Clear on the stems clarification. Let's call it individual tracks from now on because that's what I was referring to.
Of course, this goes for let's say compression etc. but not for reverb, automated (low-pass) filters that you applied etc.
Maybe not for some, for me it's mandatory! I've been making music as a living for the past 10 years, with over 1000 clients that all asked for the stems (or individual tracks I should say). They don't want dry individual tracks, they want the effects to be printed on them. Sure, some want both dry AND wet but never only the dry versions. They want the individual tracks to sound identical to the mix that I did, or at least as close as possible so they can change the arrangement where needed in their own DAW.
Let me give you a simplified example:
I often use a low pass filter on the master channel that I automate for certain parts, e.g. a build-up. This affects all tracks obviously. Do you really want to send the individual tracks without the low pass filter and have the artist or their engineer spend hours on trying to replicate your automation effects? No, I would like to believe not. A low-pass filter is fairly easy to replicate, yes, but what about glitch/stutter effects on the master? There is no way they can exactly replicate that and you don't even WANT to them to. The individual tracks have to be as close to your mix as possible when being sent out, period.
Hard to believe I am the only person facing this issue