The Double Wide
Key Features
- Single-knob stereo width control ranging from full mono collapse to expansive widening via M/S processing
- Automatic bass protection with a fixed 180 Hz crossover that keeps low frequencies centered for mono-safe mixes
- 50ms parameter smoothing for click-free, zipper-noise-free automation during live mixing
- Zero-latency processing with minimal CPU overhead — no oversampling or convolution involved
- Universal Binary with native Apple Silicon and Intel support on macOS 10.13 and later
- True mid/side encoding and decoding for phase-coherent width adjustments across the stereo field
Description
The Double Wide by Buchert Audio is a single-knob stereo width plugin for macOS. Turn left to narrow the stereo image toward mono, turn right to widen it — the plugin handles all the mid/side encoding and decoding behind the scenes.
Under the hood it uses true M/S processing with a fixed bass crossover at 180 Hz, keeping low frequencies centered regardless of the width setting. This prevents the phase smearing and low-end muddiness that can happen when widening a full-frequency signal without protection.
Parameter changes are smoothed with a 50ms envelope, so automating the width knob during a mix produces click-free transitions. The plugin adds zero latency and uses minimal CPU — no oversampling or convolution is involved.
Buchert Audio, also known for the paid Warmth Engine and Tonality EQ plugins, designed The Double Wide as a focused utility that does one thing well. Version 1.0.2 ships as a .pkg installer supporting both AU and VST3 formats.
The plugin runs natively on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs, with no license key or activation required. At 7 MB it is one of the smallest stereo imaging tools available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The Double Wide work on Windows or Linux?
No, The Double Wide is macOS-only. It requires macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) or later and ships as a .pkg installer. Buchert Audio has not announced any plans for Windows or Linux versions.
What does the 180 Hz bass crossover actually do?
Frequencies below 180 Hz are automatically summed to mono regardless of the width setting. This prevents low-end phase issues that can cause bass to disappear on mono playback systems like club PA stacks and phone speakers.
Can The Double Wide be used for mid/side processing beyond simple widening?
The plugin is focused on stereo width control only. It handles the M/S encoding and decoding internally but does not expose separate mid and side channels for independent processing. For full M/S EQ or dynamics, a dedicated mid/side plugin is needed.
Does The Double Wide introduce any latency?
No. The plugin operates with zero latency and does not use oversampling or convolution, so it can be placed on any track or bus without causing timing offsets or increasing buffer requirements.
