes. I'm scared of being caught out and having any profit instantly torn from me due to poor legality on my end. I hope you get to answer this. Thanks again for all your efforts and work in this beautiful community.
None whatsoever! Haha I think you're on the wrong channel! haha This is an AUDIO Channel, not a hair channel! I wish you all the best in your search for Hair Styling! Haha
QUESTION FOR FRIDAY: I track and mix in the same room. If I track drums with outboard eq on the toms, what would be the best method to dial in the eq before pressing record?
(this guy) {That GUY!} Always a positive vibe coming from your answers and all your advice, even in the humble midst, admitting we are all sometimes both guys (or girls). God Bless always helps. Thanks for the channel! I was talking with my brother the other day about how we have access to such great knowledge with the advent of technology and how our children will not know a life without access to the internet. Makes me think of the importance of campfires and acoustic guitars. Sometimes life can make us (that guY!} ? How do you feel about technology and theatrical live performances like lighting synced with music tracking do you ever experience that while working?
Hi Rodney, thanks ever so much for your very kind words! I'm always so glad to be able to help in any way I can my friend! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Wonderful FAQ Warren, Warren's Wonderful FAQ (alliteration is my life). Absolutely loved the talk about collaboration, really inspirational, Thank you so much. BTW the melody you sang when speaking of reading music was the melody to "Christmas Don't be Late" (Alvin and the Chipmonks) Thanks again!
Regarding songwriting splits: As Shelly Peiken wrote, if you partner writes the one line that makes a good song into a hit song then maybe a 50% split is appropriate. I guess it's the guy with the key that gets you through the door no matter how important YOU are.
I liked the stuff about collaboration. Issues with credit partly came between me and a good friend. I fear collaboration for that reason but I know i need it.
I have multiple clips in my main vocal track with basic HP EQ and Light Opto Compression ... I then 'STEM' That vocal track out at 96/24 > I have just created a vocal Stem or composite vocal track. It's not semantics.
Hello. Yes massive attack is beautiful. And have you heard Trentmoller. Humm so good. I'm about to start experimenting with the instruments. Most sinthetizers. Also a microphone, guitar, bass, effects ... There has to be something completely different... :) Well just to interact and leave a good vibe.
Hello Warren, I hope you're doing marvellously well, I was wondering if by any chance you've seen the new SSL Six desktop mixer?, what do you think of it and its sound properties for recording summing and live mixing, and if you think it's possible that you'll review on your channel in the future, since it seems to be an affordable recording desk for the small and home recording studio. I'm not related to SSL in anyway, just wondering since you are an SSL user and have explained your 4000 on the past maybe this new Six one could be very interesting for us, your followers.
So the Tracks or Trackouts are each individual sound in there own audio file and Stems are groups of sounds in one audio file like all the melodic elements in one audio file?
Thank you - But does a STEM include FX returns? Or is it the summed track(s) with no fx / Raw - except perhaps correct gain staging? It would be good to know this.
I have heard the term "stems" for a while now. I was never sure what it meant. I knew if had to be more than just a raw audio track. There was something more. Now I know. It is one or more tracks mixed down to a stereo pair.
Where does the word stem come from in this context? Is it stem like the branches of a tree coming down to the trunk? Or is it short for something like stereo mix or what?
Question for another FAQ Friday, I have been noticing problems with my work that I do on headphones. But if I were to buy correction software like sonarworks, would that replace or just delay the need for new headphones? (Side note, I prefer to work on monitors, but sometimes I don't have a choice, you know how it is.)
