Spotlight Stereo Shaper
Key Features
- Shape stereo position and width together using a single point on a polar surface.
- Move inward to widen the image or outward to focus it into a narrower space.
- See the signal direction and spread through a responsive arc.
- Watch the arc change color when width may affect mono compatibility.
- Adjust focus independently with the mouse wheel or pan with right-click dragging.
- Reset pan and focus together with Ctrl-click.
Description
Spotlight is a stereo shaping plugin by Daniel Fernandes that combines pan and width in a single visual control. Drag a point around its semicircular surface to place a sound in the stereo field and adjust how broadly it spreads.
Moving the point inward widens the image, while moving it toward the outer edge focuses it. An arc shows the signal's direction and spread, changing toward warmer colors when the image becomes very wide to help flag potential mono compatibility concerns.
The design suits quick placement of stereo recordings when you want to narrow a part and move it to one side in the same gesture. Bedroom Producers Blog found the interface intuitive and noted that the plugin does not offer separate frequency-band controls.
For more targeted adjustments, the mouse wheel changes focus without changing pan, while right-click dragging adjusts pan alone. Ctrl-click resets both controls, making it easy to return to the starting position.
Spotlight is a beta, and its developer has tested Windows and Linux builds in VST3 and CLAP hosts. The macOS and AUv2 builds are untested, so check compatibility with your own host before relying on them in a session.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I adjust width and pan separately?
Scroll the mouse wheel to adjust focus alone, or right-click and drag to change pan. Ctrl-click resets both settings.
Which systems and plugin formats are supported?
Spotlight is offered for Windows, Linux and macOS in VST3, CLAP and AUv2 formats. The developer has tested VST3 and CLAP on Windows and Linux; macOS and AUv2 builds remain untested.
Does Spotlight check mono compatibility?
Its arc changes toward warmer colors when the sound becomes too wide, providing a visual cue about potential mono compatibility. Check the result in mono in your host as well.
How much does Spotlight cost?
The developer offers it with no minimum price, with optional payment. BPB reports that guest checkout asks for an email address and display name.
