DJs 👉 DO NOT IGNORE STEMS! [3 Reasons They're A Game-Changer]

Yeah, stems can sound s**** and half the DJs you see using them are making a right racket, but hold up! This is actually the biggest tech to hit DJing since keymixing. I explain why today...
⚡ TIMESTAMPS ⚡
0:00 Intro
2:50 What exactly are "stems"?
3:35 Why DJs NEED to use stems
4:12 Stems sound quality
5:08 How to get every acapella in the world
5:48 Ultimate Vocal Remover
8:58 Use it to extract song parts
7:21 RipX DAW
9:08 Instant creative experimentation
11:56 How to beatgrid "beat-less" music
13:14 The two benefits of Real-Time Stems DJing
22:08 The big picture - how to stay ahead
24:24 How To Mix With Acapellas (& Stems) - course sneak peek!
42:50 What this means for the art of DJing
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#Stems #Acapellas #DJTips #DJing #Tech #Gear #Gigs #DJs #MusicIndustry #DJSchool #DigitalDJTips

[@d.n.3086]

VDJ has awesome sounding stems.

[@digitaldjtips]

It does indeed

[@gaddaitherage8204]

This tech is so awesome. Throwing a recognizable vocal makes it so much more relatable to the crowd, and create so much opportunities to surprise them. ❤❤❤

[@digitaldjtips]

It's the classic use of acapellas, to keep a crowd onside.

[@HVYCHKNRADIO]

Definitely a game changer. I agree, and appreciate all the advise. I have been on the fence due to the sound quality not quite being 100٪ in the djproai software. Something seemed to have changed in the overall quality of the mixing of the tracks lately when applying the seperation. I'm not opposed to using them at all and want to move forward but it seems like it could have been a software update or a setting because it worked a lot better even 2 months ago. Possibly upon activation of Neural mix, the quality of sound for the rest of the mix suffered. It may sound strange but that is my experience and wanted to share. Looking forward to experimenting with some of the other software you mentioned. Also wanted to add that I really enjoy hearing about your past Djing experiences and that is what really makes your page so genuine. Those moments in time are truly gems. Shine on!

[@angelalba8496]

Macbook pro with the new M chip is required. What do you suggest m1, m2 or m3 chip macbook? Thank you. I need to upgrade in order to use STEMS.

[@digitaldjtips]

djay Pro 5 is coming, you can be sure stems will be one of the things they've improved.

[@digitaldjtips]

Any M will do, but the more powerful the better for stems

[@HVYCHKNRADIO]

I been using the I Pad pro with the M2 processor and I love it because of the touch screen.

[@somedumbguy7038]

I have been watching these videos for about a month now after getting my first controller ( NuMark Mixstream +) The content on this channel has been a HUGE help in giving me creative perspective on how to approach DJing!! Its inspired me so much that only after a month I have decide to post my practice sessions of live mixes to sort of document the process and progression of someone starting from Day 1 to hopefully one day, someone who can call themselves a "Professional DJ" Your videos are a huge source of inspiration to beginner DJs like me and content like this is the glue that keeps communities like this together! Keep making top tier content! We really appreciate all you and your WHOLE team do for us!!

[@digitaldjtips]

So thrilled to hear about your journey and the fact that you are documenting it in public -a smart move. Check out the little books by Austin Kleon, specifically one called "Show your Work".

[@somedumbguy7038]

@@digitaldjtips I drive truck for a living and just listened to Show Your Work on audible during a delivery and I have to say I feel a bit less lost on how to approach this whole process!! This was exactly what I needed to hear in the early steps of my journey!! Thank you so much for the suggestion!!

[@massimomarazzo9180]

Hi Phil, at the moment the best way for extract stems is activating “recording” into Virtual DJ and play in real time the part you need, it will record the selected stems into your hard drive. The quality of VDJ is still much better than any website you’ve mentioned. Ciao and thanks for your videos ;)

[@digitaldjtips]

It is not better than Ultimate Vocal Remover, which is the best way to extract stems at the moment.

