Airy
Key Features
- Frequency-aware widening that measures existing width before adding new Side information
- Drawable stereo field map for shaping target width across the frequency spectrum
- Side-only processing path designed to preserve the mono sum at every width setting
- Generate control for turning mono sources into wider stereo parts inside compatible hosts
- Mono Below and Corr Pos controls for keeping bass focused and correlation in a safer range
- Ride, Diffusion, two assignable LFOs, A/B comparison, and dual visual themes for more animated widening setups
- Perceptual zero-latency engine plus a Spectral mode for a more diffracted texture
Description
Airy is a stereo widening plugin from HARMONICO dsp that treats width as a frequency-aware target instead of a single broad push. Its default engine measures how wide each band already is, then adds only the missing Side information needed to reach the contour you draw on the stereo field map.
That makes it useful for widening narrow stereo material without blindly smearing the whole signal. It can also synthesize Side content from a mono source, so mono synths, vocals, guitars, and keys can be moved into a wider image while the low end stays controlled.
The main safety idea is structural: Airy processes only the Side channel, so the mono sum is preserved by design. Extra controls such as Mono Below, Corr Pos, Ride, Diffusion, two assignable LFOs, A/B comparison, and the alternate Spectral engine give it more range than a one-knob widener.
The official page lists VST3, AU, and AAX support for macOS and Windows, with no activation and no account requirement. Download access starts from the HARMONICO dsp Airy page via an email form, so SSA should route users to that developer-controlled page rather than hosting installer files.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Airy different from a basic stereo widener?
Airy measures the width already present in separate frequency areas and fills only what is missing toward the drawn target. That makes it more selective than a broad widener that pushes the entire signal outward by the same amount.
Can Airy widen mono sounds?
Yes. The Generate control synthesizes Side content from the Mid signal, which lets mono sources become wider stereo parts while still keeping low-frequency control available through Mono Below.
What does Corr Pos do?
Corr Pos keeps left/right correlation at or above zero for a more conservative stereo image. Turning it off allows more extreme width, but the developer recommends watching the goniometer and checking mono when pushing beyond that range.
Why does Airy have two engines?
The Perceptual engine is the default zero-latency mode for transparent width targeting. The Spectral engine adds a more diffracted phase texture and uses FFT latency, so it is better suited to color and sound design.
