StemDeck · alpha · worked example
How to align stems before building a remix
Stems with different starting offsets can make a mix sound loose even when each file is clean. Confirm shared start time, length and tempo before arranging a remix.
Updated October 10, 2026 · by thecreatingco
A small example to work through
Use the existing original reference stems linked from our separation guide. They share a 16-second start and duration. They are independently synthesised source parts, not a successful Split separation.
| Item | Example | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Drums | Start 0 / duration 16 s | Use as timing reference |
| Bass | Start 0 / duration 16 s | Listen with drums |
| Instruments | Start 0 / duration 16 s | Check first note alignment |
| At 120 BPM | Four beats = 2 s | Eight bars fit 16 s |
Download the editable text worksheet · Download the CSV worksheet
Use the blank observation and decision fields to record your own result. These downloads are planning worksheets; they do not load an app project or demonstrate a completed export.
Try it and inspect the result
- Import the reference parts into StemDeck and keep them at their original starting offset. Balance levels conservatively before adding effects.
- Listen to drums and bass together, then add instruments. Compare the early attacks and the end boundary to reveal offset mistakes.
- Set a short loop across a bar boundary and review several repetitions. Use available capture controls only after a small output test succeeds.
When the result differs
- Bass feels late
- Check the file start offset before changing tempo or adding quantisation.
- Loop clicks
- Inspect the boundary and gain changes; a musical bar can still have a discontinuous waveform.
- Mix sounds louder but not clearer
- Reduce level and compare at similar loudness before judging balance.
What this example establishes
The eight-bar calculation describes our fixtures. It does not qualify every StemDeck edition, capture mode or cross-app transfer. Keep source audio and inspect any actual captured result independently.
This page supplies a worked example and a review method. It does not report a newly completed end-to-end app test. For current availability and edition details, read the StemDeck overview.