This template is optimized for exporting stems for mastering. Live has this function where it can export all the selected tracks individually. The strategy is to keep all the tracks grouped, and also group all the return tracks into two groups (one for instruments, one for vocals) and makes it trivial to export the project. This also makes it easier to stay organized.
The role of the stem groups is mainly to group tracks. Ideally they should not have processing at all. Sidechain/ducking is OK. But for anything else, think thrice before slapping on processing - maybe it can be done at track level.
One of the issues that can become apparent during mastering are the time-based effects like delay and especially reverbs creeping out too loud, so having them on separate stems it’s a must.
Another issue in Live is that it will often cut the very first transient when exporting from Bar 1. To avoid this, start the project at bar 5 and when exporting, select a bit of extra space before the actual beat. To make it easier, the first track in the template is a guide MIDI region. The start is already set, and the end should include the end tail as well. Before exporting, simply click this region, and CTRL-L to loop it. You’ll instantly have the safety pre-roll and the end tail included in the export, so you won’t have to worry about setting it every time.
The stems are organized as following:
1 → Kick
2→ Clap or snare - only if they are prominent, otherwise they can go with the Drums VA stem
3 → Hi-Hats and other main high percussion like shakers, tambourines, rides
4 → Drums VA stem - the rest of the drums, percussion, including crashes and fills
5 → Bass
6 → Lead instrument or lead stack
7 → Instruments VA stem - the rest of the melodic elements
8 → Effects stem - transitions, textures, background elements
9 → Instrumental return effects - reverbs, delays, throws
10 → Lead vocal
11 → Background vocals
12 → Vocal return effects - reverbs, delays, throws
If needed, for live show purposes, these stems can be quickly summed into 4-5 stems (Drums, Bass, Instruments, Vocals, Transitions). So even if you’re not stem mastering, it still worth doing things in a more organized fashion.
The pre-roll and track length guide
Exporting the stems
Select all groups, select Rendered Track Selected Tracks Only and hit Export
All other rendering options are off - export in 32-bit to avoid any potential clipping issues
File list after export
All return and groups have their sends disabled to avoid loops and extra project latency
The two summing groups for returns are clearly labeled