JD Factory, a French development team led by mixing engineer Joël Dollié (CEO and founder), released UltimUtility, a FREE stereo signal control plugin for macOS and Windows.
The developer’s team comprises a small group of self-confessed audio geeks, precisely the kind of geeks you want to make plugins.
JD Factory has three plugins available so far: RoomWidener, PanBox, and UltimUtility.
RoomWidener and PanBox are paid products, and both are currently on sale, so it’s a good time to check them out.
JD Factory UltimUtility
UltimUtility is a freebie and the focus of our attention today.
JD Factory is a developer committed to creating plugins that make mixing easier. This particular plugin makes mixing easier by giving you more control over your stereo signal.
UltimUtility is a plugin that falls into the simple but very effective category (simple in use, not in development effort) and could be a handy addition for users of all levels.
From left to right, the interface starts with UltimUtility’s Input Matrix. The Input Matrix allows you to solo left, right, mid, side, and the physical (dual mono) left or right of the mid/side.
In addition, the Input Matrix also offers independent left and right polarity controls and a Stereo Swap function.
Next up is the Balance and Width section.
Here, you get a combined, one knob, Balance, and true stereo panner. Beside the Balance knob is a stereo widening control with an integrated Mono Bass function.
The features included here come from PanBox, Ultimutility’s more versatile big brother, aiming to provide something better than traditional panning methods.
If you like UltimUtility but still want more, a demo version of PanBox is available (the same goes for RoomWidener).
There are quite a few free or cheap stereo imaging plugins around, like iZotope’s Ozone Imager; feel free to share your go-to plugin in the comments.
Free Download
Whatever you use (or if you don’t yet), it’s always worth trying a freebie, and, in this case, especially when it comes from a team who dedicate themselves to making plugins that let you focus more on creative decisions rather than convoluted processes.
UltimUtility is available in 64-bit AU, VST3, and AAX formats for macOS (10.13 upwards) and Windows (8-11).
Download: UltimUtility (FREE)
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Last Updated on August 22, 2023 by Tomislav Zlatic.
