The Util
Key Features
- Independent gain control separate from DAW fader for surgical volume adjustments without disrupting mix balance
- Stereo width adjustment to expand or narrow the stereo image on any track, bus, or master
- Intelligent bass control that converts sub-frequency content to mono for tighter, more focused low-end translation
- Phase inversion for left and right channels to quickly identify and resolve phasing issues
- Precision panning control within the plugin for creative automation separate from DAW panning
- Compatible with all major DAWs including Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Ableton Live, FL Studio, Cubase, Reaper, and Studio One
Description
The Util by Cr8ive Audio is a multi-purpose utility plugin that consolidates gain compensation, stereo width control, phase inversion, panning, and bass mono compatibility into a single clean interface. It is designed for use on individual tracks, group buses, and the stereo master.
The gain control adjusts volume independently from your DAW's track fader, allowing you to keep the fader purely for overall level while making surgical gain changes inside the plugin. Stereo width can be added or reduced to tighten or expand the stereo image as needed.
An intelligent bass control function converts sub-frequency signals into mono, ensuring a solid and focused low-end that translates across all playback systems. Phase inversion buttons for left and right channels help identify and fix phasing issues quickly.
One practical advantage is the separation of static mix balancing from creative automation. Instead of automating your main fader, you can handle volume, width, and pan adjustments inside The Util and leave the track fader clean for overall level changes.
The Util is available in AAX, AU, and VST3 formats for macOS 10.15 or higher (Intel and Apple Silicon native) and Windows 10. It requires 64-bit only and at least 4 GB of RAM.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where should The Util be placed in the signal chain?
Placement matters depending on what you want to achieve. Widening a signal before a limiter affects how the limiter responds to peaks, changing perceived loudness. Experiment with placement before and after other processing to get the best results.
Can The Util replace my DAW's built-in utility plugin?
The Util covers the core functions of most built-in utilities (gain, pan, phase, width) and adds the bass mono feature. It works across all major DAWs, making it useful if you switch between DAWs and want a consistent workflow.
How does the bass mono function work?
The bass control converts sub-frequency signals below a certain threshold to mono. This ensures the low-end is centered and focused, which is especially important for club playback systems and vinyl mastering where wide bass causes issues.
