Complete Guide to Stereo Width By Rob Jones

A thorough understanding of the width of different elements in a mix is a crucial skill for any producer wanting to create huge, wide-sounding tracks that will translate onto any sound system. On this course by Producertech Senior Tutor Rob Jones, you'll be armed you with all the knowledge you need to achieve this, whether through basic panning and application of various effects, more complex adjustment of phase and frequency, or independent processing of mid and side signals, both on individual sounds, return tracks and the master bus.

Each module discusses a different area of stereo mixing, with in-depth explanations of every technique and examples of how to apply them to drums, synthesisers, vocals and other instruments. Once a multitude of techniques have been thoroughly explored, there are 3 bonus lessons, including a lengthy tutorial that puts everything into practice whilst mixing an actual track. Throughout the tutorials, various Effects Racks are made, which come bundled with the course, so students not only learn about the inner workings of these advanced effects setups but also have instant presets to load up and apply to their mixes.

Alongside the streamed video lessons, accessible on any online devices, students can also download comprehensive written notes that accompany each module, featuring clear explanations to aid with the learning process. With feedback and assistance always available via the Producertech website, this course will truly take your stereo mixing abilities to the next level. For more information and to see an example of the course content, check out the sample module movie, featured below:

Module 1: Panning and the Utility Effect

Beginning with an explanation of what the stereo width of a signal is, this module then goes on to demonstrate how panning can be used to achieve a wider signal. The lesson also shows how the utility effect can be used to gain greater control over mid and side signals.

Module 2: Delay

This lesson shows how simple delay, ping pong delay, and filter delay can all be used to widen a signal.

Module 3: Chorus

This lesson shows how the chorus effect can be used to generate stereo width, and how this can be shaped by a filter to clean up the mix.

Module 4: Reverb

The module begins with a guide on using utility to check the processing on samples. Then, Live's reverb effect is explored, with each parameter's effect on the stereo width of a signal clearly demonstrated.

Module 5: Detuning

The effect of detuning on stereo width is explored in detail, and there is a guide on detuning a synth patch to thicken it, as well some tips on detuning a vocal sample to widen it.

Module 6: Adjusting Phase

There is an explanation of what phase is, and its impact on a signal. Then, the module teaches how to adjust the phase of a signal using the utility effect.

Module 7: Mid/Side EQ

This lesson teaches how to EQ left and right, and mid and side signals differently to increase the width of a signal.

Module 8: Other Mid/Side Processing

A variety of other effects used to process the side signal are demonstrated, including compression, frequency shifter and grain delay.

Module 9: Rack Presets

This lesson goes though the effect racks built throughout the course so far, and shows how to use them in Live.

Bonus Module 1: Building a Chorus Rack

A step by step guide to constructing a fully customisable chorus rack using simple delay and other live devices.

Bonus Module 2: Stereo Plugins

A brief look at some 3rd party stereo width plugins.

Bonus Module 3: Putting it all Together

A detailed look at the stereo considerations of individual tracks, return tracks and the master channel in a real life mixdown scenario.