Raising Jake SideMinder 2 Dynamic Stereo Width Maximizer Plug-In (Download)

SideMinder 2, a second-generation dynamic stereo width enhancer plugin, offers a solution to the challenge of maintaining the quality of expansive stereo mixes during mono playback. It addresses issues caused by out-of-phase signals in the left and right channels that often result in cancellation problems in mono output. By smartly analyzing stereo material with lookahead FIR correlation detectors, SideMinder 2 dynamically narrows the stereo image when negative correlation is detected, ensuring mono compatibility while allowing for an overall expansion of stereo width. This innovative approach differs from conventional “mid/side” compression techniques and does not alter the signal’s dynamics.

Furthermore, SideMinder 2 provides both visual and auditory feedback on its signal processing, empowering sound engineers and producers to make informed decisions during mixing and mastering. It includes a “Bass Mono” control to narrow the stereo image below a specified frequency, particularly valuable in vinyl mastering to center the bass frequencies and enhance audio solidity. Even when SideMinder 2’s processing is bypassed, the Output Correlation meter remains active for monitoring, facilitating adjustments.

Raising Jake SIDEMINDER-2 Features:

• Dynamic Stereo Width Enhancement: Intelligently adjusts the stereo width of tracks, buses, and master mixes for optimal playback, even in mono.
• Lookahead FIR Correlation Detectors: Smartly analyzes stereo material to dynamically narrow the stereo image when negative correlation is detected.
• Mono Compatibility: Ensures that the adjusted stereo width remains mono-compatible, preventing out-of-phase issues during mono playback.
• Differential Limiter: Operates as a “differential limiter” rather than a dynamic range limiter, preserving the original signal’s dynamics.
• Bass Mono Control: Offers a “Bass Mono” control to narrow the stereo image below a user-defined cutoff frequency, aiding in vinyl mastering by centering bass frequencies.
• Visual and Auditory Feedback: Provides both visual and auditory cues on signal processing, enabling informed decision-making during mixing and mastering.
• Output Correlation Meter: Remains active even when processing is bypassed, aiding in monitoring and facilitating adjustments.