Really nice video. Explained a lot of things that I had the wrong answers to, were in the grey fog of "what?" or just weren't really clear. Now they are :) PS Learning to kick your ego & useless baggage out the door when working with others is one of the best things to learn & practice in Any area of life -
Sage advice shared in the signature, positive way that makes this such a great group! Hmm … stems v tracks. It's sort of like how Warren's using "euphemism" when he means "slang", "vernacular", or "synonym" to describe how words change meaning in practical use. A euphemism is a milder word than what is meant, or a way to politely say something that could be construed as harsh. For example, "Warren has a very unique way of using the word 'euphemism'," is a euphemistic way of pointing out what could otherwise be an embarrassingly ironic misuse of a word to describe the misuse of a word. Bottom line is, if I say, "send me some stems", I'm going to get raw tracks 99% of the time. But I'll be sure to make a clear distinction when making requests from our marvelous presenter, Mr. Huart. Love your stuff!
Hi Dr Warren! On your channel home page you have a subscribe teaser video... There's a bit where you say behind the scenes recording and then a guy starts smashing a wicked bass line. Can you link that video! i cant find it! Cheers
I have a question. I see alot of people combining all of their drums in one single track, like the kick, snare, hi hat and clap. How are you supposed to work with that if it's only on one track or stem, instead of individual tracks or stems? There is no way around that unless you chop it up on a sampler and make individual tracks/stems right?
how do you sync them tracks or stems ?midi, word clock recorded where sent out where to sync how? click track to drummer and CV to some sort of computer play back device?
faq fri question: i'm recording a cd using nothing but samples for the drums, my question is about phase. i use a plug in called auto align, since i don't have overheads to align with i was wondering what would be the steps to get the drums all aligned? should i align the kicks with the kicks? snares with the snares? etc, or should i pick one sample and align everything to that?
Warren...I only discovered your channel in the past 4 months. I am a 68 year old guitarist, song writer, engineer and producer. I had a home studio using Digi and Pro-Tools. I have thoroughly enjoyed every single video of yours that I have seen. But this particular video is my favorite. I have learned so much about who you are, your values, your vision and your integrity. BTW - I watched this because I have been wondering the same things about stems and tracks. I felt like I was lost in the Dark Ages. I like learning about your dance music career. I began my DJ career when Punk/New Wave hit Chicago in 1977 and expanded into Reggae, Electronica, post-punk, New Romance and 80's Dance. It was then inevitable for me to grow into House and Techno. I was fortunate enough to know and work with Frankie Knuckles, Joe Smooth and Vince Lawrence in Chicago's wild and crazy House Music scene. Today, I am retired and living on the Central Gulf Coast of Thailand playing in a band and I DJ parties and events for Expats from all over the world 🌎. I am very lucky to be able to do this and I and grateful as hell for the ability to still be so deeply involved in music. Take care Bro... if you ever make it to Thailand 🇹🇭 look me up fer sure.
Thanks ever so much for the wonderful comment! It’s great that we’ve had such varied careers my friends! It makes us who we are!
100% Positivity, this is why this is my favourite channel. When I first got on to both TH-cam and Facebook I made a promise to myself that I would never do negative stuff, even though I so often want to, but I've stuck to my guns and I keep it positive. Good on ya Warren, you're my role model!
New Falconer Records thanks ever so much my friend! That’s very kind of you!! I’m so glad to be able to help! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
"Only positivity" is a negative comment though. Which translates as a lie
Noted ;)
In The Mix yes Sir! You Rock my friend!!
These points Warren is making add up to great advice on how to comport oneself in the world. His points are specific to the recording industry but apply to any industry. You could subtitle this video "How to Be a Person". Thanks as ever Warren!
Brandon Kraemer wow!! Thanks ever so much my friend!!
That’s a good point right there! But there may be some times when you think you are giving it all away or giving too much and it’s good to weigh the situation. Sometimes people (like me) get possessive over their compositions and need a check haha
Your closing comments prove your point about being gracious and respecting your fellow musician. Thanking us for our questions is one thing but the care you take in answering them (even if you think they meander, they are always interesting and insightful) is why we love watching. Thank you Warren, for excellent advice that we can trust and means something. Rock On!
A *track,* sometimes called multi-tracks or individual raw audio, are the individual sounds for each channel without any processing.