[@digitaldjtips]

⚡ TIMESTAMPS ⚡ 0:00 Intro 2:50 What exactly are "stems"? 3:35 Why DJs NEED to use stems 4:12 Stems sound quality 5:08 How to get every acapella in the world 5:48 Ultimate Vocal Remover 8:58 Use it to extract song parts 7:21 RipX DAW 9:08 Instant creative experimentation 11:56 How to beatgrid "beat-less" music 13:14 The two benefits of Real-Time Stems DJing 22:08 The big picture - how to stay ahead 24:24 How To Mix With Acapellas (& Stems) - course sneak peek! 42:50 What this means for the art of DJing

[@hot4futureyears2come]

It is a really cool addition to your job. Guys please remember the stems in serato will sound great if the file is high quality. A WAVE file will sound good but if you happen to be a DJ who rips KZbin stuff that acapella won’t be that great. Be creative and the crowd will be happy. Remember anyone can play music now. Let’s be more creative. Thanks Phil.

[@digitaldjtips]

Good call re file quality 👍

[@RussFryman]

Great content. I've been looking for someone to talk about how to use stems - exactly like you said in terms of 1 - every controller can use them 2 - The latter methods you mentioned referencing the quality of the stems, on-line versus off-line use, and 3 - ways to make "regular" mixing go smoother. As a TRAKTOR fan-boi, I'm sad that they aren't the leader in what they bet their company on a few years ago. With the proliferation of programs to make your own stem versions, they could probably make a run of it today buy updating the legacy code and workflows. I hope they're thinking about that. Even the return of off-line stems would help those of us who would rather use TRAKTOR. I've been using Stems on VDJ for the last few months, and started by using instrumental stems on outros to make better/smoother transitions. There are a lot of bangers that keep talking too long. This can fix that. I'm already on your mailing list, this might be the course I've been waiting for. Thanks.

[@digitaldjtips]

Luckily, Traktor has said stems are coming for its software (as in, "modern" stems), but they move sooooo slowly that who knows when that will be...

[@anderss1293]

LOVE stems! I use Virtual DJ and i put the vocals on the "filter knob" so i can make instrumentals/acapellas LIVE! So much fun, and i can mix when i want.

[@digitaldjtips]

That's awesome!

[@DrD4n]

Hey Anderss. That sounds awesome. Could you explain how you did that? Is it knob all to the left Acapella, all the right instrumental and in the middle both playing? Thanks!

[@anderss1293]

@@DrD4n Yes, just like that. I choose "vocal" on the filter pot. This in combination with the "hi, mid, low" filters gives me the possibilities i need.

[@knucklehead1203]

Great lesson! I've learned much from you over the years. Native Instruments created the first DJ software that support the Stems format. Both the software and the hardware (I.e., S8 and S4) take full advantage of the multi-channel format. Thus, I believe it is worth clarifying Traktor not having stem separation and Traktor's current support of multi-channel format (I.e., Stems). Thanks.

[@digitaldjtips]

Yes, true - we're talking about real-time stems here, but I could have clarified that.

[@knucklehead1203]

@@digitaldjtips Thanks for your reply!

[@deejaymista]

I have been using Stems in very creative ways to create unique routines that before were not easy to do. One unique way I use stems is to play vocals of slow-tempo bangers with the drums and bass of higher-tempo songs. The creativity I have unlocked with Stems is endless , my sets are now more interesting and unique. I can now play any song at any moment of the night using stems. Thank you for the plug of UVR, Let me get to practicing using UVR. Thanks Phil.

[@digitaldjtips]

Yes, half/double speed acapella beatmixes are indeed great fun!

[@ojtrainor1461]

As a beginner dj I have loved using stems and it makes the tracks fun and interesting, in private events I've done people have loved them, also for beat matching an Acapella I just match the snares and the vocals are on beat. Boom stems are the future and if you already have good fundamentals it just unlocks more potential to remix on the spot, how cool is that

[@digitaldjtips]

Couldn't agree more!

[@rgulamhussein]

Great tips Phil.

[@digitaldjtips]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@MrJFunk]

Just bought a new M2 MacBook Pro for this exact reason....stems! That DDJ FLX10 looks really nice with lighting. Christmas will be early for me this year!

[@digitaldjtips]

Good choice!

