MP3 is a small, compressed file that is fine for writing and demos, while WAV is the full-quality file you should release with. Stems are the separate tracks of the beat (drums, bass, chords, melody), which an engineer needs to mix your song properly. Which one you need depends on how far you plan to take the song.
Key takeaways
- Write and practice on the MP3, record and release with the WAV.
- Stems give your mix engineer control over every part of the beat.
- If you plan a serious release, a license with stems is worth it.
- On BigBadBeats, every license includes untagged MP3 and WAV; Premium + Stems and the Unlimited License add the stems.
MP3 vs WAV vs stems at a glance
| MP3 | WAV | Stems (track-outs) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Compressed stereo file | Uncompressed stereo file | Separate WAV file for each part of the beat |
| Typical size for a 3-minute beat | About 7 MB at 320 kbps | About 30 MB | Several hundred MB in total |
| Sound quality | Good, some detail lost | Full studio quality | Full quality, every part separate |
| Best for | Writing, demos, practice | Recording and releasing | Professional mixing and rearranging |
What is an MP3 beat good for?
MP3 files remove sound the ear barely hears to make the file smaller. That makes them perfect for your phone, your car and writing sessions. Many artists write the whole song to the MP3, then switch to the WAV when they record the final vocals. Releasing a song made from an MP3 is possible, but you lose some of the clarity in the highs and the punch in the low end.
Why release with the WAV?
A WAV file keeps everything the producer bounced from the studio. When your engineer adds compression, EQ and loudness to the final song, an MP3's missing detail starts to show. A WAV gives the mix and master the best starting point, and streaming platforms convert from the best file you give them.
Every license in our store includes the WAV, so you never need to release from an MP3.
What are stems and when do you need them?
Stems, also called track-outs, are the beat split into its parts: drums, 808 or bass, chords, melody, effects. With stems your engineer can:
- turn the bass down where it clashes with your voice,
- clear space in the chords for the hook,
- mute the drums for an intro or a breakdown,
- rearrange the beat to fit your song structure.
If you only have the stereo WAV, everything in the beat moves together. For a song you plan to promote, that limits how good the mix can get.
Example: MOVE is a funk and disco beat at 114 BPM in E minor. With stems, an engineer can push the bassline up in the chorus or strip the beat back to drums and bass for the verse.
Which license gives you which files?
| License | Files | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Limited License | MP3 + WAV | $49.99 |
| Premium + Stems | MP3, WAV + stems | $99.99 |
| Unlimited License | MP3, WAV + stems | $199.99 |
The licenses also differ in streams, music videos and radio. Compare everything on our licensing page, or read how beat leasing works.
How to choose
- Just writing or testing an idea? Start with the Limited License; you still get the WAV for a clean release.
- Working with a mix engineer? Get stems. Ask your engineer, and they will almost always say yes.
- Planning a monetized video or no stream limits? The Unlimited License includes stems too.
FAQ
Can I release a song with just the MP3?
You can, but we recommend the WAV. Every license in our store includes it.
Do stems come with mixing and mastering?
No. Stems are the raw parts of the beat. Your engineer mixes them with your vocals.
Can I get stems later?
Yes. You can upgrade your license and only pay the difference. Email support@bigbadbeats.net.
Are the files tagged?
No. Every file you download after purchase is untagged.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Your license agreement is what governs your purchase.