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.
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 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
- ✓Based at Wired Masters, London
Stem Mastering
£200 / hour
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.
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.