A *Stem* is say the drum section mixed down to two tracks/stereo. Each individual drum sound, provided they were recorded separately to their own channel/track, *IS* *NOT* sent as a separate audio file. Instead they're blended/mixed down to a single stereo that represents each section of the song. Drums, vocals, guitars. Effects processing is also included in each stem.
So with sending tracks, you send the raw un-processed audio that represents each sound that was given it's own channel when it was recorded.
And sending stems is sending the sections of the song. Rather than sending a kick, snare, Hi-Hat, toms tracks, you send the whole drum mix as a single mixed down audio file with effects and everything.
That's 💯 correct
So, if anybody wants stems......get the details to avoid trouble. Great vid.
vic manzanita Thanks ever so much my friend!!
Yes!!! I’ve been so confused about stems. I’ve always seen either tracks, or multi-tracks. This whole stems thing is so new to me. Actually it’s all new to me these days. Been out of the loop for 20+ years. Going to sign up on your site now. You’ve made my day. Thanks!
Tiffany Anthony Lamothe wonderful!! Thanks ever so much! Look forward to seeing you inside the Academy! There’s so many amazing people in there!
This is another fantastic FAQ Friday and as always , I thank the PLAP crew and Warren for the opportunity to learn and share.
I have had more than one client ask me for individual stems from a recording and that made sense in that all they wanted were the raw tracks but this truly can be a problem in particular when you are on a narrow deadline.
Anyway, I have been recording since 1974 and sometimes think I have seen it all yet I learn something new new every time you share a video and for that and so much more, I thank you and your team for sharing invaluable time and experience.
Great info about stems and one that I definitely got wrong when I first got back in to recording as everyone was using “stems” and “tracks” interchangeably.
Hey Warren,
I have been following your advice for about 3 years now and I want to thank you for all the amazing help and improvments I have seen. However, recently I have been having some troubles. I record, produce, and mix primarily hip hop and reference my tracks against Dr. Dre ussually as he has some of the best hip hop mixes that exist. I am trying to achieve the modern sound he had on Compton as well as on records like Ice Cube's Everything's Corrupt, and Eminem's Kamikaze where there is a lot of very boomy and present bass, but it isn't eating up the dynamics and clarity of the midrange.
In older hip hop mixes it feels that the mid range was just louder, now everything feels more tonally balanced, more dynamic, and clearer. I am not sure how I can move toward this sound. I feel like my mixes are balanced to the point that everything sounds good together, but I end up sacrificing the clarity and presence of my mids and highs for the big boomy bass sound in the kicks.
Any advice?
Old hip hop records: Record on (2" ) tape and use an old quality sound board, push those faders, the tape will compress the tracks. Push a drum machine on tape and man that sounds thick!! And tape compression makes the mids stand out warmly. Also..sticky Shed.( Look it up) .crappy tapes that lose highs...give that quality just at the right time in the tapes life..beside that..doh!! I dunno!!
@@rawkinj6609 thanks for your insight. I'm always mixing through an SSL emulation and it definitely adds to the sound. I know tape tends to be a bit more midrangey in terms of reproduction and I can definitely hear it on records from the 80's and early 90's. I know though that with Eminem in particular since the mid 2000's his engineer has printed the mix from their SSL to Pro Tools (as per a 2010 sound on sound interview with mike strange). I have heard Dre still prints to tape, but side by side the differences between Compton and Kamikaze are negligable and therefore I feel like there has to be something more to it than just the equipment.
I find my mids just seem to lose a lot of their energy when I mix in heavy kicks with alot of sub material, then you add a bass to that and as most would expect the mids and highs suffer from it. On the newer records it seems like the bass is retaining much of its boom, and is the bass elements are still heavy and loud in the mix, but the midrange and highs are clearer and bite a lot more than records from 10 - 15 years ago.
I do filter my lows alot with high and low passes and my balance is good and everything fits well, but to get the boom I'm hearing I lose midrange energy, and for more midrange energy I can't get the same boom I am hearing on other records.
