Stem Mastering
When a stereo master isn't enough. Stem mastering gives Sam the tools to tackle low-end, dynamics, and balance at source. Trusted by leading dance and house labels - based at Wired Masters, London.
The Stem Mastering Process
Stem mastering sits between a full mix and a stereo master. You get the precision of mixing with the polish of mastering — perfect for tracks that need that extra edge.
Send Your Stems
Export your stems in specific groups for maximum control: Kick (Always Separate), Low-End Percussion (Toms, lower perc), High-End Percussion (Hats, claps, toppers), Bass, Music (Synths, melodic), Vocals, and FX. Provide them at the same sample rate as your project, with no master bus processing except for what is integral to the vibe. The standard seven groups land comfortably inside the 4-8 stem band. If you want to split further — separate toms, individual synth layers, backing vocals — each stem beyond eight is £35.
Stem Processing Session
With individual stem control, Sam can tackle issues that a stereo master can't touch — tightening the low-end on the kick and bass independently, adding air to the top end without pulling the midrange, or refining the energy balance between your drums and music bed. The result is a more cohesive, powerful master.
Revision Rounds & Delivery
You receive the final stereo master ready for release. The session typically runs 1–1.5 hours. An instrumental or acapella from the same arrangement is included with the final master.
What's Included
- ✓Individual stem-level EQ, compression, and saturation
- ✓Low-end tightening on kick, bass, and sub independently
- ✓Drum transient shaping without affecting the full mix
- ✓Vocal and FX balance correction at the mastering stage
- ✓Club and streaming loudness targets
- ✓Final stereo master included
- ✓4-8 grouped stems included; each additional stem +£35 (22 stem maximum)
- ✓Same-arrangement instrumental & acapella included
- ✓Mixed stems delivery available: +£100
- ✓Ideal for house, techno, drum & bass, and electronic
- ✓Full-resolution WAV delivery
- ✓Based at Wired Masters, London
Stem Mastering
£250
Covers 4-8 grouped stems, ex. VAT. No hourly rate. Each additional stem is £35, up to a maximum of 22 stems — beyond that a Full Mixdown at £750 gives you more for less. Final invoice in GBP, converted to your local currency at current rates. Final master and same-arrangement instrumental/acapella included.
Get a QuoteStem mastering is the middle ground between a full mix and a stereo master. Where stereo mastering works from a single finished file, stem mastering gives Sam individual control over grouped elements: kick, bass, drums, synths, vocals and FX. This allows corrections and enhancements that simply are not possible from a stereo file.
It is the go-to choice when a stereo master is not quite cutting it. Muddy low-end, a kick that is not punching through, a vocal sitting awkwardly in the mix. These are all problems stem mastering can solve without sending the track back for a full mix.
Typical sessions run 1 to 1.5 hours. The final stereo master is included, and £250 covers 4 to 8 grouped stems. If your track needs more separation, additional stems are £35 each, up to a maximum of 22. Fully online, with artists submitting stems from anywhere in the world.
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From the Studio
Guides and insights from Sam at Wired Masters.
Stem Mastering vs Stereo Mastering
Stem mastering is always better. Here's why, what it costs, and when stereo still makes sense.
Read Guide→How to Get Your Low End Right
Kick and bass fighting each other? Here's how to fix it before mastering.
Read Guide→How Much Does Mastering Cost in 2026?
Honest pricing breakdown including stem mastering and mixdown rates.
Read Guide→Ready for a Bigger Sound?
Get in touch to discuss your project, turnaround, and pricing.