TruPan by Truality Audio: Revolutionizing Stereo Panning
In the world of audio recording and mixing, panning is one of the fundamental tools for creating space and depth. Traditional methods, primarily based on the difference in intensity (volume) of the signal between the left and right channels, have long been the standard. However, they have a significant drawback: the ideal perception of the panorama largely depends on the listener’s position. The slightest displacement from the central axis of the stereo base can distort the sound picture, destroying the carefully built space.
This is where TruPan from Truality Audio comes in – an innovative VST plugin for Windows (64-bit), designed to overcome the limitations of traditional panning and create a more stable and deeper sound stage.
Problems of Traditional Panning
The classic panner works on the principle of “the louder in one channel, the more the sound seems shifted to that side”. This is a simple and effective method for basic distribution of mix elements. However, as mentioned, its main weakness is sensitivity to the listener’s position. This is especially critical in studio conditions, where the mixing engineer may be in the “sweet spot,” but the listener at home or in the car – no. The result – a “blurred” panorama, loss of focus, and unexpected shifting of elements.
Another aspect – often with hard panning (fully left or right) the sound completely disappears from one channel. This may be a desirable effect, but sometimes it is necessary to maintain the presence of the signal in both channels to maintain overall connectivity and volume, even when the main focus is shifted.
How TruPan Creates a Stable and Deep Stage
TruPan is not limited to just manipulating the volume. It uses a combined approach that includes three key elements of psychoacoustics and signal processing to form a more convincing and stable sound picture:
- Filtration (Head Shadow Effect): When sound comes from the side, the listener’s head creates an “acoustic shadow” that absorbs or attenuates the high-frequency components of the sound in the opposite ear. TruPan mimics this natural phenomenon by applying the appropriate filtering to the signal in the opposite channel depending on the desired panorama position. This helps the brain to localize the sound source more realistically.
- Delay (Precedence Effect – Haas Effect): The brain uses the time difference of sound arriving at the left and right ears to determine the direction. The sound that arrives earlier at one ear seems to come from that side, even if it is a little quieter in that ear compared to the other. This principle is known as the Precedence Effect or Haas Effect. TruPan applies micro-delays to the signal in one of the channels, creating an illusion of direction that is less dependent on head position than a pure difference in volume.
- Level Manipulation (Intensity): Although TruPan goes beyond simply changing the volume, it still uses this method as part of its comprehensive approach. The combination of level difference, filtration, and delay allows to achieve a more complex and natural perception of space.
Minimization of Phase Problems and Mono Compatibility
Using delay and filtration in panning can potentially create phase problems, especially when listening to the mix in mono. Phase distortions can lead to attenuation or cancellation of certain frequencies when summing the left and right channels, which destroys the balance and readability of the mix. Truality Audio states that TruPan uses “various techniques to minimize phase problems”. This is a critical aspect, ensuring that the mix processed by TruPan sounds correct not only in stereo, but also in mono, which is important for compatibility on different playback systems (radio, TV, some portable devices, etc.).
Constant Presence of Signal
Another distinguishing feature of TruPan is that it “always has sound in both channels (processed accordingly), even when panning to extremes.” This means that even if you pan the instrument fully left, its signal does not completely disappear from the right channel. Instead, it is present at a lower level or processed in such a way that it supports the overall width and connectivity of the stereo image, avoiding the feeling of a “hole” on the opposite side.
Advantages of Using TruPan
- More Stable Sound Picture: Less dependence on the exact listener position.
- Feeling of Auditory Depth: Comprehensive approach to panning adds realism to space.
- Improved Mono Compatibility: Minimizing phase problems ensures correct playback in mono.
- Preservation of Presence: Even with extreme panning, the sound remains in both channels, maintaining stereo width.
- Innovative Approach: Using psychoacoustic principles for better results.
Conclusion
TruPan by Truality Audio is not just another panner. It is an advanced tool that uses the knowledge of psychoacoustics to create a more natural, stable and deep stereo scene. If you are looking for a way to make your mixes more resistant to listening conditions and add a sense of real space to them, TruPan deserves your attention. It offers a fresh look at such a basic but extremely important aspect of mixing as panning and can be a valuable addition to your VST effects arsenal.