I have tried just EQing my mids and highs up on the mix buss or in mastering and while that gives clarity it doesn't help with how energy is being sucked up by low end reproduction and I am just baffled at how good and how booming the low end is still on Dre, Em, and Cubes records without sucking so much energy out of the mix.
I feel like their has to be some production, arranging, and/ or mixing tip to help get closer to the sound I am hearing from the big guys.
Wow, I've been doing this for 37yrs and never heard of that terminology until now. Still learning. 👍
Hi Chris! Thanks ever so much my friend!!
Sometimes you HAVE TO write sheet music to make the song sound great. The band that I play in has a horn section (trumpet, alto-sax and trombone) and there’s no other way to make them play well TOGETHER but to write the exact part for each one of them. Of course they all do improvise or play by ear if needed. But there has to be a written sheet music to let them do the job the best! Same goes with string section, I’m sure.
Thanks for clarifying stems vs. tracks. I was one of the people that thought stems were individual tracks as well, and now can use more accurate verbiage when communicating.
What a knowledgeable Production wizard with a TH-cam Channel!
Is there anyone with more knowledge who uploads videos?
I haven't found anyone.. Not saying it's the end all be all channel.. Just saying no other channel would dare contradict what this man says
I’ve been learning the business side of music and it can get crazy. I wished all the producers and songwriters could watch this video to learn to be fair about the splits
Thanks ever so. such my friend! I'm glad to be able to help!!
Thank you Warren, i really appreciate your content and your love for music!
Fifty7 Beats thanks ever so much!!
Because I started mixing in the live arena i always equated stems with the busses on my mixer. Now that Ive traded stage for studio I actually tend to still mix that way but hybrid.
Thanks for sharing your process Jacob!!
Thanks Warren, I keep seeing mixed things about stems and tracks
Thanks Paul!! You Rock!
I really enjoyed this one, you covered some great topics especially our attitudes. Perspectives we hold mean everything to those around us. Good explanation about stems, too, I never knew about this. Right on, bro, this one goes in my favorites playlist!
I didn't know the difference!!! Good video, thanks
You're very welcome!! I'm so glad to be able to help! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Wow its very late right now in India. Its 12 midnight. But as alwys great video. And thanks for listening to my suggestion on the t racks video. You are the only one who takes suggestions seriously
Madhusmita Goswami wow!! Thanks ever so much!!
Madhusmita Goswami you’re very welcome! Have a great day in beautiful India!!
Great edit, colors look balanced and natural. Thumbs up for your video team!
Thanks Eddy!!
Great video once again Warren. You’re spoiling this newbie. Thanks for all you and your assistants do brother.
Thanks, I have been having a slight conversation with a few people, who claimed that Stems are the "professional" name for the individual Tracks...
They might not change their belief, but at least I have been reassured that I was not wrong about the subject :)
Søren Steinmetz Interesting! Within this thread alone there are multiple different conflicting explanations!! Thanks for your marvellous comment my friend!
Question for next week What are the pros and cons of using external effects with a DAW such as having to go through DA AD to get out and back in.
I understand what your saying but it is probably best to do the paperwork up front so that there is no confusion. However I am always happy to be right up in the action with artists making the music. Helping artists with ideas to make the song even better.
Thanks again for sharing your experience, always great advice, be blessed and well!
Thanks ever so much Michael!! I'm so glad to be able to help! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Thank you Sir. It certainly helps to communicate if you can speak the language.
Many thanks for this, Warren. I have been wondering what 'stems' are, in relation to tracks, for the last few years, so this is very helpful.
drutgat2 I’m so glad to be able to help! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
For contracts, a good way is to discuss all the details, especially consideration for both sides, and take notes. Once you have the terms worked out and noted create a simple contract. Valid contracts have EQUAL consideration. So as long as it’s not one sided no one should feel overwhelmed.
I was wondering when you get finished mixing clients mixes do you let them figure out their own distribution or do you have connections that put their music out there to all the music platforms
Hi Warren, great FAQ Friday as usual, thanks you ever so much, all the best, Darren Ross.
