Native Instruments has released more info on its new Stems format – an open audio file format that basically contains four ‘stem’ tracks (for example – bass, drums, melody & vocals) along with the full mix. The format is designed to simplify live remixing of tracks, because it provides a standard way to deliver remix-friendly audio.

Stem files use the .mp4 container format to store the four individual stems of a track within a single file. Using the file extension .stem.mp4, this single file can be managed just like an mp3 file.

A standard master version of the track is also included in the file and can even be played in stereo with any compatible audio player following standard mp4 specs, like iTunes for example. To play with a track’s individual stems, Stem-compatible software or hardware is required.

Native plans to make its Stem Creator Tool available as a free download later this summer. In the meantime, they’ve introduced a new site, Stems Music, as a repository for information on the new format.

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via synthtopia

 

Last edited: Jul 26, 2015

I don't know how to take this...
It will help to make remixes. But on the other side, it will remove even more control and property from music creators
Along with ghost producers, track stealers and more industry bullsh*t.

You will make music, delivers stems...and someone will not even have to reproduce it to steal it : just use your own stems without any credit because, of course, to be hype, you NEED to make a stems delivery

To me, it is another scam to rape independant musicians
At the same time, ppl making big money are still signing big contracts just for a simple collab or remix.

Once again, my fav track on the subject

 

Like music industry was not boring enough...

 

this isn't such a novel idea is it?
sounds a bit like a coarse version of when you could get 8 track tapes in the early 70s..

 

ps why have i still got this warn status thingy over there <<<<

 

I'm not sure how one attains a warn status. As you can see, I have one too. But back to the original post, this is interesting. I'm interested to see if it will be a hit or if it will flop.

 

well its just another tool people can choose to make content for or decide they'd rather not be mashed up, if you sign away control of how your music is distributed, it may be heading to the stems maschine but.... Can't see it grabbing the attention of mass consumers myself, they released multitrack interactives years ago and it didn't make it into most living rooms. And would I pay xtra money to have a option to mix a track myself..I'm bored already, think I'll leave it to the people who now have extra time on their hands, now they don't need to play with midi files.

 

What about creative rights.........?

 

it is where the problem reside : creative commons, copyright,copyleft... ?

 

I sent an email to N-I/stems telling them to document the possibility of 8 mono (or other combinations) of stems

via http://www.stems-music.com/stems-contact/index.html

 

The target group is "DJ" and to put it in a context of "production" is to be understood as "ego fondling"?
TRAKTOR product range (in comb. with Kontakt) is bringing in the money, after all. Well, I´m not an accountant ...
NI is proclaiming themselves as the "Future of ...", if you take a look on the latest Traktor Controllers S8 & D2 you`ll find four fader (Remix Decks).
The display is supposed to look like this:

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It will make dubbing possible(?), transitions can be shaped even more "creative" and timing will be always adjusted.
That`s what certain DJ-blogs are reporting with excitement ... lol.
Compared to the Remix-Decks you don`t need to have the arrangement on the radar, using an EQ and keep the timing intact while playing live.
STEMS with it`s four channels makes remixing available for the average wasted DJ, that can`t be bothered with production skills, if you want so ...
I also read about the "new opportunity" to get more money for STEMS (Juno or Beatport, as well as Labels like 50 Weapons or Get Physical)...
Creative rights is not part of the business-plan ... that would truly change the future of sound, a NI controller for copyright/patent law ...

Thank you for the song Pipotron3000, got some b... for you.