Use a mid-side splitter to apply different effects to the mid and side components of a sound
Problem: lack of clarity or presence in the mid-range
Splitting the signal into mid and side components using a mid-side splitter allows for applying different effects to each. For example, adding distortion to the mid component while leaving the side untouched can enhance…
Use mid-side EQ to focus the track in the center
Problem: track lacks focus, central elements are unclear
Setting the EQ to the mid band only in a mid-side configuration can help focus the track's energy in the center. This is especially useful for vocals and other central elements, as it ensures they remain clear and…
Use mid-side EQ to tighten low-end stereo imaging
Problem: phase issues in low end, poor mono compatibility
The speaker recommends using mid-side EQ to make the low end (60-250Hz) mono in the side channel. This prevents the bass from becoming 'phasey' or 'wobbly' on mono systems. By cutting 60-250Hz in the side channel with a…
Avoid over-cutting in mid-side EQ for warmth preservation
Problem: over-cutting in mid-side EQ, loss of warmth
The speaker warns against aggressive cuts in the mid-side EQ's side channel, as this can remove natural stereo width and warmth from the low end. Instead, they recommend using a gentle slope (e.g., 6dB/octave) and…
Enhance stereo width with mid-side EQ on high frequencies
Problem: narrow stereo imaging, lack of air
The speaker demonstrates boosting 8-12kHz in the side channel of a mid-side EQ to enhance stereo imaging on high frequencies (e.g., cymbals, hi-hats). This adds 'air' and spatial depth without affecting the mono…
Use mid-side EQ to cut low frequencies in the sides only
Problem: bass sounds loose, low end is smeared
Low frequencies in the side channels can make the bass sound loose and smeared. By applying a low cut (e.g., 80-120Hz) to the sides using a mid-side EQ, you tighten the low end and make the bass sound more central and…
Apply a high shelf on the sides for stereo width
Problem: narrow stereo image
Boosting high frequencies (3-5kHz) in the side channels using a mid-side EQ creates a wider stereo image without affecting the center (vocals, kick). This results in a 'tulip shape'—tight at the bottom (low end) and open…
Use dynamic EQ for controlled stereo width
Problem: harshness and lack of movement
Activating dynamic mode on a mid-side EQ allows the high-frequency boost in the sides to only engage when needed (e.g., during quieter sections). This prevents the mix from feeling constantly bright and adds movement,…
Use mid-side processing to enhance stereo width
Problem: narrow stereo image, lack of separation
Splitting audio into mid (center) and side (stereo) components allows targeted processing of panned elements without affecting the central elements like kick, snare, or vocals. This technique enhances stereo imaging by…
Use multi-band stereo tilting to balance width
Problem: lopsided stereo image
Tilt mid-range and treble bands to opposite sides (e.g., mid-right, treble-left) and reduce overall width. This creates a balanced stereo image that remains coherent in mono. Combining with a width control allows precise…
Carve mid-range with mid-side EQ for clarity
Problem: muddy mid-range frequencies
Dax uses the PSP Noble Q plugin on the kick's 'out' signal with a mid-side EQ to cut 850Hz. This 'pull-tech' trick removes muddiness in the mid-range, allowing the kick to sit cleanly in the mix. The mid-side approach…
Use mid-side analysis to ensure side signals don't exceed mid signals
Problem: unbalanced stereo image, phase issues
The mid (red) curve represents mono information, while the side (green) curve represents stereo information. If the green curve exceeds the red, it can create an unbalanced stereo image. This is critical in melodic…
Use midside EQ to cut stereo from bass below 300Hz
Problem: bass feels messy or phasey in the low end
Using midside EQ to cut stereo content below 300Hz in the bass helps keep the low end tight and focused. This technique ensures that the bass remains mono in the lower frequencies, which can help prevent phase issues and…
Use mid-side processing to increase side channels incrementally
Problem: overly narrow or phase-ambiguous stereo image
The speaker recommends using mid-side plugins to boost side channels (e.g., setting to 150%) for controlled stereo widening. This avoids over-processing by allowing precise adjustments. It’s particularly useful for…
Use mid-side processing for stereo imaging control
Problem: unbalanced stereo imaging
The speaker uses MD4's mid-side mode to shape stereo width precisely. This technique allows independent processing of mid (center) and side (stereo) signals, helping to widen or narrow the stereo image without affecting…
Use mid-side imaging to control stereo width
Problem: unclear stereo image
The imager plugin is used to separate low and high frequencies into mid and side channels. Low frequencies are kept mono for stability, while high frequencies are widened for openness. This technique ensures the low end…
Use mid-side EQ to duck mid-range frequencies and boost high-end stereo content
Problem: muddy mid-range, flat high-end
By splitting the mix into mid and side channels, you can apply a narrow EQ cut around 350Hz in the mid channel to reduce muddiness, while boosting around 6kHz in the side channel to add air and width. This creates a…
Use a tight Q for frequency ducking and a wide Q for frequency lifting in mid-side processing
Problem: imprecise frequency adjustments
When using mid-side EQ, apply a narrow Q (tight) for cutting problematic frequencies (e.g., 350Hz) to avoid affecting other elements. For boosting, use a wider Q (wide) to enhance the stereo image without creating…
Send mid-bass to clap or snare for added interest
Problem: bland percussion, lack of rhythmic interest
Sending mid-bass frequencies to the clap or snare can add rhythmic interest and make the percussion feel more dynamic. This technique helps the snare and clap sit better in the mix by giving them a more defined and…
Avoid overusing mid-side processing on mixed buses and masters
Problem: smearing of transients, loss of punch
Mid-side processing can cause micro phase issues that smear transients and reduce clarity, especially when applied to mixed buses or masters. This is because mid-side processing affects the stereo image in ways that can…
Apply mid-side saturation for stereo width
Problem: narrow or lifeless stereo image
The Arteria plugin allows mid-side processing with saturation, enhancing stereo imaging while preserving the center. This is ideal for adding warmth to tracks without muddying the mix. The speaker recommends it for…
Apply effects only to mid-side stereo image using splitters
Problem: stereo effects muddying mono compatibility
Using mid-side splitters allows processing only the side components of a stereo signal (e.g., reverb on a bass track). This preserves the mono-compatible center while adding spatial effects to the stereo field. The…