Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
You can make a backing track by separating a finished song into vocal and instrumental stems, then listening for artifacts and exporting the result for its intended use. In Audacity on Windows or Linux, the documented OpenVINO Music Separation plugin offers a two-stem option for a straightforward instrumental and a four-stem option when you need more control. Separation is an estimate, not a guarantee of a clean vocal-free mix.
Choose the separation method for your goal
| Your goal | Approach | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Get a ready-to-use backing track | Two-stem vocal/instrumental separation in Audacity | Simplest route, though vocal remnants or other artifacts can remain. Audacity Support |
| Rebuild or edit the accompaniment | Four-stem separation into vocals, drums, bass, and other accompaniment | More control over components, but it produces more stems and requires more editing. Demucs project README |
| Avoid installing desktop software | Consider a hosted separation service such as Demucs.net | Convenient upload and download workflow; review the service’s current terms, limits, and privacy details before uploading. Demucs.net |
| Work with an older, center-panned mix without an AI plugin | Try center-channel reduction, if available | It depends on the mix and may also remove centered bass or other instruments. Audacity Manual: Vocal Reduction and Isolation |
For most straightforward backing-track requests, start with two stems. Audacity says this mode works well on most songs, while four stems can help isolate drums and bass. That is guidance, not a promise: the outcome depends on the source and mix. Audacity’s separation instructions document the plugin workflow for Windows and Linux; check the current instructions for the latest release and menu labels.
Prepare the song file
- Use the best-quality source available. A lossless original is preferable to a compressed copy because lossy compression can add artifacts.
- Keep an untouched copy of the original so you can rerun separation with different settings or compare the result.
- Use a song file you are entitled to process for your intended purpose. A separated instrumental is not automatically cleared for sharing, performance, or commercial distribution.
Separate the vocals in Audacity
- Install Audacity and the OpenVINO Music Separation plugin by following the current Audacity Support instructions. The documented instructions cover Windows and Linux.
- Import the song into Audacity and open the plugin as described in those instructions.
- Choose two-stem separation for a vocal stem and an instrumental stem. Choose four-stem separation if you want vocals, drums, bass, and other accompaniment available separately.
- Run the separation, then identify the instrumental output for listening and export.
The older Vocal Reduction and Isolation effect is not a dependable universal menu-path alternative: the Audacity Manual says it is no longer shipped with Audacity from version 3.5.0 onward. Check the manual for its status and details.
Check whether the instrumental is usable
Listen through the whole track before doing more editing. Pay particular attention to places where separation is most likely to be exposed:
#1 Best Overall
- Real-Time AI Vocal Removal：Experience studio-quality accompaniment in seconds. Our advanced AI algorithm accurately isolates and removes vocals from any song playing on your phone, delivering pristine instrumentals for karaoke or practice.
- 10-Level Precision Adjustment & APP Control：Unleash your inner superstar with precise vocal elimination from 10% to 100%. Remotely fine-tune the level via the dedicated app to find the perfect balance for any song, from subtle backing tracks to pure instrumentals.
- Universal Compatibility w/ Karaoke Machines & Speakers：Seamlessly connect to any system via dual 6.5mm or 3.5mm audio interfaces. Stream music wirelessly through Bluetooth 5.2. The ultimate bridge between your phone and professional karaoke setups—no more endless searching for official accompaniments.
- 6-Hour Long Battery & Type-C Fast Charging：Powered by a reliable 400mAh battery for up to 6 hours of uninterrupted singing. The integrated Type-C port ensures quick recharging, keeping the music playing at parties, gatherings, or wherever you go.
- The Perfect Gift for Music Lovers：Compact, lightweight, and incredibly easy to use. EASTROCK Vocal Remover is the ideal gift for family, friends, and any music or karaoke enthusiast, turning every gathering into an unforgettable celebration.
- Quiet passages, where faint vocal remnants can stand out.
- Vocal entrances and exits, including reverb tails.
- Backing harmonies or doubled vocals, which can be difficult to separate from the instruments.
- Transitions and sections where the vocal is widened or heavily reverberated.
Live recordings can also be harder to separate cleanly. If an artifact is audible and matters for your use, try another separation mode or make a light repair. Avoid treating center-channel reduction as a universal fix: it works best when vocals are centered and can suppress other centered material too.
Decide against the intended use, not an imagined standard of perfection. A trace of vocal reverb may be acceptable for private practice but distracting in a performance backing track. If the result is not good enough, keep the original and try another mode rather than assuming further processing will remove every trace.
