How do you narrow/un-widen your sounds?
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- KVRist
- 469 posts since 20 Mar, 2024
I like https://nugenaudio.com/focus they have simpler cheaper versions, individual versions and often very good sale prices
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- KVRist
- 96 posts since 27 Feb, 2026
the un-widen problem is usually two layered.
first the source: a stereo synth with a chorus already built in plus a stereo reverb on top is two width stages stacked. fold the chorus to mono or pull the reverb width before reaching for a corrective tool.
second the side band: most apparent "widening" energy lives between 800 Hz and 4 kHz on the side channel. a multiband mid/side eq with a side-only cut between 1 and 3 kHz pulls width down without touching the centred kick or vocal. bitwig's stereo split + utility, fl studio's mid/side knob, or wavesfactory cassette in m/s mode all do it.
mono check after every move. if the centre gets thinner, you over-narrowed.
first the source: a stereo synth with a chorus already built in plus a stereo reverb on top is two width stages stacked. fold the chorus to mono or pull the reverb width before reaching for a corrective tool.
second the side band: most apparent "widening" energy lives between 800 Hz and 4 kHz on the side channel. a multiband mid/side eq with a side-only cut between 1 and 3 kHz pulls width down without touching the centred kick or vocal. bitwig's stereo split + utility, fl studio's mid/side knob, or wavesfactory cassette in m/s mode all do it.
mono check after every move. if the centre gets thinner, you over-narrowed.
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simon.a.billington simon.a.billington https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=341278
- KVRAF
- 2596 posts since 12 Nov, 2014
Usually, I'll try to start at the source if it's an instrument patch. Find out where all the widening is coming from and dialling it back. If you're working with a collaborator you as them to dial it back.
If none of that is possible the simplest solution in Logic is to use its pan control and narrow its with via that. I use it all the time actually, as panning is often more effective when you narrow a sounds width.
Short of that Logic has a Direction Mixer plugin that'll do the same thing or even Waves S1 which is similar again. They're especially handy if you want to narrow the sound before adding additional processing.
If none of that is possible the simplest solution in Logic is to use its pan control and narrow its with via that. I use it all the time actually, as panning is often more effective when you narrow a sounds width.
Short of that Logic has a Direction Mixer plugin that'll do the same thing or even Waves S1 which is similar again. They're especially handy if you want to narrow the sound before adding additional processing.