MStereoSpread

Name: MStereoSpread
Price: 79 USD
Author: MeldaProduction

by MeldaProduction · Imaging · Stereo widener

Not rated yet

MStereoSpread is a stereo widener that uses its own expansion algorithm instead of the usual comb-filter tricks, aiming to stay mono-compatible.

It includes a stereo scope and full parameter modulation, for $91.

Best for: Mix Bus, Keys & Synths, Vocals, Guitars. Genres: all genres.

Keywords: wide, mono-compatible, downward expansion, mid/side, vocals, electric guitar, randomize, subtle, synths, tight, built-in analyzer, auto-gain, backing vocals, bus processing, CPU-heavy, extreme, flat UI, full mix, mix bus, mixing, organic, oversampling, pads.

What it does

MStereoSpread is a psychoacoustic stereo expander. MeldaProduction's goal is to make "tracks sound extremely wide and tight" while staying natural and mono compatible, rather than relying on the comb-filter widening that collapses badly in mono.

Expansion algorithm: a tight-sounding widening process designed to stay mono-safe, as an alternative to comb-based tricks.
Stereo scope: a built-in stereo field analyzer shows the effect on the image as you set it.
Channel modes: mono, stereo, mid/side, separate left/right or mid/side signals, surround up to 8 channels and ambisonics up to 64 channels.
Modulation: four modulators (LFO, audio level follower, ADSR envelope, randomizer, pitch detector) can drive any parameter, for widening that moves with the music.
Comparison and presets: A to H preset slots, A to D morphing on an X-Y pad, multiparameters, and complete, subtle or smart randomization.
Quality and safety: 64-bit processing, 1x to 1024x upsampling, automatic gain compensation and a 0 dB safety limiter.

A free trial is available from MeldaProduction's downloads page, and updates are free for life.

Source: MeldaProduction product page

When to use it

MStereoSpread suits engineers who want real width on a part while checking mono compatibility, and who like to modulate or automate the effect. Compared with Ozone Imager or Polyverse Wider, it takes more setting up and more careful listening, but it gives far more control, from mid/side and surround modes to modulators that can make the width breathe. Waves S1 Stereo Imager works on the existing stereo image, while MStereoSpread is built to create width from narrow sources. It is closer in purpose to NUGEN Stereoizer, which also aims at natural, mono-friendly width.

Best for: widening synths, pads, guitars and backing vocals while keeping them safe in mono.
Genres: any style; most useful in pop and electronic mixes.
Look elsewhere if: you only need a single width knob; the free Ozone Imager or Wider are quicker.
Tip: A/B against the bypassed signal often; Computer Music warned the effect can jump from too subtle to unnatural.

What producers say

Reviewers found it natural sounding and good value, but warned that it needs patience to get right.

Computer Music (via MusicRadar, 2013, an earlier version with Spectral and Delay-Based generators) called it "a novel take on stereo spreading", praising the spectral algorithm and saturation, but noted high CPU use with more bands and phasey results on fast transients.
KVR users rate it 4 out of 5 from 1 review (2013, version 7.13): the reviewer liked the clean GUI and presets and found it rich and natural with the saturator, but said optimal widening needs patience.
Usage tip: Computer Music suggested keeping the effect away from the low end so the bass stays centred.

Where to buy

Tutorials and reviews

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