Online or on-device stem separation: what's the difference?

Two ways to run the same computation

In both cases, an AI model estimates each stem from the mixed song. The difference is where the processing runs: a remote server, or the processor of your phone or computer.

Privacy

An online service receives your file: what it does with it depends on its privacy policy (retention period, possible use), worth reading before uploading a demo or an unreleased song. With on-device separation, the file never leaves your phone or computer; that's the choice NAUPLY Stems makes, on Android as on desktop.

Connection and waiting

Online, you upload the file and then download the stems: quick on a good connection, tedious on weak mobile data or abroad. On the device, there's no upload or download, and it works in airplane mode; on the other hand, processing time depends on your device.

Power, quality and number of stems

Servers can run large models and offer many stems, even from an old phone. On a phone, memory limits model size: the NAUPLY Stems app currently separates vocals and instrumental. On desktop, NAUPLY Stems goes up to 10 stems, fully local.

Cost

An online service pays for its servers for every minute processed: that's why credits or subscriptions are common there. On the device, your own hardware does the work; the NAUPLY Stems app is free with an account (10 separations a month, up to 15 minutes per song), and its Premium and Pro editions have no monthly limit.

How to choose

Choose on-device separation if your songs are private, if you're often without a good connection or if you'd rather avoid uploads. Choose an online service if your device is not very powerful or if you need many stems without a computer. The two approaches can also complement each other.

Frequently asked questions

Is quality worse on a phone?

Not necessarily for two stems: the NAUPLY Stems app's Quality mode gives clean vocals and instrumental on most songs. For many stems, a computer or a server is more comfortable.

Does an online service keep my files?

It depends on each service: read its privacy policy before uploading a song.

Does on-device separation drain the battery?

It uses power while processing, like a demanding game. For a long song, plug the phone in.

Can I combine both?

Yes: split on the phone to listen and rehearse, and on a computer or online when you need more stems.

More guides

• Vocal chain: the plugin order for a clear, upfront vocal4 min read
• Rap vocal chain: the plugins and settings for a vocal that sits on top of the beat4 min read
• How to separate the stems of a song: vocals, drums, bass and instruments3 min read
• Reverb plugins on Mac: choosing the type, the format and the right settings4 min read
• Mastering: the steps to a clean master in your DAW3 min read
• How to clean up a recording: background noise, hiss, clicks and reverb3 min read
• Separate vocals and music on Android, offline3 min read
• Make a karaoke track for a birthday2 min read
• Practise guitar, bass or drums with a track without your instrument2 min read
• Split a song into stems right inside your DAW3 min read
• Isolate the drums from a song (even the kick or the snare)3 min read
• Isolate the bass from a song to transcribe or replay it2 min read
• Remove the drums (or bass) from a song to practice2 min read
• An acapella locked to your project tempo2 min read
• Transcribe a separated stem to MIDI: bass, vocals, drums2 min read
• Which reverb on vocals? Plate, room, pre-delay and amount2 min read
• Delay on vocals: slapback, dotted-eighth echoes and throws2 min read
• Convolution vs. algorithmic reverb: what's the difference?2 min read
• Shimmer reverb: create pads that rise in octaves2 min read
• Chorus, flanger or phaser: what's the difference?2 min read
• EQ your mix like a reference track (match EQ)2 min read
• Automatic vocal chain: what a plugin can set for you2 min read

Glossary →