Native Instruments has introduced a new music format called Stems. This innovative format allows users to break down any track into four separate audio tracks, which is especially useful for DJs and remixers. Stems is designed to replace existing tools such as Tractor. However, it’s important to note that an original track typically has more than four audio tracks during the mastering process. Therefore, the remixer or DJ must choose which audio tracks to include in the four available stems.
Stems is an innovative data solution
This can be tricky business, however, modern techno music and EDM aren’t full-blown symphonies. The user is highly likely not going to feel the miss.
The market entry still may be fresh, but the new audio format is already enjoying lots of industry backup. Labels like Monkeytown, Noir Music and 50 Weapons are on board. Likewise, distributors and download stores like Beatport.
Big companies are already on board
It remains to be seen how many places are going to use Stems in the long run. In the same vein, how Native Instruments are going to benefit monetarily from the new audio format.
On the other hand, new possibilities for revenue are created for labels as well as for distributors. Music can now be sold directly as a Stems audio file. This diversification of the product spectrum can be beneficial in the long run.
Stems is open-source and accessible to any developer
Stems is open source and can be used by any developer to be included in software or hardware. That means that the developer has access to all necessary information in order to implement the system. That is very helpful for music production, performance tools or media players.
It’s probably not going to take long for the first developers and programmers to write new software based on this new audio format.
Stems uses the .mp4 container format and can be used just like a normal mp3 format through its extension .stem.mp4.
To sum it all up, check this video below which explain Stems in short.
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