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Chapter 7 Imaging processors 145
Stereo Spread
Stereo Spread is generally used when mastering. There are several ways to extend the stereo
base (or the perception of space), including using reverbs or other eects and altering the
signal’s phase. These options can sound good, but they can also weaken the overall sound of
your mix by ruining transient responses, for example.
Stereo Spread extends the stereo base by distributing a selectable number of frequency bands
from the middle frequency range to the left and right channels. This is done alternately—middle
frequencies to the left channel, middle frequencies to the right channel, and so on. This greatly
increases the perception of stereo width without making the sound totally unnatural, especially
when it is used on mono recordings.
Stereo Spread parameters
•
Lower Int(ensity) slider and eld: Drag to set the amount of stereo base extension for the lower
frequency bands.
•
Upper Int(ensity) slider and eld: Drag to set the amount of stereo base extension for the upper
frequency bands.
Note: When you are setting the Lower Int and Upper Int sliders, be aware that the stereo eect
is most apparent in the middle and higher frequencies. Distributing low frequencies between
the left and right speakers can signicantly alter the energy of the overall mix. Use low values
for the Lower Int parameter and avoid setting the Lower Freq parameter below 300 Hz.
•
Graphic display: Shows the number of bands the signal is divided into and the eect intensity
in the upper and lower frequency bands. The upper section represents the left channel.
The lower section represents the right channel. The frequency scale displays frequencies in
ascending order, from left to right.
•
Upper and Lower Freq(uency) slider and elds: Drag to determine the highest and lowest
frequencies that are redistributed in the stereo image.
•
Order knob and eld: Rotate to determine the number of frequency bands that the signal is
divided into. A value of 8 is usually sucient for most tasks, but you can use up to 12 bands.