Stereolab is an all-in-one stereo tool from BOOM Library, offering width, mid-side, panning, and delay modules for precise stereo control and mono compatibility in an intuitive interface.
Purpose
Stereolab consolidates essential stereo effects into a single plug-in, letting you shape any audio signal from mono to ultra-wide or collapse a wide field to mono. It is designed as a one-stop solution for stereo imaging on any track, with simple controls for surgical adjustments.
The plug-in includes four modules: Widen, M/S, Stereo, and Width. Widen creates a side signal from any source while preserving the mid signal, M/S adjusts mid-side balance, Stereo offers independent panning and interaural delays, and Width tames signal width with optional low-frequency control.
Key Capabilities
Each module can be reordered to fit your workflow, and a built-in vectorscope provides visual feedback at the end of the chain. Left and right channels are handled independently, allowing precise panning and balance. Interaural time differences can be set via dedicated delays for spatial depth.
The Width module includes a band splitter for selectively controlling low-frequency width, and mono compatibility tools are built in. M/S gain adjustments help add movement or focus to the stereo field. These features make Stereolab flexible for both subtle corrections and extreme widening.
Workflow
Start by inserting Stereolab on your track after other effects, then choose a module order that suits your source. For a mono signal, use Widen to generate stereo width, followed by M/S or Stereo for placement. A vectorscope helps you monitor the stereo image in real time as you adjust.
The low-frequency width control is handy for keeping bass centered, while interaural delays can create Haas-style effects. You can also narrow a mix to mono for compatibility checks, or use panning to place sounds precisely in the field. All controls are straightforward, speeding up routine stereo tasks.
Practical Applications
Stereolab suits drums, synths, sound effects, vocals, and ambient recordings. It turns mono drum loops into spacious, immersive tracks, produces huge synth layers with intricate stereo detail, and adds precise placement or movement to effects. For vocals, it can create flange-like textures, while ambient recordings gain more depth.
It excels whenever you need to control stereo width, correct mono compatibility, or manage low-end balance. The optional band splitter lets you tame bass width without affecting high frequencies. This makes it a practical choice for mixing, sound design, and post-production where stereo imaging matters.
Key features
- Four reorderable stereo modules: Widen, M/S, Stereo, Width
- Left and right independent panning and balance
- Interaural time difference delays for spatial depth
- Built-in vectorscope for visual stereo feedback
- Optional low-frequency width control with band splitter
- Mono compatibility tools included
Best for
Stereolab is ideal for mixers, sound designers, and producers needing quick, flexible stereo control on any audio—from drums and synths to vocals and ambient field recordings. It handles mono-to-stereo widening, precise placement, width taming, and mono checks, making it a versatile add-on to any effects chain.