Rank #2
- Pro performance with great pre-amps - Achieve a brighter recording thanks to the high performing mic pre-amps of the Scarlett 3rd Gen. A switchable Air mode will add extra clarity to your acoustic instruments when recording with your Solo 3rd Gen
- Get the perfect guitar and vocal take with - With two high-headroom instrument inputs to plug in your guitar or bass so that they shine through. Capture your voice and instruments without any unwanted clipping or distortion thanks to our Gain Halos
- Studio quality recording for your music & podcasts - Achieve pro sounding recordings with Scarlett 3rd Gen’s high-performance converters enabling you to record and mix at up to 24-bit/192kHz. Your recordings will retain all of their sonic qualities
- Low-noise for crystal clear listening - 2 low-noise balanced outputs provide clean audio playback with 3rd Gen. Hear all the nuances of your tracks or music from Spotify, Apple & Amazon Music. Plug-in headphones for private listening in high-fidelity
- Everything in the box: Includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and Hitmaker Expansion: a suite of essential effects, powerful software instruments, and easy-to-use mastering tools
Export the instrumental for its destination
- In Audacity, choose File → Export audio.
- Select the instrumental track or the project mix you intend to deliver.
- Set the file format, channel count, sample rate, and any format-specific bitrate required by the destination. Follow the destination’s delivery specification when one exists.
- If no destination requirements are provided, Audacity’s export guide suggests 256 kbps MP3 as a general music default. For lossless archiving, it describes FLAC and WavPack as alternatives that can use less space than WAV. Audacity: Export your audio
Reopen the exported file and check its opening, ending, stereo image, and level. Confirm that it plays in the intended destination, and retain the project and source if you may need to revise the export.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesRights depend on how you use the track
Removing vocals does not by itself establish permission to publish, distribute, perform, or share the resulting instrumental. Obtain the rights required for the song and your intended use, and check the licensing rules that apply to you; requirements vary by jurisdiction and use.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The new generation of the songwriter's interface: Plug in your mic and guitar and let Scarlett Solo 4th Gen bring big studio sound to wherever you make music
- Studio-quality sound: With a huge 120dB dynamic range, the newest generation of Scarlett uses the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios
- Find your signature sound: Scarlett 4th Gen's improved Air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings
- All you need to record, mix and master your music: Includes industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins
- Everything in the box: Includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and Hitmaker Expansion: a suite of essential effects, powerful software instruments, and easy-to-use mastering tools
Rank #4
- 【All-in-One Audio Interface for Streaming & Recording】: This all-in-one interface for recording music features dual XLR/6.35mm combo inputs, dual headphone outputs for real-time monitoring, Bluetooth and AUX input for background music, 3.5mm audio output, and OTG port for direct recording or live streaming to PC or smartphone. Multiple built-in effects including voice changer, sound pads, loopback, reverb, denoise, ducker and RGB lighting simplify your setup while delivering professional sound.
- 【Pro Mic Preamp with Dual XLR & 48V Phantom Power】: Equipped with two ultra-low-noise XLR/6.35mm combo inputs and high-quality mic preamps, this audio mixer delivers clean, studio-grade sound for microphones and instruments. Supports 48V phantom power for condenser mics, precise 0–100 gain control, one-touch mute, Electric Mode with multiple key options, reverb control, denoise, ducker, loopback and voice remover—ideal for podcasting, gaming, streaming and music production.
- 【6 Voice Changer Modes & Custom Sound Pads】: This XLR audio interface offers 6 fun and creative voice changer modes—Male, Female, Robot, Monster, Baby and Elder—perfect for live streaming and gaming. Includes 4 customizable sound pads, each supporting up to 15 seconds of audio, allowing you to upload and trigger sound effects or clips instantly during podcasts or live broadcasts.
- 【RGB Gaming Audio Mixer with Real-Time Control】: Designed for streamers and gamers, the sound board features 9 adjustable RGB lighting modes with smooth transitions for an immersive setup. Individual faders and one-touch mute buttons provide precise control over MIC 1, MIC 2, LINE IN and LINE OUT channels, while ultra-low-latency headphone monitoring ensures accurate, real-time audio feedback.
- 【Wide Compatibility & Compact Design】: Compatible with XLR condenser and dynamic microphones, 6.35mm mics, and wireless lavalier systems, this USB audio interface works seamlessly with PC, Mac and Windows systems and most recording or streaming software. Compact and portable for home studios or on-the-go creators. Note: This audio interface does not include a built-in power supply and requires an external power source for operation.
Rank #3
- [Reliable Dual Inputs for Daily Use] This Q-12 audio interface provides professional 16-Bit/48kHz resolution for pristine sound. Unlike others with popping noise, our upgraded chip ensures crystal-clear XLR and 3.5mm inputs for your daily music production.
- [48V Phantom Power & Zero Latency] Capable of driving condenser mics with switchable 48V power. Say goodbye to high latency; this xlr interface features fast transmission rates. Users report seamless vocal tracking without annoying audio delays.
- [Plug and Play] Functioning as a stable audio interface for PC via USB connection. Powered directly from your computer, no external adapter needed. Simply plug in and start your mobile karaoke or on-the-go music creation without extra setup.
- [Budget Starter Equipment & Durable] An ideal audio interface designed for students and beginners building a 2-channel home studio. Unlike fragile alternatives, its solid build ensures long-lasting use for home karaoke and network streaming.
- [Easy Workflow] Beginners want a frustration-free setup. Enjoy low power consumption and a stable signal, letting you focus purely on your imagination.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
