Ourafilmes has released M/Ster Balance, a freeware mixing utility in VST plugin format (32-bit Windows only) which can be used to control the stereo width of the signal below the selected frequency threshold.
M/Ster Balance is a rather simple plugin, but it comes with a very practical user interface which is suitable for quick and easy balancing of the audio signal at hand. The basic workflow would be to first determine the frequency threshold under which the signal will be converted to mono (the idea behind this is that the low frequency content should be kept mono in order to preserve a solid low end of your mix) and then set the mid/side balance of the signal above that threshold. It is also possible to control the output gain level (for easier A/B comparisons) and use the built-in brickwall limiter to prevent any clipping.
Although the new M/Ster Balance by Ourafilmes is a really handy plugin, I would also highly recommend you to check out the awesome free A1StereoControl plugin by A1AUDIO. A1StereoControl comes with a very similar feature set (the bass-to-mono control is labeled “Safe Bass”) and is compatible with 32-bit & 64-bit host applications on both Windows and Mac OS, whereas M/Ster Balance will only work on 32-bit Windows systems (due to the fact that it was made with SynthEdit).
On the other hand, I really like the simplicity of M/Ster Balance, so you should definitely check it out if you’re running a 32-bit DAW on Windows and searching for a freeware tool to control the stereo image of your tracks. Oh and by the way, another solid choice in this plugin category (if you only want to limit your low end to mono and nothing else) is the good old Basslane plugin by Tone Projects.
Video Demo
Check out the M/Ster Balance demo video:
Download
M/Ster Balance is available for free download via Ourafilmes (2.4 MB download size, ZIP archive, 32-bit VST plugin format for Windows, made with SynthEdit).