Darren Ross thanks ever so much my friend
I worked and taught in Mental Health, especially psychotherapy, for over 20 years. My catch-phrase to students was...Never Assume that you know what the client means, if they are using jargon. Always, always, ALWAYS check with them to clarify exactly what they mean when they are using technical language.
I've never heard of this miscommunication involving tracks and stems, thanks for the heads up.
BTW, stems can be any format, mono, stereo, 5.1 or even non-channelbased audio, it just refers to submixing elements that belong in the same group of instruments or whatever (in film it'd be dialog, music, FX, etc.).
There are many reasons for using stems vs tracks, depending on the situation. Remixing, re-editing and mastering come to mind but I also adhere to printing stems for archival purposes. Imaging re-opening that archived ProTools session from 2001 and finding hat you don't have the old plug ins anymore or that the session isn't forward compatible enough. If you had printed stems you could just drop them into any DAW without needs for plug ins since all that was printed already. Just line them up and hit play, there's your mix ready to be re-edited, remixed, remastered or whatnot. One thing to include would be notes about master bus processing (compression, etc) because the stems won't likely have sub-master processing that would totally recreate the effects of all those tracks hitting the master bus at the same time. A little note about what type comp was used with what settings will allow you to put something roughly equivalent into the master-bus of your restored stem based session.
I'd recommend to include stem print tracks in everyone's mixing template, that way you can print all stems in one pass after the mix is done. Little time spent today saves you a ton of hassles later. Sorry for sounding all grown up and stuff.
Thank you for the clarification! I've always wondered what the difference is.
Jeremy Thornton thanks ever so much my friend!
Great advice! I've definitely thrown around the term "stem" myself without fully understanding it. I guess it doesn't make much sense if I'm sending a mono bass track.
Such an excellent Channel. You have great advice and you deliver it well. Very thankful for what you do.
You are correct, *traditionally speaking, in my opinion: the term "stems" has evolved to include full exported tracks that may be broken fragmented regions in the original session, exported OMF style to a single "file" of the track which new jacks call "stems". Traditionalist know tracks are tracks and stems are stereo sums of pre-mixed grouped track sections of the mix (drums, GTR, VOX etc), but if the kids call OMF exported files "stems" then we have to adhere that the terminology is evolving.
Thank you Warren. Interesting questions and great answers!
Have a great weekend!
Martin Luxen Thanks ever so much my friend!
Really great FAQ Friday Warren! Much appreciated clarifications and some great insights! You rock!
Another great video. Thank you Warren for taking the time and effort to film this.
I listened with great interest to your presentation today and loved it. There was a goldmine of information there and I hope everyone takes your advice to heart. I was not blinking my eyes until you said, "I even play country music." Now there was a statement that rang contrary to your proper steeping of tea!!!! JUST KIDDING! However, I am still wondering what exactly you will offer, in return, to hold my short attention span for 25 and 1/2 minutes. Again,Warren, well done and outstanding advice that I should have had many times in my 64 year music career.
Reaper adds to the confusion of stems vs. tracks. In the Reaper Render screen the stems option will create individual track files.
Aha! Yes, that makes a lot of sense!! Thanks ever so much!
Hello Warren, great topic video on collaboration FAQs. I love your approach of simple, fair, and friendly in collaboration. My take away is enjoy the project, be fair, and and don't treat people any other way than the way you want to be treated. Awesome Warren!
Thanks for explaining the difference between stems and tracks, Warren : )
Thanks ever so much Sheila!! You Rock!!
Really great video Warren. Lots learned here.
Thanks ever so much Morgan!
FAQ question: In the era of digital everything, do you think something / anything is missing when using IRs over a mic’d up cab? I’ve been using IRs in my Axe-Fx with my favorite tube amp as a new father. I used to mic everything up but have a child now and can’t rock the house at any hour inspiration strikes. I like both ways but just wanted your opinion on what not using a mic and cab might add or subtract from the performance capture.
