Johannesburg Stem Mastering
Unlock deeper mix control for your Johannesburg productions with expert stem mastering.
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. Used by artists on Defected, Good Company, Glitterbox, Armada, Soulfuric, Blackbook, WUGD, and more.
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.
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 ready for Good Company, Defected, or any major label.
Revision Rounds & Delivery
You receive the final stereo master ready for release. The session typically runs 1–1.5 hours and is billed hourly, with the final master included.
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 in session rate
- ✓Ideal for house, techno, drum & bass, and electronic
- ✓Full-resolution WAV delivery
- ✓Used by Defected, Good Company, Glitterbox, Armada, Soulfuric, Blackbook, WUGD artists
Stem Mastering
£200 / hour (~$250 USD / ~€230 EUR)
1 hour minimum. Typical session runs 1–1.5 hours. Ex. VAT. Final invoice in GBP, converted to your local currency at current rates. Final master 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 in the session rate. Fully online, with artists submitting stems from anywhere in the world.
The Verdict
Trusted by industry heavyweights.
"Sam has an incredible ear and a deep understanding of how the records I produce need to translate everywhere—from the studio to the club to streaming. He consistently takes my productions and elevates them, bringing clarity, power, and emotion to the final mix."
Dave Audé
Grammy Winning Producer, Remixer & Songwriter"Love working with Sam, we've been using his mastering for over 6 years already. Many different genres and all came out how we wanted, giving that extra edge to the track. He works fast and delivers the masters in a few days or even the same day if we have a very last minute request."
MOTi
Lukas Romme | Management"We've been working with Sam for over five years and can highly recommend him as an engineer. He consistently delivers excellent results, pays close attention to detail and references, and is always reliable with revisions and deadlines. Whether it's stereo or stem mastering, his work is spot on."
Manuel Lacher
A&R | Place Called Home"As a solo producer, it's paramount to have an additional fresh pair of ears on a mix and Sam has the freshest Pair. I have personally chosen Sam for many projects over many years. Working with him is an absolute pleasure. Always with quick, professional responses and a fast turnaround. I have used Wired Mastering for over 10 years now with no regrets. They genuinely understand the tiny nuances of different genres and production styles. That makes the difference between your music being played and your music being heard."
Freejak
DJ / Producer"I've worked with Sam for many years, and he's become an essential part of my process. He listens carefully, understands the direction, and consistently elevates the track. That final stage brings a level of clarity and confidence that lets me know the record is truly finished."
John Monkman
Producer"Sam has an incredible ear and a deep understanding of how the records I produce need to translate everywhere—from the studio to the club to streaming. He consistently takes my productions and elevates them, bringing clarity, power, and emotion to the final mix."
Dave Audé
Grammy Winning Producer, Remixer & Songwriter"Love working with Sam, we've been using his mastering for over 6 years already. Many different genres and all came out how we wanted, giving that extra edge to the track. He works fast and delivers the masters in a few days or even the same day if we have a very last minute request."
MOTi
Lukas Romme | Management"We've been working with Sam for over five years and can highly recommend him as an engineer. He consistently delivers excellent results, pays close attention to detail and references, and is always reliable with revisions and deadlines. Whether it's stereo or stem mastering, his work is spot on."
Manuel Lacher
A&R | Place Called Home"As a solo producer, it's paramount to have an additional fresh pair of ears on a mix and Sam has the freshest Pair. I have personally chosen Sam for many projects over many years. Working with him is an absolute pleasure. Always with quick, professional responses and a fast turnaround. I have used Wired Mastering for over 10 years now with no regrets. They genuinely understand the tiny nuances of different genres and production styles. That makes the difference between your music being played and your music being heard."
Freejak
DJ / Producer"I've worked with Sam for many years, and he's become an essential part of my process. He listens carefully, understands the direction, and consistently elevates the track. That final stage brings a level of clarity and confidence that lets me know the record is truly finished."
John Monkman
ProducerPlatinum, Gold & Silver Certifications
Spotify Mixes
Curated selections of my latest work
The Studio
World-class monitoring and processing.
Located within the renowned Wired Masters complex in London, Sam's studio is acoustically treated to the highest standards and equipped with a selection of premium analog and digital tools.
Monitoring
- PMC MB2-XBD-A main monitors
- Yamaha NS10s + Bryston 4B SST amplification
- Audeze MM-500 reference headphones
Conversion & Monitor Control
- Prism Morpheus 24-bit / 192kHz converters
- Grace Design M905 monitor controller
Amplification
- Bryston 10B/LR active crossovers
- Bryston 7B SST power amplifiers
- Bryston 4B SST power amplifiers
Cabling & Infrastructure
- Van Damme & Van Den Hul audio cables
- Apogee digital cabling
Related Services
Complement your project with our other professional audio services.
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 session rates.
Read Guide→Ready for a Bigger Sound?
Get in touch to discuss your project, turnaround, and pricing.
Book a Stem Session