Pro Tools now features AI stem separation

As a producer, stem separation can be one of the most useful tools in your belt. The ability to separate a track or a piece of audio into its component parts is a godsend for remixers, for example. So the fact Avid just introduced AI stem separation in its Pro Tools 2026.11 will come as a welcome addition for many producers working with the DAW.

The new AI stem separation Pro Tools Extension is able to separate any recording into up to six stems: vocals, drums, bass, guitar, keys, and other instruments. Using it is as simple as dragging and dropping the audio file into the window, previewing the stems it will split up, and then sending those back to the main DAW as their own tracks.

The new AI Stem Separator is just one of many functions available as part of Pro Tools Extensions, another part of the new update. Where plugins work with one track at a time, Extensions can work with the entire session or any number of specific tracks. All Pro Tools users need to do to use Extensions is head to the Pro Tools Edit window.

The feature also has Extensions developed by external audio companies such as Splice, SoundFlow, Pro Sound Effects, Soundly, Forte, and Pibox. These partners have designed Extensions to support sound effects libraries, importing, collaboration, and feedback.

“The way music and audio professionals work is constantly evolving, and we want Pro Tools to evolve with them,” says Sam Butler, Vice President, Product Management, Avid. “Extensions represent an important step forward, bringing new technologies and innovative capabilities directly into Pro Tools to support a wider range of creative experiences. It’s about giving creators greater choice and flexibility while allowing them to stay focused on their work – reflecting our commitment to making Pro Tools more powerful, open and accessible for users at every level.”

Pro Tools 2026.11 is available now for  Pro Tools Artist, Studio, and Ultimate subscribers. Perpetual licence holders with an active upgrade plan, as well as Pro Tools Intro users, have access as well. All new enhancements work with the full line of Pro Tools versions, including the 30-day trial.

For more information, head to Avid.

Harry Levin is a freelance journalist with credits in SPIN, Billboard, MusicTech, Grammy.com, Los Angeles Magazine, and more. His musical journey began 20 years ago with a Led Zeppelin CD. He played jazz trombone through college, produced large-scale electronic music events, and now spends his professional time writing and editing.