WIDE is an advanced audio plug-in for stereo image widening and mono-to-stereo upmixing, using spectral processing for natural, mono-compatible results.
Purpose and Core Technology
WIDE is a stereo image widening and mono-to-stereo upmixing plug-in from Zynaptiq. Unlike traditional processors that rely on mid-side manipulation, modulation effects, or per-channel EQ, WIDE uses patented sample-accurate spectral processing with feature extraction and resynthesis. This approach analyzes the input to identify time-frequency components suitable for widening, then generates or modifies similar content and distributes it across the stereo field.
The result is a widening effect that avoids common artifacts like phasing and coloration, making it suitable for critical applications such as mastering. The plug-in offers both stereo-to-stereo widening and mono-to-stereo upmixing, providing flexibility for music mixing, film post, and sound design.
Key Capabilities
WIDE features four unique algorithms: three for stereo-to-stereo processing and one for mono-to-stereo upmixing. It provides 100% mono compatibility by default, ensuring that the added width components do not cancel or phase when folded down to mono. Users can optionally choose to have the effect disappear in mono, and a dedicated switch allows quick checking of the mono mixdown.
The WIDTH control can go negative, narrowing the image down to mono. Frequency-dependent operation is handled via Zynaptiq’s BIAS hover-menu, allowing users to select preset bias curves or create custom ones with a graphic EQ-style slider set. The plug-in supports broadband and frequency-dependent fold-down to mono, and includes 64-bit internal processing.
Workflow and Usability
WIDE is designed for a fast and streamlined workflow, featuring a fully vectorized GUI with zoom up to 200%. The frequency-dependent operation is intuitive, letting users quickly adjust the width across different frequency ranges. Preset bias curves can be selected via hover menu, or custom curves can be drawn, and the amount of width is easily adjustable.
The plug-in’s advanced technology means it does not require traditional M/S settings or complex routing, simplifying the setup process. This makes it accessible for both novice and experienced users, allowing them to focus on creative decisions rather than technical troubleshooting.
Practical Applications
WIDE is suitable for a range of audio tasks. In music mixing, it can add dimensionality to individual tracks or entire mixes without compromising mono compatibility. For mastering, its artifact-free nature makes it a safe choice for widening the final stereo image. In film post-production, the mono-to-stereo algorithm is particularly useful for creating immersive environments from location recordings or designed effects assets.
Sound designers can use WIDE to create new sounds with expanded spatial characteristics. Its ability to upmix mono sources to stereo with natural results opens up creative possibilities for adding depth and width to otherwise centered material.
Key features
- Four unique algorithms: three stereo-to-stereo, one mono-to-stereo
- 100% mono-compatible output by default, with option to disable
- Frequency-dependent width control with negative values for narrowing
- Zynaptiq BIAS hover-menu for preset or custom bias curves
- Broadband and frequency-dependent fold-down to mono
- 64-bit internal processing
- Streamlined GUI with zoom up to 200%
Best for
WIDE is best for engineers and producers needing natural, artifact-free stereo widening or mono-to-stereo upmixing, particularly in mastering, music mixing, and film post-production where mono compatibility and high quality are critical.