The audio engineering world has a new player in the game, and they're making waves with their innovative approach to mastering. Panorama Audio Labs, a fresh face on the scene, has just released their debut plugin, Panoramic, and it's a game-changer for stereo field processing.
In a market saturated with phase and delay tricks that often fall short in mono, Panorama Audio Labs has taken a different route. Their plugin, Panoramic, offers a unique and controlled way to widen and shape the stereo image, ensuring a professional and polished sound without compromising the mono fold-down.
The Power of Parallel Processing
Panoramic's secret lies in its four parallel modules, each with a specific role in shaping the stereo field. The Width module determines the extent to which the image opens up, either across the entire signal or in parallel. This allows for precise control over the stereo width, a crucial aspect of mastering.
The Density module adds parallel compression exclusively to the sides, enhancing quiet details without affecting the center. This subtle yet powerful tool ensures that the low-level nuances are lifted, adding depth and clarity to the mix.
What makes Panoramic truly stand out is its Character module. This module brings odd-order saturation to the sides, adding weight and energy to the stereo image. The Steal function within this module is particularly intriguing; it pulls harmonics from the mid channel and feeds them into the sides, creating a unique and rich sound.
A Touch of Air and Control
The Air module is a dynamic EQ focused on the high frequencies, taming cymbals and sibilance for a more present and polished sound. It adds a touch of excitement to the top end, ensuring that the mix shines without harshness.
An elliptical filter keeps the low end mono, offering flexibility in its placement before or after the modules. This allows engineers to decide whether they want a cleaner result by keeping the lows out of the processing or a more interactive sound by letting them engage with the modules before folding to mono.
Oversampling and Interface
Panoramic offers 2x and 4x oversampling, providing a smoother and more detailed sound. The I/O can be linked or unlinked for precise gain staging, and the mix control ranges from 0 to 200%, offering a wide range of creative possibilities. The scalable interface ensures that Panoramic is accessible and user-friendly, a welcome addition to any engineer's toolkit.
A Mastering Engineer's Vision
Panoramic is the brainchild of Melbourne mastering engineer Nicholas Di Lorenzo, who developed the plugin from his own custom chains used on his masters. His vision was to create a tool that offers control and precision, rather than a one-knob widener. It's a plugin designed by an engineer, for engineers, with a deep understanding of the mastering process and the challenges it presents.
With its unique approach to stereo field processing, Panoramic is a welcome addition to the audio engineering landscape. It offers a fresh perspective on an essential aspect of mastering, providing engineers with the tools to create professional and dynamic mixes.
So, if you're an audio engineer looking to take your mastering to the next level, Panoramic is definitely worth exploring. It's a plugin that combines innovation with a deep respect for the art of mastering, and it's sure to become a go-to tool for many in the industry.
