Working with stereo balancing and panning in complex mixing or mastering sessions often reveals limitations in standard channel strips, especially when low frequencies create unwanted phase anomalies or off center shifts.
Traditional pan pots tend to lose low end focus or alter perceived loudness when pushing signals across the stereo field, forcing engineers to rely on complex routing setups just to keep the bass centered and tight.
The Simple Stereo Balance is our advanced native REAPER JSFX plugin built from the ground up to handle this specific challenge cleanly.
Features
The processing architecture combines precise frequency management with flexible spatial controls to maintain sonic integrity.
- Crossover Bass Center: Filters and keeps all low frequencies below a user defined frequency centered in mono for a focused low end.
- True Stereo Panning: Steers both stereo channels across the soundstage rather than simply attenuating one side.
- Bipolar Haas Delay: Provides direct delay offsets from -70 ms to +70 ms for psychoacoustic spatial widening.
- Hybrid Auto Gain: Matches output loudness to the input using a combination of broadband RMS and short term LUFS measurement.
Workflow and Layout
The user interface follows a vintage hardware mastering console aesthetic designed for clarity and quick navigation during heavy sessions.
- Bakelite Knobs: Rotary controls feature detailed scaling and live numeric feedback boxes underneath.
- Output Fader: Manages final volume levels or displays live loudness compensation when auto gain is active.
- LED Meters: Clean peak meters provide accurate visual monitoring for input and output stages.
Simple Stereo Balance is lightweight, CPU-efficient, and available now for REAPER.