What should I check before mixing AI stems?

Before mixing AI stems, check whether they are usable sources or separated guesses. Listen for bleed, phase shifts, missing transients, unstable tails, fake stereo width and low-end holes. Then decide what to keep, what to rebuild and what to treat as texture instead of trusting the files as multitracks.

"But the tool gave me stems"

A stem label does not make a clean multitrack. Separation tools can invent edges, smear cymbals, split reverb tails and move phase. If you mix those files blindly, you build the record on sand. Verify the material before you process it.

What to check first

Solo each stem for defects, then listen to all stems together against the original export. Flip mono. Check the vocal tail, kick attack, cymbals and bass sustain. If a stem collapses in mono or loses the transient, rebuild that role or use it only as support.

Where this fits with YOUR MIX SUCKS

The method treats AI files as source material, not authority. You still decide what is musical, stable and worth building on.

FAQ

Are AI stems useless?

No. They can be useful, but only after you check what they actually contain.

Should I mix stems or the full export?

Use whichever gives you more stable musical control. Sometimes the full export is the safer anchor.

What is the biggest warning sign?

Phase instability and broken tails are major warnings because they get worse when the mix gets loud.

CTA

The complete method is in YOUR MIX SUCKS by Marc Mozart. Get the book: YOUR MIX SUCKS

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