A1StereoControl is a freeware stereo width control utility in VST/AU plugin format for Windows and Mac based host applications, released by A1AUDIO.
More than just a simple stereo width controller, the plugin offers some great extra features such as switchable pan laws and pan curves, a phase flip switch, channel swap, and a feature called ‘Safe Bass’ which is the reason why I’ll be keeping this one in my VST plugin arsenal.
See also: Free Stereo Enhancer VST Plugins!
The ‘Safe Bass’ feature controls the stereo width of the processed signal below a certain frequency threshold. Basically, all the content below the selected frequency will be mono, which is a great way to keep the low end of your mix in check.
The feature can be useful on the master channel, as well as on individual channels with stereo signals which contain bass frequencies. Many synthesized bass sounds are very wide in order to sound large and full, so it’s a good idea to keep the lowest frequencies of such sounds in mono. Even bass guitars are sometimes processed with a chorus (or similar effects), so adding A1StereoControl to the signal chain could help in preserving a solid low end.
There’s a similar free plugin called Basslane, however it’s Windows only. Now the Mac based users have a nice free alternative in this category.
Bass frequencies aside, the plugin can also control the stereo width of the entire signal. You can go from 0% (effectively mono) to 200% width. The plugin also features a re-sizable GUI (always a nice bonus) and zero latency processing.
A1AUDIO is a new name in the plugin development scene and their first product looks very promising! I’m excited to see their future releases. Judging by the quality of A1StereoControl, we definitely have something to look forward to!
Video Demo
Check out the A1StereoControl demo video:
Links
A1StereoControl is available for free download via A1AUDIO (865 kB download size, ZIP archive, 32-bit & 64-bit VST/AU plugin format for Windows and Mac).
Last Updated on March 25, 2016 by Tomislav Zlatic.
