Widening the Stereo Image

[Punx]

I did some searching on the DUC but couldn't quite track down what I was looking for so any links you guys mave have to other threads would be appreciated. Anyway, the question I have is how do you go about getting that "outside the speakers" sound? I've heard certain recordings that have percussion or maybe even guitar that appears to be outside of the regular field. I heard this effect on an old song The Cars did so I know it wasn't mixed in 5.1 or anything like that. I know they make plug ins for this knd of thing, but obviously I don't have one. So i was curious if there were some other tricks to achieve this effect. Any suggetstion are appreciated.

[MidnightFlyer]

I have a plug-in called DUY Wide, which does a good job of widening the stereo field, but I'm not sure if this is what you mean. Wish I could help you with a workaround technique.

[Punx]

that's exactly the effect i'm talking about and i donloaded the DUY plug in, but i don't have 400 to drop on the plug ins right now. that's why i was looking for a work around. thanks for the suggestion though

[da BaSsTaRd!]

in my (limited) experience with waves S1 (stereo expander), it made my mixes sound a little "out of focus", especially drums. you're probably better off experimenting with panning than looking for a quick fix with a plugin.

you know, a little chorus on guitars and bass really creates a wide stereo field. just keep it to the bare minimum so it doesn't sound too chorus-y...

[Ben Jenssen]

One of the easiest ways is to use an aux track with a short stereo delay on it.

Pan the audio track, and pan the send to the delay to the other side. Very efficient and can give a very wide image even with very low level on the delay.

I do this also with reverb, but you must use two mono aux tracks with mono reverbs on them for it to work. (Most reverbs dont care if you pan the send.)

I too, find that Waves S1 very quickly destroys the focus and punch. No wonder, we’re talking about fiddling with phase.

[Jon Plett]

Hey I'm selling my DUY everpack for $250 american. (I moved to the PC) I talked to DUY and they will change registration over to the new owner as well so you would be a legitimate owner. Maybe this helps
Take care