AES Mastering Conference – Stem Mastering

Why Has Stem Mastering Become So Popular?

Higher expectations at the mastering stage/Lower recording budgets – lower skillsets!

When Should We Consider Stem Mastering?

Global mix issues?/ Am I compromising the project in stereo? (Quality Control!)

Common Questions From Clients?

Should I book stereo or stem mastering? (communication pre-mastering/planning/teamwork)

How do I prepare stems? (Client checklist (Blog)/Beware of mix bus dynamics! Always A/B)

How many stems should i send? (Keep it simple!)

How To Avoid Falling Back In To Mix Mode?

Mixing vs Stem Mastering vs Mastering (3 hats?)

McGurk Effect – % Sensory information/Limiting visual feedback

Left brain vs Right Brain (Analytical vs Creative) What impact does our vision have?

Typical stem processing  

Hands on vs hands off? Bold vs delicate?

Approach each project on its own merits. Let the project guide you.

LPF/HPF

Line Amps / Saturation / Harmonic Distortion /Character

EQ/Comp

Dynamic EQ/MultiBand

Sidechaining

Automation

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Top Tip 1: QUALITY CONTROL!!

Top Tip 2: COMMUNICATION!!

Top Tip 3: TRANSLATION!!