What stem options and output formats does Ezstems support?

Updated

Ezstems lets you choose 2, 4, or 5 stems, and export them as MP3 at 128, 192, 256, or 320 kbps or as WAV, with a 11 kHz or 16 kHz cutoff option. These choices appear on the upload screen before you process a song, so you pick the split and format up front rather than after processing.

Stem options: 2, 4, or 5 stems

Ezstems runs your file through the Spleeter AI model, which separates a mixed track into individual parts. The number of stems you select determines how finely the song is split:

Option What it typically separates Best for
2 stems Vocals and instrumental (accompaniment) Karaoke tracks, quick vocal removal, acapella extraction
4 stems Vocals, drums, bass, other Remixing, practicing one instrument, sampling
5 stems Vocals, drums, bass, piano, other Detailed production work where piano needs its own track

More stems means more individual files to manage, but also more control. If you only need a backing track, 2 stems is the fastest route. If you're rebuilding a mix or isolating a specific instrument, 4 or 5 stems gives you the separation you need.

Output formats: MP3 or WAV

You can export your stems in two format families:

  • MP3 — available at 128, 192, 256, and 320 kbps. Higher bitrates preserve more detail; 320 kbps is the closest to the source among the MP3 options. MP3 files are smaller and easier to share or drop into a DAW casually.
  • WAV — uncompressed audio. Choose this when you plan to edit, process, or re-mix the stems further, since it avoids the compression artifacts MP3 introduces.

Cutoff frequency: 11 kHz or 16 kHz

Alongside the format, Ezstems offers a cutoff frequency setting of 11 kHz or 16 kHz. This caps the high-frequency content of the output. A lower cutoff (11 kHz) produces smaller files and removes more high-end detail; 16 kHz retains more of the upper range. This is a file-size and fidelity trade-off rather than a stem-count choice.

How to pick your combination

  1. Decide how many parts you need separated — 2 for vocals/instrumental, 4 or 5 for fuller breakdowns.
  2. Choose MP3 if you want smaller, shareable files; choose WAV if you'll keep editing.
  3. If using MP3, pick a bitrate — 320 kbps for the best quality among MP3 options, lower for smaller files.
  4. Set the cutoff frequency (11 kHz for smaller files, 16 kHz for more high-end).
  5. Upload your audio file and process. Your stems download automatically when processing completes.

Things to keep in mind

  • The free tier has limits: a 20 uploads per day cap and a 20 MB file size cap. Subscribing removes these and adds direct API access, per the site's membership page.
  • Don't close your browser while processing — the page warns that you may be placed in a queue, and closing it can interrupt the job.
  • Stem quality depends on the source mix. Dense or heavily processed songs may separate less cleanly than simple arrangements.

If you're unsure, start with 4 stems as WAV — it covers most remixing and practice needs without committing to the finest split.