Table of Contents
Introduction
Stereo imaging plugins are essential tools in the arsenal of modern music producers and mix engineers. These plugins can help widen the stereo field, create depth, and add spatial interest to your mixes. In this article, we'll cover the top free stereo imaging plugins, sorted alphabetically by the developer's name, that can help you enhance your mixes without breaking the bank.
Alex Hilton A1StereoControl
A1StereoControl is an excellent free stereo imager VST. You can easily shape the width of any sound using a single knob, and its "Safe Bass" button allows you to center the low-end information below a chosen frequency, ensuring a clear and punchy bass.
Aegean Music Doppler Dome
Doppler Dome is a creative and useful plugin that adds unique and unexpected panning to your mixes. Its interactive display lets you alter the path of your signal and create custom automation, perfect for adding interest to your soundscapes.
Auburn Sounds Panagement 2
Panagement 2 is an all-in-one spatial processing tool that combines a realistic binaural panner, distance fader, and stereo widener. It's perfect for creating immersive soundscapes and simulating the perception of space in your mixes.
Boz Digital Labs Width
Boz Digital Labs Width is a simple yet effective stereo imaging plugin that allows you to adjust the width of your stereo image. With its rotary control, you can narrow the image down to mono or even invert the phase of your signal for creative mixing possibilities.
FLUX Stereo Tool V3
Stereo Tool V3 is a free stereo imager plugin with many detailed features loved by audio experts. Its excellent handling of parameters and presets allows for improved workflow, while its input gain controls and phase inversion feature make it a versatile tool for enhancing your mixes.
iZotope Ozone Imager V2
iZotope's Ozone Imager V2 is a powerful and user-friendly plugin that offers control over the width of any sound. Its vectorscope lets you visualize your stereo image, making it easy to fine-tune your mixes.
Polyverse and Infected Mushrooms Wider
Wider by Polyverse is a simple yet effective imaging plugin that allows you to add the illusion of stereo width to any mono signal without any phase issues. Its unique algorithm keeps the sound natural even when pushed to extreme settings.
QuikQuak Upstereo
Upstereo is a quick and easy-to-use stereo enhancer that allows you to add width, depth, and punch to your mixes. Its simple interface makes it perfect for those looking to add stereo interest without getting bogged down in complex settings.
RDGAudio STAGE
STAGE is a free gain staging and stereo-enhancing plugin with several modes, including narrow, mono, stereo, normal, wide, wider, and super wide. It also features pan control, factory presets, and user presets in .rdg format.
Voxengo Stereo Touch
Voxengo Stereo Touch is a professional track stereo-widener and mid-side stereo delay plugin that implements a classic technique of transforming a monophonic track into a spacious stereophonic track using mid/side coding. Effective on monophonic sounds without overly sharp transients, it works great for acoustic and electric guitars, synthetic pads, and vocals.
Conclusion
Stereo imaging is an essential aspect of modern music production, and these free plugins provide powerful tools for enhancing your mixes. From simple stereo wideners to complex mid/side processors, you'll find a plugin to suit your needs and help you create professional-sounding tracks.
