Channel Tools?

So, I understand that Channel Tools is a helpful tool for manipulating the stereo field.  I know it can change how the width of the stereo field sounds.  But, how exactly does it do that?  Does it take more out of the middle...add some to the left or right ... or what??? I'm curious about how it works "under the hood."

vanblah


Read up on mid/side processing (http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/mar11/articles/live-tech-0311.htm).  Also, you might want to check into the Haas effect (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haas_effect) and maybe comb filtering (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comb_filter).  And some of this too, http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/apr08/articles/phasedemystified.htm.

The mid/side article explains pretty much what's going on but the other links are important concepts to understand as well.

Wow, great articles.  Some of the material was a bit over my head, especially the math discussion.  But, overall, I now understand what's happening with channel tools.  As a side note, the info on phase cancellations really opened my eyes to what's going on when mic'n in a small studio...'useful information there.
 
Thanks so much for the links...I really appreciate the help.