perhaps this could be a sticky-
I have noticed on a number of threads here that there is some inconstant usage of terms here-
The one that prompted me to post this is the use of "stem"
Since this is the Post forum, I would suggest we try to standardize these so everyone can more effectively communicate their ideas-
In my experience,
A "Stem" is a mixed set of tracks which are fed into what we understand to be the composite "track" An example would be in film terms, the Dialog, Music and FX stems.
In this parlance there is only 1 stem for each catagory. There is not a drums "stem" for instance- only a Music stem, which the drums are a part of.
so with that in mind, for those who do not work regularly in the Post Production world I will offer up the follwing terms-
I am actually going to go in reverse order stating at the end product and working back to indivdual recordings.
1. Printmaster- The final version for duplication and distribution.
2. The M&E Printmaster- The final version with specific language dialog bussed to an reference stem. This is used for foreign language versions which will be re-voiced in the local language.
3. The final stems- these will be Dialog, which includes the ADR which is used, FX which includes the Foley and BG's, and Music. These played at unity gain, make the printmaster.
4. Premixes- these will be made up of subgroups of final stems- There are generally more than one in each group- examples would be a, or multiple ADR premixes. For FX, it might be a foley feet premix, a BG wind premix, an explosions premix. For Music, it might be a percussion premix or a synth premix. the premix is cut elements which are mixed, eq'd and panned so that they both fit the visual picture and are also segregated so that if a certain element need to be adjusted, or even removed, it can be done without destroying other sounds which might occur at the same time.
5. Predub- THe predub is the collection of sounds the sound editor turns over to be mixed. See the premix description for further details about potential contents of predubs.
6. Elements. These will be the sound recordings which are placed in to the tracks f the predub. they are edited from the source recordings and will have fade ins/outs to avoid clicks for the mixer.
So everyone- have at my list- and add as you might think is needed- do not be shy about editing them either.
charles maynes