Mid-Side EQ is an audio technique that enhances the mix. Basically, how it works is that the stereo image perceives spatial location of sound sources reproduced on a stereo system. This technique can help a mix to achieve the expansive and immersive qualities that stereo systems typically reproduce. And it does so even without a strong stereo image. To get a consistent result, it is essential to balance and control the width of the stereo of several of the elements involved in the mix.
A Tiny Bit of History
Alan Blumein created and patented Mid-Side processing around 1934. He tried to recreate how the human ear perceives a stereo image. Originally, he intended Mid-Side EQ to enhance a space.
Mid-Side EQ: How It Works
Usually, the shaker loop has a very wide stereo image that does not fit the overall sound image. A quick remedy to fix this issue is to decrease the stereo image of the shaker loop with a stereo image plugin. Regardless, a better technique is to use a Mid-Side EQ. The reason is it is capable of splitting the stereo signal into mid and side channels. (And just as a reminder: the mid-channel involves identical data in both channels of the stereo signal. In contrast, the side channel involves completely different data in the left and right channels of the stereo signal.)
The Full Mix
Many users aim to achieve a full sound mix because it is a more pleasant for the listener. Creating an interesting mix can enhance a variety of sounds within a musical piece, as well as the arrangement of a whole track. You can obtain the full mix through several stereo imaging techniques which include Mid-Side EQ. This method makes adjustments to the specialization of a mix or master.
The user can get Mid-Side EQ in both mono and stereo, so any processing applied would affect the whole stereo signal of an audio track. On the one hand, the mid-channel is in the center of a stereo image. Hence, when the midchannel improves, the listener perceives a mono sound. On the other, the side channel is located at the edges of a stereo image. Hence, when you enhance the sound, the audience perceives it to be clearer.
Listening to the mid mic signal provides a mono signal. When you add a side signal, the original stereo image changes. In brief: the louder the side channel is, the wider the audio. This happens because of a phase correlation between the two microphones.
Mid-Side EQ: Final Thoughts
Mid-Side EQ produces a very attractive sound. Nevertheless, it doesn’t always translate into a better mix. In order to achieve an effective Mid-Side audio processing, it is essential to mix and master the mix using a Mid-Side EQ.
