Stem (Lingo)

Definition

A Stem is a separate, sub-mixed audio file that contains a specific category of sound, isolated from the rest of the mix. The three primary stems are Dialogue (D), Music (M), and Effects (E). Delivering the final mix as separate stems (rather than a single, combined file) is crucial for international distribution and future re-versioning. For example, a foreign distributor will use the Music and Effects (M&E) stems and replace the Dialogue stem with a dubbed version in their local language.