> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.gridshift.studio/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Stem Separation

> Split audio into individual stems using AI — separate vocals, drums, bass, and instruments. All processing runs locally on your Mac.

**Stem Separation** splits an audio clip into individual stems — vocals, drums, bass, and instruments — using AI models that run locally on your Mac.

Gridshift integrates third-party AI models for source separation. The specific algorithms may change over time as better models become available.

## Models

| Mode              | Model    | Output stems               |
| ----------------- | -------- | -------------------------- |
| **Song Stems**    | HTDemucs | Vocals, Drums, Bass, Other |
| **Drum Elements** | DrumSep  | Kick, Snare, Cymbals, Toms |

Models are downloaded on first use. All processing runs locally — no audio is uploaded.

## Separate a clip into stems

<Steps>
  <Step title="Select an audio clip" />

  <Step title="Open the Command Palette and search">
    Open the Command Palette (`⌘K`) and search for **"Separate"** or **"Split Clip into Stems"**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose Song Stems or Drum Elements">
    Choose **Song Stems** or **Drum Elements**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  Stem separation only works on audio clips. If a MIDI clip is selected, the Command Palette will show a hint to select an audio clip instead.
</Note>

## Output

Gridshift creates a **group track** with one child track per stem, time-aligned with the original clip. The original clip remains unchanged.

Each stem track is a regular sample track — you can apply effects, time-stretch, edit in Focus Mode, or use as a sidechain source like any other track.

## In-place stems in the Sample Editor

If you want to mix the stems as a single instrument rather than arrange them independently, generate them inside the [Sample Editor](/features/sample-editor) instead. The Sample Editor's **Stems** mode bakes the same models against the current sample and exposes per-stem volume, mute, and solo controls on a stack of lanes — all on the original track.

| Use this flow                         | When                                                                                                      |
| ------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Split Clip into Stems** (this page) | You want each stem on its own track for independent arrangement, effects, and routing                     |
| **Stems** mode in the Sample Editor   | You want to rebalance the parts inside one sample (e.g. lower the vocals on a loop) without adding tracks |