Stem Processing
Previous section: Stem Extraction
Samples: Stem processing
Stem processing is the second step that is done when making samples for a launchpad performance
This step is optional depending on how good the stems from UVR5 or melody.ml are, but it is always recommended to clean up your stems manually, just so you get the nicest sounds
I will also be explaining another method of stem extraction here as it works in tandem with stem processing, although it is slightly older than the methods I've explained earlier. If you haven't read that section yet, do read it here!
Stem processing can take merely 10 minutes or even days to complete, depending on its complexity. Sometimes, a simple drum extraction cleanup can take more time than cleaning up 6 different song elements (true story 😔)
Stem processing can be done entirely in ableton, but there are other external softwares to make your stems and one-shots cleaner. Such softwares are RX9 and RX11 by Isotope.
One-shots are single, non-looping audio samples—like a drum hit or vocal snippet—used individually to build or accent a track. An example would be a kick drum or snare.
Here is the stem processing I've done for an upcoming project of mine (as of time of writing)! Half of these stems were extracted from UVR5, while the other half was extracted using a new model on Google Colab. to find more models to use other than the ones available in UVR5, check this link out! It is highly informative and you can find a lot more models here. Do play around with these models to see what suits your usecase best!
Most of this section is pretty self-explanatory, so we will move on to the other method of stem extraction that is also used when cleaning up the stems.
Phase inversion is used to remove a specific element in the song from the main track. This includes the kick drum, snare, or even entire vocals (using stems from UVR5 or melody.ml).
To put it simply, phase inversion inverts the audio waveform of a song or element through Ableton's utility device. Timing this element perfectly with the song will cancel out this element entirely. However, even the slightest misalignment in the songs will lead to hisses, or even that specific element playing at a louder volume. Sometimes, Ableton's compressor device is used in tandem to make these extractions slightly cleaner.
I personally consider phase inversion to be old-school as it takes a very long time to perfect, especially when other effects are applied directly in the song. But I still use it in many of my recent projects because of how straightforward it is.
Once you are happy with the stems you've made, you are ready to move onto the fun part and program those sounds onto your launchpad!
Next section: Sample Placement