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moosers
Published on 09/01/11 at 09:22
Sonalksis' StereoTools is one of the plug-ins found in Sonalksis' Mastering Suite. I think the plug-in is also available on it's own, but it's going to be cheaper if you get the full bundle. The plug-ins is essentially an in depth stereo processing and spatial effects, designed to give your mixes a wider spread. The plug-in is available for both Mac and PC systems and in RTAS, VST, and AU plug-in formats. I don't own the Mastering Suite as I've only used it on my room mate's system who has it. The interface of the plug-in itself is actually pretty in depth, especially for a stereo spread plug-in, which are usually pretty simple. It's got sliders for controlling balance, width, and left and right channel panning, as well as an overall output leveler. You can also invert phase for each stereo channel and use M/S if you'd like. There's also a nifty graph that can be set in a few different modes. I don't believe that a manual is something that's necessary.
SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE
I don't own the Sonalksis StereoTools plug-in or the Mastering Suite that this is a part of, but I've used it a bunch at one of the studios I work at on a freelance basis. I don't have the specs of the computer they've got there off the top of my head, but it's an all Pro Tools HD system and can handle pretty much any plug-in, especially if it's being used only on the master buss. Of course as always it depends on what kind of system you have, but those who can run their DAW comfortably shouldn't have too much of a problem with StereoTools.
OVERALL OPINION
Sonalksis' StereoTools is one of the most complete stereo spread plug-ins that I've come across. While I don't find myself using it all that often, I will use it for getting a wider spread on some tracks for mixing and even more so on the master buss. I'd recommend checking out the Mastering Suite from Sonalksis as it's pretty complete and I think it's the best way to get this plug-in. It's not the cheapest if you were to get it on it's own, and as per usual you'll save some money if you get it within the bundle. Sonalksis makes some great plug-ins and this is a good example of their top quality work - definitely a cool plug-in to have around but not the most necessary for everyone out there.
SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE
I don't own the Sonalksis StereoTools plug-in or the Mastering Suite that this is a part of, but I've used it a bunch at one of the studios I work at on a freelance basis. I don't have the specs of the computer they've got there off the top of my head, but it's an all Pro Tools HD system and can handle pretty much any plug-in, especially if it's being used only on the master buss. Of course as always it depends on what kind of system you have, but those who can run their DAW comfortably shouldn't have too much of a problem with StereoTools.
OVERALL OPINION
Sonalksis' StereoTools is one of the most complete stereo spread plug-ins that I've come across. While I don't find myself using it all that often, I will use it for getting a wider spread on some tracks for mixing and even more so on the master buss. I'd recommend checking out the Mastering Suite from Sonalksis as it's pretty complete and I think it's the best way to get this plug-in. It's not the cheapest if you were to get it on it's own, and as per usual you'll save some money if you get it within the bundle. Sonalksis makes some great plug-ins and this is a good example of their top quality work - definitely a cool plug-in to have around but not the most necessary for everyone out there.