WIDE stereo widener plug-in interface by Zynaptiq

WIDE: Stereo Widener and Mono-to-Stereo Upmixer by Zynaptiq

WIDE is a stereo image widening and mono-to-stereo upmixing plug-in by Zynaptiq. It offers four algorithms, three stereo-to-stereo and one mono-to-stereo, with frequency-dependent width control and a broadband or frequency-dependent mono fold-down check.

VST3AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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01Overview

WIDE is built for producers who need more width without the artifacts that often come with widening processors. Zynaptiq says it avoids M/S widening, modulation and per-channel EQ, which the developer links to fewer coloration issues. The plug-in can widen a stereo mix or create a stereo image from a mono source, and it is aimed at mixing, sound design and mastering work where the result has to hold up in mono.

Best for

Stereo mix widening
Mono-to-stereo upmixing
Mastering width control
Film post immersive assets
Bass-mono midrange widening

Developer: Zynaptiq
Category: Stereo Width
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Stereo-to-stereo widening and mono-to-stereo upmixing
Four algorithms: three stereo-to-stereo, one mono-to-stereo
Patented spectral processing and resynthesis, per Zynaptiq
Default output that stays intact when folded to mono
Switch for checking the mono mixdown
Frequency-dependent width via BIAS curves and hover menu
Broadband and frequency-dependent fold-down to mono
64-bit internal processing with a zoomable GUI up to 200%

03In depth

Stereo Widening and Mono-to-Stereo Upmixing

WIDE offers four algorithms: three for stereo-to-stereo widening and one for mono-to-stereo upmixing. Zynaptiq describes its approach as spectral processing combined with resynthesis and feature extraction. Rather than widening the original signal directly, WIDE extracts components suitable for widening, modifies or regenerates them, and distributes the result across the stereo field while leaving the original audio untouched.

The developer says the plug-in is 100% mono-compatible. By default, the added components do not cancel when the output is folded to mono. A switch lets you check the mono mixdown, and a button lets you remove the effect in mono if you prefer.

Frequency-Dependent Width Control

The main WIDTH control can go negative, which narrows the stereo image down to mono. Frequency dependency is handled by Zynaptiq's BIAS functionality. You can select a preset BIAS curve from a hover menu or draw your own with graphic EQ-style sliders, then set the amount.

This makes it possible to widen the midrange while bass stays mono and the treble is left alone. The GUI is fully vectorized and zooms up to 200%.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

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

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does WIDE support?

WIDE is available in VST3, AU and AAX formats.

Which operating systems can run WIDE?

WIDE runs on Windows and macOS. The macOS version requires macOS 10.15 or newer, and the Windows version requires Windows 10 or newer.

What do I need to use WIDE?

WIDE needs a 64-bit VST3, AU or AAX compatible host that processes audio as 32-bit float. Activation uses an iLok.com account, either machine-based or on an iLok 2 or 3 device, and requires an internet connection for software activation.

Does WIDE stay mono-compatible?

Zynaptiq says the added components do not cancel or phase when folded to mono by default. You can turn the effect off in mono with a button, and a switch is provided to check the mono mixdown.