[@DanielleKingdjdinosaur]

i do not always see eye to eye with you but on stems i totally agree.The easier it became the more i got into it because at first it was Traktor and it was more limited and you had to find stemming software for the whole thing to work and record companies would not do stemmed tracks so it had to wait until the tech caught up with the idea.When i first saw VDJ do it i was stunned and then Serato finally released their version and i was hooked.Even better when it was added to Serato Studio..I had a massive burst of creativity doing mashups and more intricate megamixes and even a few productions of my own.Its an idea whose time has come.

[@digitaldjtips]

So glad to hear it has triggered your creativity!

[@ronron33100]

Hi Phil, great show as always. If money we're no consideration, what's your opinion on Isotope as an option for stems?

[@digitaldjtips]

Still prefer Ultimate Vocal Remover, although Izotope is great software for many reasons.

[@fexcab]

Been playing with stems a bit with Serato on DVS and its been super cool

[@digitaldjtips]

Lots of fun on DVS, like having acapella vinyl!

[@ps5djtrilzilla93]

I love it, some sound bad; but there workable and it really personalizes the mix.

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks for sharing!

[@bendybenbenderson]

I'm just getting into 3 deck mixing, using the 3rd deck to add additional harmonics. Scouring tracks to use takes hours but think stems will be great for stripping down existing tracks to use the vocals/mid range sounds that I already love & want to use, rather than spending hours/days looking for alternatives that don't sound half as good. So I want a budget controller that'll help me use this alongside a regular dj setup

[@digitaldjtips]

Any pad or button controller can be mapped to operate your stems. Not sure if the Reloop Neon is still out there but that'd be a good start.

[@thomasamos4055]

Stems is going to be awesome in 10 years. It also lends itself better to certain genres than others. (I enjoyed playing with some vocal house). Great technology for samples, if you don't care about watery vocals.

[@digitaldjtips]

Yes - you hit the nail on the head. It is "early adopter" territory right now.

[@Kulfaangaren]

#Question When Native Instrument started experimenting with Stems, before this AI/ML craze, Stems were professionally separated audio samples split into four (or possibly 4+1) separate tracks. One track for the whole song and separate tracks for the different parts. The container format was MP4 Audio I believe. Does today's Stems have any file format or is it just a wild wild west market ? Does any software beside Traktor (does even Traktor) support the old Stems format ?

[@digitaldjtips]

As the DJ software is doing this "in real time", you are not meant to see the behind-the-scenes stuff, and any processing etc that is done is proprietary to that piece of software. As far as tools like Ultimate Vocal Remover go, they just spit out separate music files for each stem.

[@stuartmillsom3509]

Stems are like the kill switches in the 90's but a lot better. Beat matching with kill switches was great.

[@digitaldjtips]

Indeed!

[@djNineshoxxx]

I am certainly pro stems, as a Denon user I hope they come to the sc live 4 and sc6000's, Denon/Engine should already be aware their stems (albeit in Beta) are not in par with VDJ and Serato and hopefully will be improved for full release.

[@digitaldjtips]

Hopefully, although they have the added issue of trying to get it to run standalone without the power of modern laptops - good luck to them!

[@djNineshoxxx]

@@digitaldjtipsI would imagine they have thought how to work around this by finding a more efficient solution Denon/Engine stems could become the best if they can get it right as they know what Serato and VDJ can do.

[@derzw3rg]

As a traktor user I use stems since almost 9 years. since pre-split stems aren't that availibe anymore I mainly use demucs via the stemgen tool

[@digitaldjtips]

If you're prepared to do that, the Traktor implementation is really good.

[@derzw3rg]

@@digitaldjtips I would say, especially with the s8, it's the best stems implementation overall but it has sadly no real time separation

[@DJ_Treu]

Stems are insane for remixes / Mashups too for "bootleg remixing" I did a bootleg mashup of Ultrasun - Set yourself on Fire and By Design - WRLD with the vocals from Ultrasun and it actually sounds insane - Called it "When goth goes to a rave bootleg" LOL

[@digitaldjtips]

Great, thanks for sharing - sounds awesome.