HI Bill, I love using IRs! They Mae a huge difference in mixing!!
I was taught that stems were STEreo Mixes. Made it very easy to understand!
Excellent!!! I'm working that's way!!!
Thanks ever so much
yay, Great information again. great to clarify these things in advance. Also, Electronic music has helped us all make major growth in Technology. I was Blessed to tour as an opening act on U2 ZOOTV tour. Was Brillant to watch it done so well. Made friends with the crew and watched them work each and every day.. Embrace the Tech into your rock. cheers, all.
I had a situation where I was approached by a person whose wife wrote poetry and wanted a certain poem set to music. I accepted the challenge and also noted that as co-writer of the song that I did not want to sign off on any copyright I'm entitled to from the get go, of which they agreed - not that it was going to be a big hit or anything. After completing the piece, of which I made amendments to the original poetry so they could be used in lyrical form (as there were no verses nor chorus or bridge - I essentially adapted the poetry to fit these qualities, at very little expense to the original work - all with the authors permission). When I finished the musical composition and recorded a demo (the demo was not the best quality) in which they were thrilled with the song, beyond there imagination. I put life into her words and so there you go. A short while later her husband calls me and tells me that they want to move forward with making a professional recording of it using some of the best local talent. Nice. They also wanted to take proceeds of what money it may make locally and donate their portion of it to a local charity. Nice. He then asked if I wanted to sell my copyright portion so they could, in essence, "give" the song to the charity so they could receive all compensation for the work for their cause. I wasn't against the charity and I would have worked something out with this gentleman but I did say that I didn't want to give up the copyright and he hung up on me and I've never spoken to him again. The song is in limbo and I feel I did the right thing because, for one, this charity may or may not be around forever. Who gets the money for the song (if it makes much) after the charity is no longer around? I wasn't against proceeds going to a charity (for a time), i was just against giving up my copyright, if indeed it made money. Also, I could control my portion of it for my needs, if needed, since I am not a rich songwriter at all. I nice dinner out at Wendy's perhaps. What say ye?
priceless advice
Fenekucci thanks ever so much!
I always do contracts. Publishing companies provides many of the documents needed when artists use the services. I have company contracts and terms and conditions of services.
It's why you're one of the best. It's a great topic ...I'm guilty as charged. I think maybe clarify ...do not assume we are all on the same playing field. I'm an electronic music too.
It totally does make sense. I hate using terminology wrongly as well. Thanks again.
Great video! Thank you so much! But I have a question: When bouncing, how do you go about master bus processing? The SSL bus compressor doing about 2-3 dB of compression?
Exactly right Jürgen, I usually have around 2-3db of bus compression!
Question: how much time should I put into recording/mixing/engineering a week to get to a higher tier of production skill?
I started in music as a guitarist and currently dedicate about two hours mon-fri to guitar practice. I soon realized to reach my goals I had to take up recording, mixing, and engineering as well. Currently I spend 6ish hours each weekend on these production aspects. I'm concerned that 6 hours over weekends isn't enough time to grow my production skills though. Would love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks Warren, excellent FAQ Friday. I leave you a question. we always mix singles, but when we want to make an album, how do we make the mixes of all the songs have a unique sound concept? We export all the parameters of our first complete mix to the other songs for example?. Have a nice wwekend!
How do you go about figuring out splits for publishing, and do you usually just pay the musicians whatever their going rate is per song(pay to play)?
flavanthensome marvellous question! For me there is no one size fits all! If everyone is in the room contributing to a song from scratch then I will suggest an even split! If someone brings an idea already realised then the other percentages are negotiated on the amount of change that they created to the song.
flavanthensome as far as payment, yes that also is negotiable upon the budget. Make sure that they feel looked after and it doesn’t break the bank for you!
Makes sense now. Thankyou.
