Native Instruments's Stems: New Luciano, MK, Craaze-Supported Audio-File Format Allows DJs to Remix on the Fly

DJ equipment and software manufacturer Native Instruments has announced one of its most ambitious projects yet: Stems. The new audio file format is designed for DJs and live performers because it can split up a song into four different tracks: the bass, drums, melody and vocals. These "stems" give the performer more flexibility when playing live as they have many more options when playing music with the combinations available to given to them. It allows them to remix on the fly. Officially announced March 27 during the Winter Music Conference, the new audio-format has already seen support from the likes of Luciano, DJ Craaze, and MK; retailers Beatport, Juno and Traxsource; and labels Cr2 Records, Noir Music, Toolroom and others.

An Italian house DJ supported the product in a statement: "The Stems are the most innovative idea for DJ-ing because they push creativity to the next level and they push DJs and producers into a new era for dance music. We are finally to the point where it's not about playing A with B anymore, but we can take the essence of A and adding C, D and B and splitting this upside down with an absolute freedom of composition. It's time for a creative era."

The product is DJ-centered not just because it splits a track into four different parts, but also because it will be a much larger file than your traditional MP3 format. Stems uses the MP4 format to store the four individual tracks. The new format will provide labels and artists with an extra source of revenue since they will cost more -- another inhibitor for the average consumer beyond the larger file size.

Producers, DJs and labels will be able to create the individual stems using the free, standalone application titled Stem Creator Tool.

Stems will first be available on Native Instruments's TRAKTOR software this summer, according to a press release.

Find out more about the product on the Stems FAQ.