This AAX plugin is as simple and useful as it is ugly, but it does exactly what it’s supposed to with the minimum of fuss, and it’s free, and as there are no controls in the UI, a beautifully designed plugin might be missing the point…
What Is Mono/Stereo (M/S)
Mono/Stereo (M/S) is a plugin that converts LR stereo into Mid/Side and converts it back to stereo again if you add a second instantiation on an audio path. This is useful for using plugins which don’t have an M/S mode for M/S processing.
Mid Side processing is popular for mixing and mastering; by applying different processing to the mid and sided components, you can add sheen and width to the stereo image or firm up the centre components like kicks and bass without muddying the mix. The applications are endless.
All you need to do is to have a plugin which allows you to have different settings on the left and right channels. In Pro Tools, a Multi-Mono plugin allows this. Just unlink the channels using the Link button in the plugin header, and you can access the two channels independently.
The Mono/Stereo (M/S) UI is just an annotated diagram explaining how to use it - Create an instance of Mono/Stereo (M/S), and the LR stereo audio stream is converted to M/S. Create a second instance following that, and the M/S audio is converted back into LR stereo. If you leave some inserts free between these two instances, any dual mono plugins can be used for M/S processing!
How Do I Get Mono/Stereo (M/S)
Click the button above for a direct download. That’s it. I had to OK the install on my Mac as Wholegrain isn’t an identified developer. If you prefer only to install software from identified developers, then this one isn’t for you.
Julian Rodgers is Editor of Production Expert. He has a background in live sound and has been a Pro Tools user since 2001. He lives by the sea in West Cornwall where he plays piano, bass and guitar equally badly and is an avid collector of microphones and opinions about all things audio.