Creating Soundbanks

Overview

⚡ Recommended length: max. 20 seconds (≈ 8 bars).
🎧 Format: WAV stereo or mono, 16-bit, 44.1 kHz, uncompressed.
🎚️ Peak level: -1 dBFS.
🧩 Number of stems: 8 (one per button).
🔁 Playback mode: Loop or Hold, depending on function.
🧠 Tip: each stem should sound good both solo and mixed with others.

1. Prepare your stems

Use your favorite DAW or multitrack editor and start from an idea or unfinished project. Choose a section that works as a loop (for example, 4 or 8 bars) and export the tracks separately.

You can split all instruments individually or group some together. Ideally, you should end up with 8 total stems — one for each button.

🎧 Think of it like a live performance setup: every track should sound good on its own and in the mix.

Ableton interface showing looped tracks

2. Export clean audio (no master effects)

Make sure you’re not using any effects on the master channel (compressors, EQ, limiters), since those won’t apply to individual stems.

  • Copy the section you’ll use into a new project.
  • Work freely without affecting your original mix.
  • Cut samples at zero crossings to avoid clicks.
  • Balance levels, EQ, and dynamics for each stem separately.

🎯 Each stem should be ready to sound good on its own — Joymixa doesn’t apply extra processing.

Ableton mixer with all channels active

3. Final audio check

Before uploading, double-check the following:

  • Total level doesn’t exceed -1 dBFS.
  • No distortion or clipping.
  • No phase issues or excessive duplicated frequencies.

✔️ If all 8 stems sound good together, they’ll work great in any combination.

4. Upload your kit

  1. Open the navigation menu by clicking the “hamburger” icon. Hamburger menu icon
  2. Open the settings (gear icon) and select “Create”. Open tools menu
  3. Set the name, BPM, and drag each audio file to its button — or click a button to adjust its options. Create soundbank form

Joymixa accepts several formats (WAV, MP3, MP4), and can even extract audio from video files. However, we recommend using WAV 16-bit, 44.1 kHz, stereo or mono.

❌ Avoid MP3 or pre-compressed files — the server will re-encode them to AAC anyway.

Kit creation interface with drag & drop

5. Set playback behavior

When you upload a stem, choose its playback mode:

  • Loop: plays continuously after you press the button, even when released.
  • Hold: only plays while the button is held down.

💡 Use Loop for beats and background layers, and Hold for effects or short phrases.

Loop/Hold mode selector

🛈 If you don’t change it, the default mode is Loop.

6. Organize your sounds

Arrange the sounds in a logical and intuitive way:

  • 🔊 Rhythms and percussion → buttons on the left (or top if using a controller).
  • 🎹 Melodies, basslines, and harmonies → buttons on the right.

This layout makes your kit easier and more natural to play live.

7. Save and exit edit mode

Once everything is set up, exit edit mode via the menu or using the shortcut: ALT + SHIFT + E.

All done! Your soundbank is ready for Joymixa — time to make some noise!