Stereo Spread in MainStage
Stereo Spread is generally used when mastering. There are several ways to extend the stereo base (or the perception of space), including using reverbs or other effects and altering the signal phase. These options can sound good, but they can also weaken the overall sound of your mix by ruining transient responses, for example.
Stereo Spread extends the stereo base by distributing a selectable number of frequency bands from the middle frequency range to the left and right channels. This is done alternately—middle frequencies to the left channel, middle frequencies to the right channel, and so on. This greatly increases the perception of stereo width without making the sound totally unnatural, especially when it is used on mono recordings.
To add Stereo Spread to your concert, choose Imaging > Stereo Spread in a channel strip Audio Effect plug-in menu. See Add and remove plug-ins in MainStage.
Stereo Spread parameters
Lower Intensity slider and field: Set the amount of stereo base extension for the lower frequency bands.
Upper Intensity slider and field: Set the amount of stereo base extension for the upper frequency bands.
Note: When setting the Lower Int and Upper Int sliders, be aware that the stereo effect is most apparent in the middle and higher frequencies. Distributing low frequencies between the left and right speakers can significantly alter the energy of the overall mix. Use low values for the Lower Int parameter and avoid setting the Lower Freq parameter below 300 Hz.
Graphic display: Shows the number of bands the signal is divided into and the effect intensity in the upper and lower frequency bands. The upper section represents the left channel. The lower section represents the right channel. The frequency scale displays frequencies in ascending order, from left to right.
Upper/Lower Frequency slider and fields: Determine the highest and lowest frequencies that are redistributed in the stereo image.
Order knob and field: Determine the number of frequency bands that the signal is divided into. A value of 8 is usually sufficient for most tasks, but you can use up to 12 bands.