In this guide
Open BandLab Splitter, import a supported local track and choose the available split. Solo the vocal to hear it on its own or mute it to audition a backing; review each part for bleed and missing detail before exporting.
Comparing workflows? See how to choose stem separation software for browser and DAW options.
To use BandLab Splitter, open Splitter, import a supported local recording and choose an available stem split. Once it finishes, solo the vocal to hear a vocal estimate or mute the vocal to hear the remaining parts. Listen through a difficult passage before exporting: separated parts can retain other sounds or lose detail.
BandLab offers Splitter on web and mobile. Its current Splitter guide describes the available workflows; features and plan limits can change, so check the options shown in your account before processing.
Split a song into stems
- Start with an authorized source. Use a recording you own or have permission to process. If original session tracks are available, compare those first: a split from a completed mix is an estimate.
- Open Splitter. BandLab says mobile users can find it under Create → Tools, while web users can open it from the feed menu. Some paid plans also offer access within Studio.
- Import and choose the split. Select a supported audio or video file on your device and choose an available two-part or four-part split. BandLab's current guide also lists additional parts for eligible paid plans and a maximum media length; check the displayed options and limits for your device.
- Listen to the parts. After processing, use Solo and Mute controls to compare vocals, drums, bass and other instruments where those parts are available. A four-part split does not mean that every guitar or keyboard is individually separated.
- Export and verify. Use the export options shown in Splitter to save the parts or continue in Studio where available. Open the saved result and check its start, end, alignment and sound before using it in another project.
BandLab's help center describes splitting and working with the resulting parts. Control labels and availability can vary between web, mobile and Studio.
Keep the vocal or make a backing track
| Goal | First action | What to review |
|---|---|---|
| Hear the singer | Solo the vocal stem. | Instrument bleed, quiet syllables, backing harmonies and vocal reverb. |
| Practice with a backing | Mute the vocal and keep the instrumental parts active. | Remaining singing, lost instruments, count-in and musical cues. |
| Study the bass or drums | Solo the relevant part in a split that includes it. | Attacks and notes masked by other instruments in the original mix. |
For a fair comparison, play the same verse and busy chorus against the original at a similar perceived level. Separation can sound convincing in an isolated section but struggle where sources overlap. Keep the source and avoid treating a generated stem as the original multitrack recording.
Is BandLab Splitter free?
BandLab describes basic splitting as free and lists additional capabilities with paid plans, including more instrument parts and faster processing. Its published pages differ on some usage limits, so check the current in-app availability and Splitter page before relying on a particular number of splits or exports. Do not assume every feature is available on every platform or plan.
Exporting or isolating a recording does not grant rights to remix or redistribute it. Check the permissions for the composition, recording and intended use before sharing the result.
What if the vocal or instrument is unclear?
- Music remains under the vocal: compare a quieter passage and listen for overlapping instruments or reverb. A vocal stem is an estimate, not an original microphone recording.
- The backing sounds thin: listen for instruments that were removed along with the singer. An authorized instrumental or original tracks may be a better source.
- A specific guitar is still mixed with other sounds: check which split and plan are available. The “other” part can contain several sources.
- The exported files do not line up: keep their common starting point when importing into a timeline and compare cues at the beginning and end.
For an individual audible source rather than a fixed group, Saturalabs lets you describe what to isolate. Its acapella extractor accepts supported local MP3, WAV, MP4 and MOV files up to 50 MiB; describe the singing and review Isolated sound. Background audio is the remainder. WAV downloads require an account and sufficient credits, and the result may contain artifacts or bleed.
Common questions
Can I remove vocals with BandLab Splitter?
After a split, mute the vocal stem to audition the remaining parts. Review the chorus and ending for leftover singing and missing accompaniment before exporting a backing.
Can I split a song on my phone?
BandLab documents Splitter on web and mobile. Check the controls and features available in the installed app and your account.
Is an AI-generated stem an original studio stem?
No. It is estimated from the finished mix. See stems vs audio isolation for the distinction.