Stem Acceptance Sheet
Check stem origin, alignment, tails, leakage and editability against a saved reference mix.
Identify the type of stem
Original project tracks, grouped exports and files separated from a finished mix offer different editing possibilities. A file named “vocal” is not automatically an original dry recording. Keep an export description: how it was produced, which effects remain and whether bus processing is included.
| Check | Record or action | Acceptance method |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Original track, grouped export or separation | Confirm the process |
| Alignment | Common origin, leading silence and tails | Import together and play |
| Contents | Actual audible material per file | Solo, then combine; note leakage |
| Level | Original relative gains | Avoid normalizing each file separately |
| Artefacts | Metallic texture, pumping, residual vocals | Record time ranges and impact |
| Sum | Compare against the saved reference mix | Log differences without assuming an exact null |
Fictional example: vocals in a drum stem
An actionable note is “intelligible vocal residue at 00:10–00:14; unsuitable for the requested instrumental version.” Its impact may differ when the drum stem is only layered quietly into the original mix. Acceptance follows the intended use.
Tracks feeding nonlinear mix-bus processing may not sum to the processed reference when exported separately. Separation also does not recover the original project. Document editable scope and known defects. If an essential part is missing, request another export or change the production route rather than simply increasing level.