Utilizing Spatial Enhancement

Today, there are a lot of techniques for stereo-spreading the audio signal. In earlier tutorials, we had covered some of them. However, since modern technologies in the audio production realm are continually advancing, new plugins are emerging daily. Check out the following tutorial to learn how to utilize spatial enhancement!  

Voxengo Spatifier

The Spatifier is a "mono-to-stereo" spatial enhancer plugin that can turn mono tracks into spatially enhanced stereo tracks. It works well with instruments such as guitars, synth instruments, pianos, organs, back vocals, and other sounds. Besides this,  it can be used to add "body" to initially thin sounds. One of its advantages is that it "decorates" the audio signal in the left and right channels while retaining the "mono compatibility." Such decorrelation creates the "as wide as possible" surround effect.  

The Features

Furthermore, the plugin then offers six different spatial impressions ranging from very close, which results in more "in your face" sound, to very far, resulting in more distant, room sound. At its core, it possesses an internal convolution processor. It creates a complex impulse response. The impulse response is defined using graphic equalizer-like controls (which can be adjusted in a freehand mode with the right mouse button). Consequently, this makes it possible to set the spatial effect for each frequency band individually. In many practical cases, a Spatifier adds great warmth and enriches the timbre of the sound being processed.  

After this brief plugin description, let us use a more practical example. As usual, I am using SoundBridge: DAW, and in it, I have recorded a short mono sequence of Mediterranean Bouzouki guitar. So here is how it sounds unprocessed.  

~Bouzouki guitar - unprocessed  

The Interface

Upon loading a fresh instance of the Spatifier plugin on the Bouzouki guitar channel rack, you can notice a simple interface.  

It consists of 16 adjustable frequency bands. The upper set of 16 frequency bands is for the spatial time, while the lower is for the dry mix. On top is a drop-down menu with a selection of 6 spatial impressions ranging from "very close" to "very far." Above that, a preset manager offers some fascinating starting points. Besides that, there is also a "Random Variation" entry field. It allows you to select a random variation of the spatial enhancing effect. Furthermore, on the right side of the interface, we can see a control for the "Dry Mix" amount and "Out Gain." In the end, there is a dedicated built-in meter to monitor possible output signal peaking.  

Practical Examples

Now, let's hear some practical examples of Spatifier in action. I advise you to use a pair of good-quality stereo headphones to fully fully comprehend the effect and difference from an unprocessed Bouzouki guitar.  

~Bouzouki guitar - Spatifier 1

~Bouzouki guitar - Spatifier 2  

In the end, let's add a bit of reverb after the Spatifier to colorize the Bouzouki guitar further.  

~Bouzouki guitar - Spatifier 3 + Reverb