[@DJ_Treu]

@@digitaldjtips thanks for taking the time to reply to stuff! even just little things like this

[@multiversedm]

You know what is better? Record and Remaster Stems to Produce an entirely new song concept.

[@multiversedm]

The number one problem with stems is frequency masking. Every Stem is overblown at 500hz, 3.3k, and 6.6k thru 7k. When you remaster recorded stems you can remove the frequency errors, great results will come.

[@allentastic]

How do you do that? Like what software?

[@eespecialeventsdj]

What's with all the shade on Traktor? They've had robust stem control for almost a decade! Also, it has been integrated into their standard software for a long time as well. If you are to use uvr, then the quality is already going to sound as good as it possibly can. Are DJs really that unable to prep for a gig?

[@digitaldjtips]

This is about real-time stems, not using an (unfortunately) non-adopted format. Traktor knows that - its real-time stems is coming.

[@DanielleKingdjdinosaur]

the sound qulity was pretty poor at first and it still is better on some tracks and not others but its getting better all the time and this tech is moving fast

[@digitaldjtips]

It is indeed Danielle!

[@thomasamos4055]

The middle button under the right three stems pads on Serato DJP will cut all three to leave the acapella.

[@digitaldjtips]

Yes, with a bit of an effect too, as a bonus!

[@thomasamos4055]

@@digitaldjtips the separation to make Now and Then is pretty impressive kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4GtcoSliKiqq6Msi=KmVMvLxgAJZ9HQSF , but I think they used proprietary AI developed by Peter Jackson ?

[@1cheekybeelzebub]

I've downloaded the UVR installer from the 'Main Download link' for Windows and it's still showing as 'Unconfirmed 150504.crdownload' and not as the 'UVR_v5.6.0_setup.exe' that it should be? Any ideas?

[@digitaldjtips]

Looks like it's not fully downloaded

[@1cheekybeelzebub]

@@digitaldjtips That's what I thought at first too but it turns out Microsoft Edge was blocking it saying - 'The publisher of this program couldn't be verified'. I've managed to download and install it now. I had to download it by right-clicking on the download hyperlink and choosing to 'Open link in new Internet Explorer mode tab'

[@shifty501]

could you make a video or videos on the video extension for rekordbox

[@digitaldjtips]

We cover it in our Rekordbox Made Easy course

[@shifty501]

sweet

[@colinbeauche]

Stems on Djay for iOS sounds okay as well

[@digitaldjtips]

Yeah they sound OK.

[@djstylez7392]

Morning Phil

[@digitaldjtips]

Morning!

[@AlexMoschopoulos]

As far as I'm concerned, just because Stem technology right now isn't ideal, it doesn't mean they won't be ideal ever. I'm already seeing potential sites showing the technology to easily separate and use AI to fill in gaps beautifully. Right now, the big hope of doing it "on the fly" isn't there. Don't fret though. I recall in 2003 or 2004 playing with Final Scratch 1, and it was great, but I felt it wasn't yet ideal for gigging. Just took time. Have faith.

[@digitaldjtips]

Even if all you ever do is rip great quality acapellas ahead of time using this tech, you're already winning!

[@TheHouseOfHouseYT]

Very excited for stems, but it's only in it's infant state. Hoping Rekordbox will soon update stems with a proper algorithm

[@digitaldjtips]

We hope so too, sure they will!

[@stevebennett7071]

Are there any copyright issues with using acapella's with other songs?

[@digitaldjtips]

None more than usual

[@DanielleKingdjdinosaur]

i had Rip X but it buggy as hell so once stems came to Serato Studio i dropped it.When Rip X worked it was great but it was very diificult also it kept getting my licence info wrong.Shame because it had great potential but i might look at it again to buy once i have an up to date m3 Macbook pro

[@digitaldjtips]

Look at Ultimate Vocal Remover, too.

[@rdenir]

Just another thing, Is it possible for you to have non copyrighted music so that you won’t be at risk of being shut down?

[@digitaldjtips]

Yes but the thing with Stems is that people only really "get it" when they know the music, hence we didn't set up an example here. But yeah, would be possible.

