Best Technique for Fake Stereo?

2013/01/27 13:47:58

VariousArtist

konradh

Suppose I have a track (Rhodes, acoustic guitar, etc.) and I want to broaden it to create a strong stereo image. What is the best and simplest technique? ....

Hello konradh

I came across this article and I remembered your question here in the forum so I thought you might be interested in it too:

http://audio.tutsplus.com/tutorials/mixing-mastering/how-to-boost-your-audios-stereo-image/

2013/01/27 14:20:19

Jyri T.

Easy and nice: Use really short (true stereo) convolution reverb, like <25 ms. Thick plate works well.

2013/01/27 15:04:01

konradh

Thanks for all the ideas, guys.

Wizard, Don't let my post count fool you: there are tons of things I don't know and I have never really messed with Channel Tools to any extent.

2013/01/27 17:15:44

Sacalait

this is what brconflict says- but with a twist:

If you're using a synth/soft synth as the sound source you could try this to 'fake' a mid-side recording:

Record a midi track using a piano as the voice (just for this example)
create a mono audio track of the piano from the midi track
clone the track- now you'll have two mono piano tracks
call the first track 'mid' and the second track 'side' and pan each in the MIDDLE
create an effect send send using a reverb you like
on the mid track, add just a touch of reverb
on the side track add a good bit to the point that it's pretty wet
bounce each track separately to MONO tracks WITH the effects
Mute the two original tracks (not the bounced tracks)
You'll now have two mono tracks with mono effects- the "side" track will be a bit more wet than the mid track

Here's the important step:

clone the bounced 'side' track and put the cloned track out of phase (only ONE can be out of phase, otherwise this wont work)
pan each of these 'side' tracks full hard right and full hard left (create a stereo image from the two tracks)
lower the volume on the two 'side' tracks to off
hit play and listen to the mono mid track
slowly raise the faders (grouped so they move at the same time) until you hear the stereo image come into place.

I tried this with the Lexicon Reverb that came with 8.5 using a large hall and it worked nicely to create a broad stereo image.

2013/01/27 17:19:56

Jeff Evans

Another technique is to add early reflections only from a reverb VST but don't add the add the reverb so much or make any reverb very tight (ie small room) and keep it low in the mix.

2013/01/27 23:17:02

Maarkr

a common plug I use to enhance stereo effect or turn mono to stereo:

http://www.vescofx.com/vfxFreeHaas

Best Technique for Fake Stereo?

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