WIDE stereo width plugin by KERN Audio interface

WIDE: Mono-Safe Stereo Width Plugin by KERN Audio

WIDE is a stereo width effect plugin by KERN Audio that widens a mix using allpass decorrelation across 40 ERB-warped bands. It is available in VST3 and AU formats for Windows and macOS.

VST3AUWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

WIDE is built for producers who want more stereo width without losing mono compatibility. Instead of broad delay tricks, it splits the signal into 40 bands and decorrelates each one, with per-band correlation feedback meant to keep every frequency safe when the mix is folded to mono. Its controls are kept to four, so the focus stays on the sound. The plugin ships in VST3 and AU formats and runs on Windows and macOS.

Best for

Mix bus width
Widening synth pads
Mono-safe stereo mixing
High-frequency air
Stereo mid-side balancing

Developer: KERN Audio
Category: Stereo Width
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Three stereo modes: STEREO, M/S and HAAS
40 allpass biquads across ERB-warped bands
Per-band correlation feedback for mono-safe width
Instant MONO button for compatibility checks
FOCUS knob to target a specific frequency range
Four controls for quick adjustment
26 factory presets included
VST3 and AU formats for Windows and macOS

03In depth

Width Curve and Stereo Modes

KERN Audio says WIDE follows a psychoacoustic width curve, placing most of the expansion in the frequency region where human hearing is most sensitive to stereo information. The curve is based on perceptual research, according to the developer.

Three stereo modes are available. STEREO aims for natural width, M/S works on mid-side balance, and HAAS uses delay-based widening. Each mode applies a different strategy, so you can pick the one that suits the material you are processing.

Mono Checking and Frequency Focus

A MONO button lets you check the result in mono instantly, which is useful for catching phase cancellation before it reaches a listener. The FOCUS knob limits the widening to a chosen frequency range, so you can expand only the highs, only the mids, or the full spectrum.

The plugin uses 40 allpass biquads and reports under 3% CPU, according to the developer's figures.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	KERN Audio
Type	Plugin
Category	Stereo Width
Formats	VST3, AU
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does WIDE support?

WIDE is available in VST3 and AU formats. It runs on Windows and macOS, and the developer lists support for Intel and Apple Silicon Macs on macOS 10.13 and later, and Windows 10 and later, both 64-bit.

What do I need to run WIDE?

WIDE runs in any VST3 or AU compatible host on a 64-bit system. The developer lists macOS 10.13 or later on Intel or Apple Silicon, and Windows 10 or later.

Will WIDE cause problems when my mix is summed to mono?

KERN Audio designed WIDE around per-band correlation feedback so that each frequency stays mono-safe. The MONO button lets you check the result immediately.