NASE
by Sixth Sample · Imaging · Noise-assisted stereo enhancer
Not rated yet
NASE is a stereo enhancer from Sixth Sample that widens sounds with Width and Stereoize sliders, helped by two noise modules for the mid and side signals.
A Bass Mono button keeps the low end centred and a large vectorscope shows the result; it costs €29.95 (about $34).
Best for: Keys & Synths, Vocals, Mix Bus, Guitars. Genres: all genres.
Keywords: enhancement, wide, mono-compatible, vocals, metering, mid/side, simple, synths, auto-gain, backing vocals, bus processing, full mix, mix bus, mixing, mono, reference & monitoring, pads, thick.
What it does
NASE (Noise-Assisted Stereo Enhancer) widens the stereo image and adds fullness by blending in noise that follows the input level, while keeping mono playback safe. Sixth Sample's aim is a "wide but controlled mix" with simple controls.
- Width: balances mid against side to narrow or widen the image, with optional automatic gain compensation.
- Stereoize: widens even mono sources without causing phase problems when summed to mono.
- Noise modules: two noise generators, one for the mid and one for the side, that react dynamically to the input level. Each has its own release speed and low-pass and high-pass filters for shaping the added noise.
- Bass Mono: one button folds the low frequencies to mono to avoid phase issues in the low end.
- Metering: a large vectorscope and a correlation meter to check width and mono compatibility.
- Themes: 10 colour themes for the interface.
KVR lists version 1.0.4. A fully working trial is available; it mutes the audio briefly every 40 seconds.
Source: Sixth Sample product page
When to use it
NASE is the pick when you want a widener that adds air and density, not just mid-side balance. Compared with Ozone Imager or Wider, it adds dynamic noise layers for the mid and side and a Bass Mono switch, but it has no multiband width control. Against Waves S1 Stereo Imager or bx_stereomaker it is simpler, built around two sliders and the noise modules rather than detailed imaging parameters. It costs a little more than the free wideners, but less than most paid imagers.
- Best for: widening and thickening pads, synths and backing vocals while keeping the low end centred.
- Genres: any; general-purpose imaging, especially pop and electronic.
- Look elsewhere if: you need per-band width control or mastering-grade imaging; Ozone Imager splits by band and StageOne 2 offers finer control.
Where to buy
- Sixth Sample: $34.01 (Listed at €29.95; converted at €1 = $1.1355 (ECB rate, 29 Sep 2026))
Tutorials and reviews
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