[@rdenir]

I have been using stems via Neural mix on Algodriddim for over 3 years now,, They do sound pretty good but admit that the VDJ and Serato versions sound better,,Hopefully Algoriddim improve their Neural mix version in the upcoming update. I don’t use the Accapella function as much as I do with instant instrumentals and removing the melodies and vocals during my mixes., Definitely no turning back for me and I’m so used to it, that it would feel weird if I didn’t use it..

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks for sharing! I am sure Algoriddim will indeed improve their stems - as you say, they have fallen behind now, sound-quality wise.

[@stevebennett7071]

Will stems work with Serato DJ Pro on the XDJ RX3?

[@digitaldjtips]

I think so, yes

[@stevebennett7071]

@@digitaldjtips Only in the software using a laptop or on the hardware?

[@linearjunk]

My take: not going to use stems since they’re not available in professional club DJ hardware like CDJs. This obviously only applies to real time stems. I already use drum tracks and acapellas created/prepared ahead of time or my own remixes/mashups :)

[@digitaldjtips]

And of course, one day they likely will be!

[@conradrichards3363]

Hours of fun

[@digitaldjtips]

We agree!

[@HeartCuteluvblox_media_tools]

Use stems sounds technology 🎉 all dj software good cool dj users 🎉 0:33

[@RenatoHarripaul1217]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@DonDalton]

I use nuostems with traktor

[@TheVermette91]

Is ist free?

[@DonDalton]

@@TheVermette91 no

[@sheakone]

My reggae sessions are extra dubby with stems!

[@digitaldjtips]

Good to hear that!

[@martialautist2654]

My favourite time I used stems was when I swapped the verses with straight outta Compton and f**k the police, the "die hard" nwa fans in the crowd were losing their minds cos they thought they were commited 😅

[@digitaldjtips]

Nice work!

[@martialautist2654]

@digitaldjtips haha, cheers. The way I see modern djing, it's synthesizers but with songs instead of keys, let's just see how far we can take altering a song and making it bigger, sod pressing play after each song 😅 we ain't just playlists ☺️

[@andrescadabid3022]

Funny how VTDJ started with these stems plug in and now every one follows

[@digitaldjtips]

...and djay Pro AI (same day)

[@T41Music]

[@multiversedm]

umm I also use stems to remove your DJ tag lol...

[@digitaldjtips]

Ha ha nice

[@tinosterling2392]

I have to because its messing up macbook laptops..... Windows works beautiful without any fault but on a Mac its fully sh..t

[@digitaldjtips]

It's more a processing power thing than a windows/mac thing

[@xDjxBlack-lq6sl]

The stem is for the new DJs it really for a studio and you're supposed to be DJ Mexican song together is messing up the DJ for being real DJ don't let them take your phone away for you thanks for yourself right now everybody sound the same it's going to play out

[@renechang2406]

If you can master stems mixing= honing a unique creative journey=sets u apart.🤷

[@digitaldjtips]

Yes, we agree!

[@TheVermette91]

Oh Noooo Not for Traktor!!

[@digitaldjtips]

Not yet!

[@michaelwilliams9700]

Wow........ I've lost touch for sure.....

[@digitaldjtips]

It's easy to get back in touch, just have a play!

[@osbert]

nahhh

[@digitaldjtips]

jog on then, all good

[@ludovikmarlak4109]

Not for me to bye bye!

[@krazy2094]

Bye bye gramps 👴

[@chrisdorsch9754]

DJs will over use this technology and nothing will be remembereble and stand out in the evening. I am not impressed with the one hour set that feels like an exercise of bros kissing each other in the bum. I miss the days when Sasha would play 8 hours, with no effects, just records and storytelling. This modern DJing bores me .

[@digitaldjtips]

Fair enough, as always it is not the tools, it's what you do with them (and remember Sasha invented "Maven", a monolitic DJing machine that used Ableton, Sasha is not averse to new tech).

[@SeditiousLucidius]

Want to watch the content but the war propaganda in the background is too distracting; seems an odd choice which will alienate a portion of your audience. Peace doesn't pick a side. Peace and love to Ukrainians and Russians and everyone else.

[@digitaldjtips]

Your call, we're comfortable with that.