Widener: Stereo Widening Dynamics Processor by Softube

Widener offers five widening algorithms: Classic, Frequency Spread, Rotation, Ambience and Reflections. According to Softube, these use phase shifting, Mid/Side processing or reverberation techniques to build the stereo image, and each one suits different material.

The Classic and Frequency Spread algorithms are the ones Softube points to when you need the widened signal to stay mono-compatible. Ambience and Reflections take a more reverberant approach to create space.

The goniometer and correlation meter give real-time feedback on stereo width, so you can check what you hear against what the display shows before you commit to a setting.

On a mono track, Widener can create a stereo signal that helps a sound stand out in a dense mix. On a stereo track, you can widen the image to add a sense of depth, or narrow it to bring focus to the center.

Softube also notes that Widener's crossfeed algorithms can be used during mastering to create a more natural and cohesive sound image.

For problem-solving, Softube suggests listening to only the left or right channel while moving the Size parameter on the Classic algorithm. This makes the comb-filter effects easier to hear.