Serato DJ Pro vs STEM

Serato DJ Pro is desktop software for mixing music and performing with supported DJ hardware on macOS and Windows. It can play up to four tracks at once when connected to hardware that supports four-deck playback, and deck waveforms can be viewed horizontally or vertically. Serato Stems separates vocals, melody, bass, or drums for making acapellas, instrumentals, transitions, and mashups. The product includes access to more than 50 built-in effects and officially supports over 100 pieces of DJ hardware. Listed streaming services are Apple Music, Beatport, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Tidal. Practice Mode provides a basic version without connected hardware. Set recording is unavailable when playing from a streaming service, in laptop Practice Mode, or with hardware without a recording function. A Digital Vinyl System setup requires a Serato DJ Suite license or subscription. Serato DJ Pro costs $11.99 a month; DJ Suite costs $14.99 a month and includes DJ Pro, DVS, Video, and other listed additions. Eligible new users with hardware requiring a paid upgrade can try DJ Pro and all Expansions free for 14 days, without card details.

STEM is a free web platform for bands and music collaborators to upload, mix and discuss song stems. Its multi-track mixer handles uploaded stems, while invited members can view or work on projects in real time. Timed comment threads can be attached to individual tracks or the master track. Share links use customizable permissions, allowing songs to remain private or become public. Users can render stems to MP3, save mix snapshots and export renders. Songs can be grouped into playable, shareable lists for albums, EPs, setlists or work sessions, and can carry lyrics, chord charts, reference tracks, session notes and other files. STEM is intended for discussion and shared decisions rather than music creation like a full DAW. Certain features require a Google account. The privacy policy says uploaded audio is accessible to the user and explicitly shared people. The Free plan costs nothing, with limited version history.