For the last few months, the buzzword on everyone’s lips has been Stems. You’ve seen the Kontrol S8 and D2, which suddenly made much more sense once Stems became a thing. But bar being able to buy other people’s Stems tracks in the usual outlets, you’ve not been able to make your own, which is really the thing that will launch Stems as a valid format. But today that changes, as NI is releasing the Stems Creator as a public beta.
HOW THE STEMS CREATOR WORKS
At its base level, it couldn’t be easier. You’ll need to grab the Stems Creator from stems-music.com to get started. Firstly, and massively over simplifying the process, you make your individual stereo stems via whatever method of music creation you use. While it’s entirely up to you what your final four stem split is, NI provides a handy guide on how best to manage this, and offers advice on stem naming, sorting and colouring too. They also provide Photoshop templates to ensure that the Stems format has a universally acceptable artwork format. Not a bad idea as it does give a very quick visual indication as to whether a file is a Stem or a regular audio file.
So you have your artwork, your stems, and your master files — time to throw them into the Stems Creator. It’s pretty simple — drag and drop the stems, master file, and artwork to the appropriate slots, fill in any metadata you might want with the track and you’re done.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5xB-cJvkuc
So on one level, the Stems Creator is a simple assembly app to create the MP4 container. But it does offer more than that. It lets you apply compression and limiting to the final file via the dynamics option. There’s a basic setting with a dropdown with named presets. But if you want a little more control, you can click on expert and have direct access to the compressor and limiter assorted controls.
It’s easy to make a mess here, so a reset option would be useful. Personally speaking, I’d do all this work at the source and not leave it to the Creator back end, especially as there’s currently no way of saving the project. Speaking of which…
One thing that would be a huge improvement is the ability to save a Stems project. As it stands, you load up your stems file, export, and quit — there’s no way to save a project to return to it later. The ability to change an individual stem or metadata at a later date would be perfect.
In use, it’s very simple to use. The guide however neglects to mention that you have to save the individual and master stems files as WAVs. I tried FLAC and MP3 and they were unrecognised. And the AIFFs I tried errorred (it is beta though). And be sure to use the correct Photoshop template for the artwork. I dropped in the big retail image, and the Creator failed to export. Dropping the smaller Creator specific version exported just fine.
WHAT THE STEMS CREATOR DOESN’T DO
One thing I feel that I have to make clear — the Stems Creator will not process a regular track into a split stemmed file — it is entirely for taking individual files to make a single multi-track stem file. I know I know… but I have seen the question asked elsewhere and feel the need to clarify it. Of course, this doesn’t mean that someone won’t throw flat tracks into software like Melodyne and attempt to create bootlegs stems. But I digress.
DIGGING DEEPER
As a new format, support outside of NI is very limited. While everything will play the master files, getting access to the individual stems is a tough call. I did discover that opening a Stems file into Adobe Audition brings in all stems into a single channel. And from there it’s a matter of splitting to mono channels into a multi-channel mix, at which point you can do what you want with them. In my case, I recombined the relevant mono tracks to make individual stereo stems, so that I could properly check out the Stems Creator. You however might wish to buy master Stems and tweak the individual stems for your own purposes. Other software may do it too, but I tried Audacity and Ableton Live and and could only access the master track.
As a final test, I also opened the master Stems file into Beatport Pro, and sure enough it worked just fine with the artworks, stems, and metadata intact. So at this point, even though it is just public beta, it seems more or less ready to go.
This exercise did however ably demonstrate to me that the loudness war is still being fought and shows no sign of a ceasefire. Some of the stems files I opened looked like solid black strips.
THE INDUSTRY VIEW
We’ve been saying since day 1 of the first word of Stems that the success of the format will depend on availability of music especially classic tracks, as well as the uptake by the industry to support them in software. Now that the Stem Creator is out, there’s no excuse for artists and labels not to put out Stems. It’s certainly a cash cow for artists from the 80s onwards to get some revenue out of long deleted tracks, although the 900 Number probably isn’t the most taxing use of the format. I’d love to get my hands on the music I used to play but in Stems format — even the new stuff I have might not be my taste, but it’s certainly a lot of fun.
