Split a song into its parts (stems)
Separate vocals, drums, bass and other instruments so you can listen to or use each one alone.
You will need
- A song file you own or have permission to use
- A free Spatial9 account
Steps
Step 1 of 6: Know what stems are
What to do: Read this step. No action needed.
What you should see: Nothing changes on screen.
Why this matters: A "stem" is one part of a song, such as vocals, drums or bass. Splitting a song into stems lets you place, change or study each part.
Need help? The glossary explains every word used in these guides.
Step 2 of 6: Start a new project
What to do: Sign in, open New project and choose "Stereo Tracks".
What you should see: The "Select Files" button is ready.
Why this matters: Splitting happens automatically when you upload a full song.
Need help? If you see "Project Limit Reached", your plan has used its projects for this month.
Step 3 of 6: Upload your song
What to do: Press "Select Files" and choose your song.
What you should see: The file name appears, followed by a progress screen.
Why this matters: Spatial9 listens to the whole song to find each instrument.
Need help? Larger files take longer to upload. A WAV file is bigger than an MP3.
Step 4 of 6: Wait for the separation
What to do: Wait while the progress screen moves forward.
What you should see: Messages such as "Finalizing your separated stems...".
Why this matters: Separating instruments is careful work, so it takes a few minutes.
Need help? Keep the tab open. You can read the glossary in another tab while you wait.
Step 5 of 6: Listen to one part at a time
What to do: In the player, use the solo or mute control next to a part to hear it alone.
What you should see: Only that part plays, or that part goes quiet.
Why this matters: Hearing one part alone helps you learn how a song is built.
Need help? Remember to un-mute parts afterwards, or the full mix will sound incomplete.
Step 6 of 6: Use your own stems next time
What to do: If you already have separate stem files, choose "Audio Stems" in New project instead.
What you should see: You can upload several files at once.
Why this matters: Your own stems are usually cleaner than separated ones, so the immersive mix can sound even better.
Need help? Name your files clearly, for example "vocals.wav" and "drums.wav", so they are easy to recognise.
You can hear each part of the song on its own.