Before you start
A stem is one isolated part of a mix: the vocals, the drums, the bass, or everything else. Splitting is done by a neural network that has been trained on many songs to estimate each part. The result is an approximation, but a good one for most pop, rock, hip-hop and electronic tracks.
- Use the best file you have. WAV or high-bitrate MP3 gives cleaner stems than a low-quality copy.
- Check the length. The free limit is 10 minutes per file.
- Decide how many stems you need. Karaoke and acapellas need 2; remixing and practice usually need 4.
- Confirm you have the right to use the audio. The tool asks you to tick a box saying so.
The steps in detail
1. Pick the mode. The two buttons above the upload box set how many files you get. The 2-stem mode returns vocals and music. The 4-stem mode returns vocals, drums, bass and other, where other holds guitars, keys, strings and everything that is not one of the first three.
2. Add your song. Press the box that says Drop a song to split it, or drag a file over it. On a phone the same box opens your file picker. The hint under it lists the formats: MP3, WAV, M4A, FLAC, OGG or MP4.
3. Confirm the rights checkbox. Nothing starts until you tick it.
4. Wait. The box shows Uploading with a percentage, then Separating stems with a timer. A typical 3-minute song takes about 20 to 60 seconds. Keep the tab open.
5. Listen and download. Each stem gets its own player and a Download button. Files are MP3. A line under the tool shows how many of your 3 free files are left today.
Other ways to split stems
A browser tool is not the only route, and each has real trade-offs.
| Method | Cost | Good for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Browser tool (TuneSplit) | Free for 3 files a day | A quick split with no install | Limit of 10 minutes per free file; MP3 output |
| Ultimate Vocal Remover | Free, open source | Many files, no daily cap, offline | Install and model downloads; a capable GPU is recommended |
| MVSEP | Free tier with 50 daily separations, MP3 only | Trying different models | 10 minute and 100 MB limits on free |
| DAW built-in splitters | Included in some DAWs; check your version | Staying inside your project | Availability depends on the DAW and version; not verified here |
| Audacity tricks | Free | Rough vocal reduction by phase cancellation | Works only on some stereo mixes and removes more than vocals |
Phase cancellation, the old Audacity trick, subtracts the center channel. It can reduce a lead vocal on some older recordings, but it also removes anything else mixed to the center, such as kick and bass, and it does nothing on mono files. A neural splitter is more reliable on modern tracks.
What to do with the stems
- Make a karaoke track: use the music stem, or mute the vocals stem in your editor.
- Make an acapella: use the vocals stem, then clean it with a gate or a light EQ.
- Practice an instrument: mute the drums, bass or other stem and play along.
- Remix or mash up: line the stems up in a DAW and change tempo or key to match.
- Sample responsibly: only release work built on audio you have cleared.
If a stem needs a different tempo or pitch to fit your project, the pitch changer and tempo changer on this site do that in the browser.
Troubleshooting
- The file is rejected: check it is under 10 minutes and one of the supported formats. Export a WAV or MP3 from your editor if the original is unusual.
- It says the free files are used up: the counter resets each UTC day, or you can use credits for extra files at 30 credits per started 5 minutes.
- A stem still has a ghost of another part: that is normal on dense mixes. Try the 4-stem mode, or start from a higher quality file.
- The upload stalls: check your connection and keep the tab in the foreground, then try again.
- The result sounds thin: MP3 stems are compressed. For the final mix, use a lossless source and a tool or plan that outputs WAV.
Frequently asked questions
How do I split a song into stems for free?
Open the TuneSplit stem splitter, choose 2 or 4 stems, upload a file up to 10 minutes, tick the rights box and download the MP3 stems when they finish. No account is needed.
Can I split stems on my phone?
Yes. The tool runs in a mobile browser: tap the upload box, choose a file from your phone and download the stems when done. Keep the tab open while it processes.
How long does splitting take?
Usually 20 to 60 seconds for a 3-minute song. Longer files and busy server times take more.
What is the difference between 2 stems and 4 stems?
2 stems gives vocals and music. 4 stems gives vocals, drums, bass and other, where other is everything else, including guitars and keys.
Are my uploads private?
TuneSplit deletes uploads and results within 24 hours and does not use them for training. Files go to private storage over an encrypted connection and are only used to make your stems.
Why do my stems have some bleed?
Stems are estimates made by a neural network, so leftovers can appear when sounds overlap in the same frequencies. Using a better source file and the right mode usually helps.