Mid Side Mastering:
'E x p a n d i n g' The Possiblities!

So what can mid side mastering do for you?

First of all, if you're doing your own mastering, most (if not all) of what I'm about to describe will not apply to you. The issues you'd attempt to address would be better handled in the mixing realm.

Unless...

..you've happened to have lost your original mix project, or for whatever reason can no longer open it. Hey - in the sometimes weird and wonderful world of software updates, anything can happen!

Using this technique at its most simplest, you can widen the spread of your stereo soundstage or reduce it to mono.

You can also bring up a too-low reverb in a mix; or raise the frequencies of instruments panned hard left and right without affecting the level of the centred instruments, or vice versa.

And when an EQ or compressor are thrown into the works, your control becomes more greater and more selective.

It is sometimes possible to greatly enhance or even repair a poor mix.

Or totally destroy it!

Setting yourself up for mid side work is a relatively simple process with mastering software.

Many plugins allow you to accomplish it with a just a single piece of software. Sometimes though it's necessary set things up manually for the greatest control.

Mid-side mastering is one of the more potent techniques available – which is why I've decided to devote a special section just for it.

The key is knowing not just when to use and but when not to use it.

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