All packages come with their own dedicated mix-outs, incl. full & lite versions, 15/30-second cuts, start FX, and more.
MARCH 2026 release
Inside the Production Studio With Niels Franken – Radio 538, Radio 10 and JOE
Across Europe, a growing number of stations are shifting toward modular imaging workflows built around full stem delivery. These workflows allow in-house imaging teams to move faster, create multiple broadcast versions efficiently, and maintain sonic consistency across platforms.
Producers working in high-rotation environments, including JOE imaging producer Niels Franken, who brings over 20 years of experience at Radio 538 and Radio 10, have helped demonstrate how stem-driven, ready-to-use imaging packages can integrate seamlessly into daily station production while preserving full creative control internally.
Read the full interview:
Stems have become essential. Instead of working with a single stereo mix, we receive separate layers (drums, bass, melodies, FX, keys) which allows us to adapt the same imaging to multiple purposes. That flexibility is crucial because we constantly need different intro lengths, talk-over versions, and show-specific edits. With stems, we can make those adjustments quickly without compromising sound quality.
Timing is everything in radio. Presenters often need exact talk-up durations, 7 seconds, 10 seconds, sometimes very specific clock positions. If you only have a final mix, you end up stretching or cutting in ways that affect the feel of the track. With stems, we can rebalance elements, extend musical phrases naturally, or thin out arrangements so the energy fits perfectly while keeping the production sounding musical and polished.
Custom production remains important for major branding moments, but ready-to-use packages are extremely efficient for day-to-day imaging needs. They allow us to implement high-quality, low-cost material immediately, without long production timelines, while still giving us the flexibility to localize, edit, and reshape the content using stems. In practice, that combination, ready-to-use foundations with internal customization, keeps production moving fast while maintaining consistent broadcast quality.
Absolutely. Because we’re working from the same core compositions, every variation still belongs to the same sonic family. That means whether it’s a morning show sweeper, a promo intro, or a beds transition, everything feels connected. We maintain brand consistency while still having the flexibility to tailor versions for different day parts or programs.
It significantly speeds things up. When campaigns or special programming weeks come up, we don’t need to start from scratch. We can assemble new versions quickly by rearranging layers, adding new voiceovers, or adjusting energy levels. That allows us to respond much faster to promotional needs or programming changes.
I think it already is becoming standard, especially for stations that want to work efficiently across multiple platforms (FM, streaming, podcasts, and social video). Modern radio production requires flexibility, and stems provide exactly that: one strong production base that can generate many broadcast-ready versions quickly.