As for industry support — I sent out an email to the software players to get some feedback on impressions and plans. Obviously it’s early days and opinions were somewhat muted and generally off the record, but the tone is positive. I think it’s more of a wait and see scenario from the industry, which is going to depend on the end users kicking up a fuss about it.
But despite the few things I’d like to see, Stems are now completely available for them to play with. And it all seems to work.
SUMMING UP
Stems are here, and now it’s up to you. And by you I mean artists and labels to make as many available as possible, and DJs to start using them. It’s funny to gauge reaction from the assorted online communities. Much like every evolution and revolution before it, there is a wide gamut of reaction ranging from positive excitement all the way to outright fear-fuelled hate. But there’s no doubt in my mind that this has serious potential, both in terms of changing the way DJs perform, as well as putting something legitimate in that yawning chasm between DJing and producing.
So what are you waiting for? Oh yeah — the industry to make it happen. But the Stem Creator beta is available for download today. At least have a play.
Mac Beta — DOWNLOAD
Windows Beta (64bit only at this time) — DOWNLOAD
I’m totally going to merge all my acapellas and instrumentals in stem files.
Another trepidation I’ve had is that, in my eyes, NI hasn’t really won any allies in the industry over the past couple of years… They basically ripped off Ableton’s UI/UX for the Remix Decks and are (winning?) at war with Serato. With that and capitalism in mind, why on earth would these companies back something that NI is championing; even if it is a solid concept? Ableton would be especially well suited for this format but I am curious as to their feelings towards NI. At the end of the day it really will come down to the artists and labels; but if the format is only supported in one piece of software, and you have to own their proprietary hardware to get the full (all 4 waveforms) experience, seems like it might be a hard sell to the creatives?
Because it’s a ton cheaper than going it alone when NI have already invested in content infrastructure.
thinking more chicken in the egg here; if stems take off competitors will almost have to adopt/support them… but can it take off without their help and are they motivated to find out? What is the nature of competition in the industry? Hostile? Good Sports? Guess we will find out per Marks Emails to the major players…
You are entitled to your opinion, but in my eyes Ableton is a huge morphing beast of software. It resembles many things.
To me Maschine and the remix decks in color, and F1 workflow more closely related. I am pretty sure that’s what NI combined with the sample decks.
But I can only wish they had made remix decks like a drum rack all those options would have been sweet.
Maybe Ableton will adopt its own version! NI has made it clear this is open and anyone can benefit from it, so if Ableton or anyone else decides to make a live use stem deck I only see more money to be made by artists selling a more usable audio format. Ableton I am sure can already be set up to use the Stems a producer would create and do this just fine anyway though, that’s one of its functions already, and it is the DAW software almost everyone will be going to to make custom stem parts and testing for Traktor, some new customers might result just for Stems alone.
But yeah “right now”, it’s a Traktor thing. And a hold move that may change how things are done
If I were NI, I would be talking to Atomix (Virtual DJ) about integrating stems into the next release of VDJ. They seem like they are open to making everything available. Maybe talk to In Music and see about maybe getting a stem capable Denon player. Once it is on 2 of the 3 major DJ programs. It will almost force the issue with Serato and Pioneer. Add to that a major record label or two getting involved and it will then take off.
Also, keep in mind, that this kind of direction is one NI has taken in the past.
When Traktor Pro 2 launched Sample Decks came with it. But the full functionality was available in 1.8(?) if you had the S4. So it’s highly likely that in Traktor Pro 3 that information will be available. Something to just keep in mind. And it’s already MIDI mappable, so it’s not like they are locking users out.
