MS Widener
Key Features
- Applies stereo widening above a selectable crossover so the bass can remain centered.
- Width control narrows toward mono below 100% and expands the image above the source's natural spread.
- Mono Beneath collapses the low-frequency region to mono at a user-selected crossover point.
- Huge mode provides a more pronounced widening character, reaching up to 300% at the top of the control.
- Correlation-aware pull-back reduces the extra Huge-mode widening when correlation falls below -0.3.
- Built-in goniometer shows the stereo field and channel correlation in real time.
- Bass Monitor solos the mono-collapsed low end for focused low-frequency checks.
Description
MS Widener is a stereo-width effect from ModulTone that expands the upper part of a mix while keeping the bass centered below a chosen crossover. It gives producers a direct way to widen pads, guitars, backing vocals, synths, and mix busses without applying the same spread to the low end.
The main Width control runs from narrowing toward mono through expansion beyond the source's natural spread. Mono Beneath sets the crossover that collapses lower frequencies to mono, while Bass Monitor lets you audition that protected low-frequency signal on its own.
Huge mode adds a deliberately stronger widening character for sources that benefit from an obvious effect. At high settings it can extend width to 300%, but the plug-in pulls the extra widening back when correlation drops below the developer's stated threshold, so the control has a built-in safeguard rather than simply pushing outward unchecked.
A real-time goniometer displays the stereo field and channel correlation as settings change. MS Widener is supplied as VST3 and AU for current Windows and macOS systems; use the meter alongside a mono check when making assertive width decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does MS Widener keep the bass centered?
Mono Beneath sets a crossover below which the signal is collapsed to mono. The widening is then applied above that point, allowing the low end to stay in the center while the upper range opens outward.
What does Huge mode do?
Huge is the plug-in's more aggressive widening character. It can extend the width to 300%, but ModulTone notes that it is obviously processed and may introduce phase problems on material that cannot support that amount of expansion.
What can I check with Bass Monitor?
Bass Monitor solos the signal that has been collapsed to mono below the Mono Beneath crossover. It is intended to help you hear exactly what is being protected in the low-frequency range.
Does MS Widener require an account or a card?
ModulTone states that the download requires one email address and no card. Its FAQ says MS Widener is the full plug-in, will remain that way, and has no paid version to upgrade to.
