Stems · 6 min read

How to use stems in Rekordbox

Stems let you mute the vocals, ride the drums or tease a bassline live — without buying the official stem release. Here's how to go from a normal track in your library to stems you can play on CDJs and XDJs.

1. Split the track

In CueStem, open your Library and pick the track you want to split. The Stem Splitter is a separate, opt-in service — only the tracks you choose are uploaded, and your Crate Prep scans stay local on your computer. Run the split and you'll get four parts: vocals, drums, bass and melody, each keeping the original length and timing.

2. Download the stems

Preview each part in the waveform player, then save the individual files or grab the ZIP. Files are named [BPM]_[Key]_[TrackName] so they sort cleanly next to the original track in your collection. Saved stems stay in your catalogue for 14 days — download them to your music folder before the countdown ends.

3. Import into Rekordbox

Drag the stem files into your Rekordbox Collection (or use File → Import). Let Rekordbox analyse them so waveforms and beatgrids are ready. A tidy approach: make a playlist per track, or a single "Stems" playlist, so the parts don't clutter your main library view.

4. Export to USB

Export the stems playlist to your USB stick from Rekordbox's export mode, exactly like any other playlist. On a CDJ or XDJ the stems appear as normal tracks — load the drums part on one deck and the vocal on another, or swap a track's bassline under a different acapella.

Tips for playing stems live

• Keep stems in the same key and BPM as the original — they already are, since each part keeps the original timing.
• Set a hot cue on the first beat of each stem so they line up instantly when loaded.
• Use the vocal-only stem for quick acapella outs, and the drums stem to extend a breakdown.
• Stems take roughly 4× the storage of one track — plan your USB space accordingly.