Thanks ever so much
Glad to be able to help
Hey Warren, another fantastic FAQ! I've finally got a question of my own! I'm in the middle of building a dedicated studio after years of working with bands in my home studio. When is the right time, of there is one, to register myself as a business for tax purposes. I'm scared of being caught out and having any profit instantly torn from me due to poor legality on my end. I hope you get to answer this. Thanks again for all your efforts and work in this beautiful community.
@Warren Huart - Could you please tell me what hair gel/wax you use?
None whatsoever! Haha I think you're on the wrong channel! haha This is an AUDIO Channel, not a hair channel! I wish you all the best in your search for Hair Styling! Haha
@@Producelikeapro Amazing! :)
QUESTION FOR FRIDAY: I track and mix in the same room. If I track drums with outboard eq on the toms, what would be the best method to dial in the eq before pressing record?
You have answered my question! Thank you.
(this guy) {That GUY!}
Always a positive vibe coming from your answers and all your advice, even in the humble midst, admitting we are all sometimes both guys (or girls). God Bless always helps. Thanks for the channel! I was talking with my brother the other day about how we have access to such great knowledge with the advent of technology and how our children will not know a life without access to the internet. Makes me think of the importance of campfires and acoustic guitars. Sometimes life can make us (that guY!} ? How do you feel about technology and theatrical live performances like lighting synced with music tracking do you ever experience that while working?
Hi Rodney, thanks ever so much for your very kind words! I'm always so glad to be able to help in any way I can my friend! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
HI Warren ...it would be nice if you can make a short video on how to produced stems files ….because it is still confusing to me ...thank you
Great advice.I however wonder when bouncing stems do you bounce them as they are or do you push the volumes to 0db?
Amazing information!
Harmony Studios thanks ever so much!!
You are so helpful Warren! Thank You!
Navid Hamidi you’re very welcome my friend!!
Wonderful FAQ Warren, Warren's Wonderful FAQ (alliteration is my life). Absolutely loved the talk about collaboration, really inspirational, Thank you so much. BTW the melody you sang when speaking of reading music was the melody to "Christmas Don't be Late" (Alvin and the Chipmonks) Thanks again!
It makes more sense if you think that the word ”stem” stands for STEreoMix. I think that’s the original meaning.
Good point. Or (maybe) Stereo Tracks, Eclectic Mixes. We used to just call them sub mixes; but they're sure different from individual tracks.
Mikko Hirvelä very cool analogy!!
vile live evil thanks very much!!
You can have mono, stereo or multiple track stems ( surround for example ) It's just a mix down to a bus or sub group.
But, how many people MEAN "stems" that way, though? Not everyone knows it's an abbreviation.
have a good one warren
Dan Peltier Thanks ever so much my friends!
Regarding songwriting splits: As Shelly Peiken wrote, if you partner writes the one line that makes a good song into a hit song then maybe a 50% split is appropriate. I guess it's the guy with the key that gets you through the door no matter how important YOU are.
Hi Loren, marvellous comment!!
We, the PLAP public, demand videos of your EDM show, Warren. ;)
Clay LaHatte haha yes, indeed!!
agreed. I'd love to see some MCing as well
I liked the stuff about collaboration. Issues with credit partly came between me and a good friend. I fear collaboration for that reason but I know i need it.
i love this . so helpful thanks
I have multiple clips in my main vocal track with basic HP EQ and Light Opto Compression ... I then 'STEM' That vocal track out at 96/24 > I have just created a vocal Stem or composite vocal track. It's not semantics.
Should I mix in tracks or in stems?
Is it necessary to add at least 2 element (vocal&bass) in the remix?
Can we use only vocal ?
Mr Bunny for the remix competition you can use any elements you like my friend! We are judging it on results!
Hello. Yes massive attack is beautiful. And have you heard Trentmoller. Humm so good.
I'm about to start experimenting with the instruments. Most sinthetizers. Also a microphone, guitar, bass, effects ... There has to be something completely different... :) Well just to interact and leave a good vibe.