Your other point, I agree. It completely relies upon the artists and labels that buy in. But it has been what? Almost no time. And I’m sure those relationships are being built, and have been in progress for a while now. I wouldn’t say Serato or NI has won that war, especially now that Pioneer is entering it from a lofty position and I can imagine one or two more sides entering the… battlefield? I’m trying to hold this metaphor together.
yeah props to them for porting over and opening up the midi mapping (could say it already existed but smart of them to double up from the remix deck). That was a real drag when they went to the 64 cell grid and made us sit on our hands. I’m just still waiting to come across the stem track (or a few of them preferably) that makes me say ‘hell yeah I want to play this’ rather than ‘I can see this maybe coming in handy’. Author makes a good point; a lot of us want classics/back catalog stuff, I tend to agree that this is the kindling the format needs.
I’d love new stuff to be in here, since there’s a ton of good new stuff. But I want it to fall into my genre of taste, which isn’t up to NI but the labels and artists.
And my scene is notoriously hesitant to do anything exciting. :(
I’m guessing you can’t add different cue points to individual tracks within the stem using the Creator?
This is what it needs, as stems imported from multitracks will have sections of silence and it would make sense if you could skip to the parts with audio.
I’m sure that will come, but for now you’ll just have to apply cue point to the master track.
mhmm looks like they removed the download ;(
Yep – looks like it’s proved to be very popular.
I just spotted what’s up. They’ve got the links wrong in their PR and on the site. Try these:
http://www.stems-music.com/downloads/stems_creator_mac.zip
http://www.stems-music.com/downloads/stems_creator_win.zip
Benn mentioned on the BBC today too (and badly described!). http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-33939203
That was ummm… awesome. But then again, appearing on the BBC tech page is pretty huge no matter what the coverage.
Agreed. There is substance to this concept and I’m hoping it really kicks off in a big way. By the fact that mainstream media has taken note, no matter how small, is a very positive sign.
Had someone succes launching the windows version ?? won’t work on my windows 10 or windows 7 computer , only the mac version works for me.
NI tells me that the Windows version is 64bit only right now. Is that your problem?
I’m Win 10 64bit and I can’t get a good install.
Run the .exe from its location. There’s no installer.
Mine was a bit funny at first. It doesn’t require installing and runs from its location and it wouldn’t open the first few times I tried on my Win 10 laptop.
I left it for a bit, made a cuppa, then tried again and it worked.
It’s a beta though. Send them a bug report.
Whilst I applaud the format there’s more to take up than getting the software out there – equipment cost is still a huge issue, e.g.
As a big NI user I prefer modular to controllers so an S8 isn’t really on my radar. Would be interested in D2’s but;
you need two of them for the A/C – B/D workflow and a four channel mixer, so that means replacing the Z2 with something else as well buying the D2’s – starts getting to be an expensive gamble at this point.
OK, you can use 2 F1’s but its not going to be the same experience is it?
My point is the cost of replacing your existing decent, working and good hardware is a real issue.
If NI really want this to take off the need to offer a four channel mixer to blend in with the work flow and give users an incentive to trade in our existing NI gear, why should any other manufacturer take up stems if NI aren’t going to give full back up first?
If NI don’t offer a mixer and you switch to say a 900 Nexus and like it, what’s the chances your going to continue buying NI over Pioneer? There should have been a Z4 at least two years ago, have NI messed up here and not thought through the limits of their own hardware on the new format?
I don’t agree. I’ve got two Kontrol X1s and an F1. I’m actually not looking to bother with D2s for now as the feedback on the F1 gives me everything I need so I’m just going to grab another one. I’d try the F1 with it before slating it too much. Especially seeing as you can nab one for so cheap.
Didn’t mean to be too negative – I think stems are a great idea, I also like the D2 format, just a bit reticent about the costs.
A major plus point is free market availability – a lot of remix sets were way overpriced, stems will find a market rate in comparison to a straight tune which is good.
