In the world of sound engineering, space management is key to creating a full and professional sound. Quality stereo expansion or narrowing allows instruments to “breathe” and take their place. Incorrect work with stereo can make the mix flat or cause phase problems. Therefore, tools for working with the stereo image are extremely important.
RAZ Audio STC-3: Control over the stereo field
Introducing STC-3 by RAZ Audio – an intuitive plugin for precise control over the width of your stereo field. This spatial expander allows you to effectively expand or narrow the stereo image. It will help you achieve the perfect spatial balance, whether for mastering or processing individual tracks.
What is STC-3?
STC-3 is a spatial expander that focuses on a natural result. It takes a stereo input and provides a wider or narrower output. Importantly, it doesn’t use artificial methods (mono-stereo, active phase processing, delays), which ensures the absence of unwanted artifacts and natural sound.
Key features and benefits
STC-3 has a number of important characteristics:
- Natural sound: Maximum transparent and natural processing without artificial effects.
- No artificial methods: Avoiding mono-stereo conversion, active phase processing or delays for a clean result.
- Preserving the “phantom center”: The compensation mechanism maintains the clarity of the central elements of the mix during stereo content processing.
- Specialized LF processor: A separate processor for low frequencies is useful when processing the full range or mastering, helps to avoid phase problems in LF.
Plugin applications
STC-3 is effective in various scenarios:
- On separate stereo channels: To provide space to stereo instruments (keyboards, synthesizers, guitars, etc.).
- As a bus processor: Excellent for processing instrument groups or the main master bus.
- For mixing and mastering: A valuable tool for both shaping the space of individual elements and for the final adjustment of the overall width of the track.
Conclusion
RAZ Audio STC-3 is an exceptional tool for working with the stereo field, offering natural sound and flexibility. It allows you to achieve professional spatial processing without typical artifacts. If you need full control over the width of the stereo image while maintaining the clarity of the center, STC-3 is worth a try. It will open up new possibilities for creating deep and voluminous mixes.
