Manage Your Space: MS Matrix Plugin for Stereo Signal Processing
In the modern world of audio engineering, the ability to precisely control the stereo space is key to creating professional-sounding mixes and master tracks. There is often a need to influence the central elements of the soundscape (vocals, bass, snare drum) separately and the sides, which create the sense of width (guitars, pads, effects).
Traditional stereo signal processing is done in the L/R (Left/Right channel) format, which is effective for general corrections, but limits flexibility when you need to work specifically with the width or the central “mono” part of the mix.
What is Mid/Sides (M/S) processing?
Mid/Sides is an alternative way of representing a stereo signal. Instead of Left and Right channels, we have:
- Mid (Middle): This signal is the sum of the Left and Right channels (L+R). It contains information present in both channels simultaneously – this is essentially the mono component of the signal, the “center” of your mix.
- Sides: This signal is the difference between the Left and Right channels (L-R). It contains information that differs between the channels – this is what creates the feeling of stereo width.
This separation allows you to gain unique control over the sound, influencing the “center” and “sides” completely independently.
Introducing MS matrix by Cana San Martin
MS matrix by Cana San Martin is a simple but extremely useful tool that serves as a bridge between the traditional L/R format and the powerful Mid/Sides domain. Essentially, it is a set of two components:
MS Encoder
This part of the plugin takes a standard stereo signal in L/R format as input and converts it to Mid and Sides signals. After the encoder, you can insert other plugins (equalizers, compressors, modulation effects, etc.) between the encoder and decoder to process Mid and Sides separately.
MS Decoder
After you have processed the Mid and Sides signals to your liking, the MS Decoder takes these two signals and converts them back into the standard L/R stereo format, ready for further processing or export.
Together, Encoder and Decoder create an M/S processing “loop,” allowing you to delve into deep control over the stereo image.
Capabilities and applications of MS matrix
Using MS matrix opens the door to a variety of techniques that can significantly improve your mixes and master tracks:
- Stereo width control: The most obvious application is the ability to make the mix wider or narrower simply by adjusting the volume or applying dynamic processing to the Sides signal. Increasing the Sides level expands the panorama; decreasing it narrows it.
- Equalization in M/S:
- Apply equalization to the Mid signal to affect only the central elements (e.g., boost the “body” of the vocals or add punch to the snare drum) without affecting the side instruments.
- Equalize the Sides signal to correct the timbre of the instruments located on the sides or to “clear” the central part of the mix from low frequencies that can make the bass or kick drum “blurred” in a wide stereo.
- Dynamic processing in M/S:
- Use compression on the Mid signal to stabilize the level of the central elements (especially useful for vocals or bass).
- Compress the Sides signal to control the dynamics of the instruments that create the width, or even use sidechain compression so that the side elements “duck” when the central instrument (e.g., vocals) is playing.
- Applying effects: Direct reverb, delay, or modulation effects only to the Sides signal to create a sense of space without muddying the central part of the mix and preserving the clarity of the main elements.
- Mono compatibility check: Listen only to the Mid signal to understand how your mix will sound in mono. Since Mid = L+R, this gives an accurate picture of mono compatibility. Phase problems can cause instruments to drop out or weaken in mono, which becomes obvious when listening to only the Mid channel.
Simplicity and efficiency
MS matrix by Cana San Martin makes M/S processing accessible. Its main function – the precise conversion of formats – is performed without unnecessary complexity. This allows you to focus on the creative part of the process – manipulating Mid and Sides signals using your favorite effects.
The plugin is available in VST format for Windows operating systems (both 32-bit and 64-bit versions), making it compatible with most popular DAWs on this platform.
Conclusion
If you are looking to gain complete control over the stereo space of your audio projects, MS matrix is an indispensable tool in your arsenal. It opens new horizons for mixing and mastering, allowing you to achieve a professional sound with a clear center and controlled width. Try MS matrix and discover the power of M/S processing!