Wi you be using a 4 channel mixer with your set up?
Yeah, I’ve actually just ordered the parts to repair a broken Xone:62 I was given. A nice little pet project I think.
Had to be a Xone though. I need the extra input channels for Maschine.
You pretty much have the same setup as me, then!
Bloody good, isn’t it! I’m trying to put my own spin on Chris Liebing’s setup. Still want to add that 2nd F1 I mentioned as well as a pair of Xone:K2s to control Ableton. Yes I could map what I’ve got but I HATE layer switching! That’s why I doubt I’ll get D2s.
Fully agree I have the s8 but my f1 is just fine.
Don’t forget the Z2 is a 4ch mixer. Now I agree that a Z4 should have come out a long time ago and I would love to see a Z3 (4ch Z1) But the work flow with a Z2 should be just fine. I would imagine a new mixer is coming from NI soon as the Z2 price was just slashed to $600. Like you said, you can go to a Pioneer 900 or any 4ch mixer that has a sound card or bring your own.
I think the idea behind the D2 is simply a chopped off part of the S8. The S8 deck is designed to be used as one side of Traktor and is thus hardcoded, and so they just literally chopped of a deck with all of the coding worked in. The F1s work decently and are cheap. I think we would have all loved to have seen the stems displayed on the computer, but they say it isn’t really possible considering how Traktor displays its GUI it would take too much processing power.
Other manufacturers will add it when there is demand for it. Which means its more important to get content out there to create the demand for it. Plus, because it is open source, other than the development cost to add the coding to your product, there is no reason not to add it.
I use a z2 and one d2 as my main setup this has been as close to my perfect setup as I’ve been didn’t getting my first set of turntables and a mixer. The technology is great for only thing holding it back is our creativity. I actually love to see naysayers or hesitant comments because I know that one less person will unlock that cool thing before I find it.
Anyone who wants to rip stems using FFMPEG (these are the commands to list and extract in terminal):
1. ffmpeg -i original.stem.mp4
– this will list all of the individual streams in the mp4. The streams are listed from 0:0 to 0:4. Stream 0:0 is the ‘master stream’ and 0:1 to 0:4 are the stem files in the same order listed in the creator tool
2. ffmpeg -i original.stem.mp4 -map 0:0 outputname.mp3
– this will pull out one stem or the master. -map tells it which one you want, so make sure you specify which you want (0:0 through 0:4).
Hey that’s Chad in the video… He used to work for M-Audio on the Torq project.
I met him several times. Stems seems interesting maybe I’ll take a detailed look into the software?
In the last week I have upgraded from Serato Scratch (not DJ) which I had for over 10 years. For a long time, I was going to go for Serato DJ but stems changed my mind. Due to work (12 hour days or nights) I have not currently had much time to play about with stems but I have got two D2’s and the 20 mins I have spent is enough to confirm what great fun it is, the control you get is great and I can’t want to experiment more. I would love to take two genres and switch the beats over to see what it sounds like. This should also open up transitions between genres.
I could see why labels could hate stems, it opens up their music so much in the way that the hard work their artists put in can so easily be ripped off. Like a beat? Get a stems track and strip everything else out. You now have that beat for good or bad.
I can’t see why DJ’s would hate this. It’s another tool in the arsenal, and a very creative one at that.
Oh, and with the two channel mixer thing, I have a DJM 909. I route the turntables in as yo would expect and then route the two remix decks through the session input. Sometimes a little creativity is all is needed, not spending a shed load on a new mixer or other equipment. My “2 channel” mixer works great for all 4 “decks”
So, now after a week of contemplation and reading everyone’s comments again I’m deliberating buying a 2nd F1 or using a D2 with my existing F1 during the price drop.
I’m searching out every video review I can find and I’m still not sure which way I’m going to go here but know I’m going to do something……. Not usually this indecisive its just the whole stems take up still feels like a gamble.