✅Thanks Warren! :)
Thanks ever so much my friend!!
Hello Warren, I hope you're doing marvellously well, I was wondering if by any chance you've seen the new SSL Six desktop mixer?, what do you think of it and its sound properties for recording summing and live mixing, and if you think it's possible that you'll review on your channel in the future, since it seems to be an affordable recording desk for the small and home recording studio. I'm not related to SSL in anyway, just wondering since you are an SSL user and have explained your 4000 on the past maybe this new Six one could be very interesting for us, your followers.
So the Tracks or Trackouts are each individual sound in there own audio file and Stems are groups of sounds in one audio file like all the melodic elements in one audio file?
Thank you - But does a STEM include FX returns? Or is it the summed track(s) with no fx / Raw - except perhaps correct gain staging? It would be good to know this.
Yes, it's another FAQ Friday ;0)
Cheers Warren, always learning something from you (Via those, that ask great Questions).
I have heard the term "stems" for a while now. I was never sure what it meant. I knew if had to be more than just a raw audio track. There was something more. Now I know. It is one or more tracks mixed down to a stereo pair.
Great advice! Thanks.... Been there!
Where does the word stem come from in this context? Is it stem like the branches of a tree coming down to the trunk? Or is it short for something like stereo mix or what?
Finally! Thank you!
Question for another FAQ Friday, I have been noticing problems with my work that I do on headphones. But if I were to buy correction software like sonarworks, would that replace or just delay the need for new headphones? (Side note, I prefer to work on monitors, but sometimes I don't have a choice, you know how it is.)
Warren were you into early creation records stuff?
So stems are combined tracks bounced down to stereo right? So I suppose a track is an individualized audio file bounced down to mono??
Really nice video. Explained a lot of things that I had the wrong answers to, were in the grey fog of "what?" or just weren't really clear. Now they are :)
PS Learning to kick your ego & useless baggage out the door when working with others is one of the best things to learn & practice in Any area of life -
Sage advice shared in the signature, positive way that makes this such a great group! Hmm … stems v tracks. It's sort of like how Warren's using "euphemism" when he means "slang", "vernacular", or "synonym" to describe how words change meaning in practical use. A euphemism is a milder word than what is meant, or a way to politely say something that could be construed as harsh. For example, "Warren has a very unique way of using the word 'euphemism'," is a euphemistic way of pointing out what could otherwise be an embarrassingly ironic misuse of a word to describe the misuse of a word. Bottom line is, if I say, "send me some stems", I'm going to get raw tracks 99% of the time. But I'll be sure to make a clear distinction when making requests from our marvelous presenter, Mr. Huart. Love your stuff!
Hi Dr Warren! On your channel home page you have a subscribe teaser video... There's a bit where you say behind the scenes recording and then a guy starts smashing a wicked bass line. Can you link that video! i cant find it! Cheers
That is the Amazing Billy Sheehan!! Here is the video:- th-cam.com/video/r6ya71JSygA/w-d-xo.html
@@Producelikeapro Cheers dude, much appreciated
deathruddles deathruddles you’re very welcome! He’s amazing!
I have a question. I see alot of people combining all of their drums in one single track, like the kick, snare, hi hat and clap. How are you supposed to work with that if it's only on one track or stem, instead of individual tracks or stems? There is no way around that unless you chop it up on a sampler and make individual tracks/stems right?
Thanks.
how do you sync them tracks or stems ?midi, word clock recorded where sent out where to sync how? click track to drummer and CV to some sort of computer play back device?
faq fri question: i'm recording a cd using nothing but samples for the drums, my question is about phase. i use a plug in called auto align, since i don't have overheads to align with i was wondering what would be the steps to get the drums all aligned? should i align the kicks with the kicks? snares with the snares? etc, or should i pick one sample and align everything to that?
on this cd i'm using 3 kicks, 3 snares, 2 toms, ride, hh, crash,
I am waiting for that next Warren single.
Haha thanks John!!