In this guide
In rekordbox 7 Performance mode, enable STEMS in Preferences → Extensions → STEMS, then use ACTIVE STEM in Solo mode to output the vocal part. Listen for instrumental bleed and missing detail. Live deck output is different from a separately saved vocal file.
Using Serato instead? See how to use Serato Stems for its deck and preparation controls.
To isolate vocals in rekordbox 7, enable STEMS in Preferences, open Performance mode, and use ACTIVE STEM to output the VOCAL part. In Solo mode you can select the vocal by itself; in Mute mode turn off the other parts and leave VOCAL on. Listen through the result before relying on it in a mix: separation estimates the voice and can leave instruments or remove vocal detail.
This walkthrough follows the rekordbox 7.2.14 manual. Controls, supported hardware and available features can differ by version and plan. Check your installed version and current STEMS support information.
Enable STEMS and solo a vocal
- Open Performance mode and load a track. Use a track available to your setup and allow any required analysis to finish. Keep a copy of the original recording if you also plan to edit an exported file.
- Enable STEMS. Open Preferences → Extensions → STEMS and select Enable the STEMS Function. The manual says the related buttons appear on the deck, effect panel and mixer panel when enabled.
- Choose the part layout. In the STEMS tab, choose three parts—VOCAL, INST and DRUMS—or, where available in your version, four parts with BASS separated as well. The rekordbox 7.2.8 release notes describe the four-part option.
- Set ACTIVE STEM to Solo. In the STEMS preferences, choose SOLO under ACTIVE STEM Setting. Select VOCAL on the deck to hear the estimated vocal without the other selected stem outputs. In MUTE mode, the controls instead let you select which parts are output or muted; leave VOCAL on and mute the other parts.
- Check the result in context. Compare a quiet phrase, a chorus with harmonies and a transition. Listen for missing consonants, vocal reverb and instrumental bleed. Restore the full mix or reset the stem selection when finished.
The manual notes that controller operation depends on the specific hardware. Consult the controller's documentation rather than assuming every pad or button has the same mapping. A vocal stem is an estimate from the mix, not the singer's original studio track.
Solo, mute and stem level: which should you use?
| Goal | Starting control | Listen for |
|---|---|---|
| Hear only the vocal estimate | Use ACTIVE STEM Solo and select VOCAL. | Instrument bleed, missing syllables and changes to backing vocals. |
| Reduce vocals for a backing | Use Mute mode and turn off VOCAL while keeping the other parts active. | Vocal remnants, lost instruments and the cues needed for singing. |
| Adjust a part's level | Where supported, use STEM ISO to adjust stem levels rather than ordinary frequency EQ. | Level changes and artifacts in the entire mix. |
In rekordbox's manual, STEM ISO adjusts the level of separated parts, whereas ordinary EQ changes frequency ranges. Voice and instruments can overlap across frequencies, so turning down an EQ band is not equivalent to muting a vocal stem.
Can I save the isolated vocal as a file?
Soloing a vocal on a deck changes what is output during playback; it is not, by itself, proof that a standalone vocal WAV was created. Check the export and recording options available for your rekordbox version, plan and source. The official STEMS FAQ describes specific restrictions on its extracted DRUMS files; do not assume those drum-specific export instructions apply to vocals.
If you need a separate vocal file for an edit, start with an authorized original vocal track when available. Otherwise, the Saturalabs acapella extractor accepts a supported local MP3, WAV, MP4 or MOV up to 50 MiB. Describe the singing and review Isolated sound; Background audio is the remainder. WAV downloads require an account and sufficient credits. Compare the output with the source before importing it into a DJ or audio project.
For a backing rather than the singer, target the singing and audition the remaining audio. Neither output guarantees perfect separation. A publicly playable track is not automatically licensed for download, remixing or distribution; check permission for your intended use.
Why are the STEMS controls missing or the vocal unclear?
- No STEMS buttons: confirm Performance mode, enable STEMS in Preferences and check your version, plan and controller support. The feature and layout can vary.
- Wrong part is audible: check whether ACTIVE STEM is set to Mute or Solo and inspect the enabled VOCAL, INST, DRUMS and, if present, BASS parts.
- Voice still contains music: overlapping frequencies, effects and harmonies can leave bleed. Compare another passage or an original vocal track if available.
- The vocal sounds thin or distorted: listen to the original and the isolated estimate at similar levels. A different section or source may be more useful than an aggressive processing setting.
Common questions
Can I remove vocals in rekordbox instead?
Yes, when the relevant STEMS controls are available: mute VOCAL and keep the instrumental parts active. Listen for remaining voice and changes to instruments before a performance.
Does rekordbox separate the vocal perfectly?
No separation method guarantees a perfect result from a finished mix. Review difficult passages and keep the original track.
Is a separated vocal the same as an original stem?
No. An original stem comes from the production session; an isolated vocal is estimated from the finished mix. See stems vs audio isolation.