Mid Side is a stereo microphone setup that involves recording and processing two individual signals to create a stereo image. By splitting the audio signal into its Mid component (the center-panned sound) and its Side component (the stereo information around the center-panned sound), engineers can control the stereo width and positioning in post-production.
The Mid Side technique is commonly used in music production, film sound, and sound design to create a more natural-sounding stereo field, reduce phasing issues, and add depth and dimensionality to the overall mix. In essence, the Mid Side technique is a way to manipulate the stereo field in a more flexible and precise way than traditional stereo recording techniques.
Its versatility and usefulness have made it a staple in audio engineering, and it has become a valuable tool for producers, mixers, and sound designers alike.
Credit: zerohour.uk.com
The Basics
The Basics:
If you are a music producer or a sound engineer, you might have come across the term “mid side” during your work. Mid side is a popular technique that is used to enhance the stereo image of the tracks. In simple words, it helps to tweak the wide and narrow aspects of a stereo recording to get a more natural-sounding mix. But what exactly is mid side? How does it work? In this article, we will explore these questions and give you a basic understanding of this technique.
What Is Mid Side?
Mid side is a stereo recording and mixing technique that involves splitting the recording into two separate tracks – one for the mono or center part of the sound, and another for the stereo or side part of the sound. The mid channel contains all the sounds that are common to both left and right channels, such as vocals, bass, kick drums, and snare drums, while the side channel contains all the sounds that are unique to each channel, such as guitars, synths, cymbals, and reverb.
How Does Mid Side Work?
The mid side technique works by manipulating the volume level and the phase relationship between the mid and side channels. By adjusting the level of the side channel, you can increase or decrease the perceived width of the stereo image. For example, if you want to make the sound wider, you can increase the level of the side channel. On the other hand, if you want a more centered sound, you can decrease the level of the side channel.
The phase relationship between the mid and side channels also plays a crucial role in the mid side technique. By changing the phase of the side channel, you can create a sense of space and depth in the mix. For example, if you want to push a sound back in the mix, you can delay the side channel. Conversely, if you want to bring a sound forward, you can advance the side channel.
By combining the level and phase manipulation of the mid and side channels, you can achieve a wide range of effects with the mid side technique. For instance, you can create a more natural sounding stereo image, with a better sense of space and depth. You can also make the mix sound wider or narrower, depending on the needs of the track. The possibilities are endless.
Credit: zerohour.uk.com
Applications
Mid Side is a technique that allows sound engineers to manipulate the stereo width of a mix without affecting its overall volume. This is done by separating the mid and side channels of a stereo signal, applying different processing to each, and then recombining them.
Mid Side is used in a variety of contexts, from music production to film scoring to live sound. It’s a versatile technique that can help improve the clarity, depth, and width of audio recordings.
Music Production
In music production, Mid Side is commonly used to enhance the stereo width of a mix. By adjusting the levels of the mid and side channels, engineers can create a more full-sounding mix that can help a track stand out from others.
Mastering
When mastering, Mid Side processing can be used to improve the overall sound of a mix. Mid Side EQ can be used to adjust the balance and clarity of a mix, while Mid Side compression can help control the dynamic range of a track.
Live Sound
In live sound, Mid Side processing can help improve the clarity and definition of a mix, especially in challenging acoustic environments. By separately processing the mid and side channels, engineers can adjust the sound to better suit the venue and the audience.
Film Scoring
In film scoring, Mid Side processing can be used to create depth and space in the score. By separating the center and side channels of a recording, composers can create a more immersive sound that can help convey the emotional impact of a scene. Overall, Mid Side processing is a powerful technique that can be used in a variety of audio contexts. Whether you’re a music producer, sound engineer, or composer, mastering this technique can help take your recordings to the next level.
Setting Up Mid Side Processing
Mid Side processing is a technique used in audio mixing to adjust the stereo field. It involves separating the mid and side components of a stereo signal, making it easier to adjust the balance and create a more dynamic mix.
Mid Side processing is a powerful tool in mix engineering that allows producers to control the stereo width of their tracks. In simple terms, it splits the signal into a middle channel and a side channel and processes them separately. Here’s how to set it up:
Determine If Music Is Stereophonic
Before you start, you need to determine if the music you’re working on is stereophonic. Some music is recorded in mono, meaning there’s no difference between the left and right channels. In this case, Mid Side processing won’t make any difference, and you can skip this step. If the music is in stereo, you need to make sure you have a Mid Side plugin that can separate the middle and side channels.
The Required Plugins
There are many Mid Side plugins available, both free and paid. Some popular choices include Waves Center, Ozone Imager by iZotope, and bx_solo by Brainworx. Make sure the plugin you choose works with your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) and supports Mid Side processing. Once you’ve installed the plugin, open it on your DAW and insert it on the track you want to process.
Setting Levels
Now that you’ve got your plugin up and running, it’s time to set the levels. The first thing you want to do is balance the center and side levels. The center channel should be louder than the sides, but not too much. Aim for a balance of around 3-6 dB. Once you’re happy with the level balance, you can start processing the sides. Use EQ or stereo imaging plugins to adjust the stereo width to your liking. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much widening can result in a thin and weak mix. In conclusion, Mid Side processing is a technique that can greatly enhance the stereo image of your tracks. By separating the middle and side channels, you can achieve a more controlled and balanced mix. Follow these steps to set it up correctly and take your mixes to the next level.
Credit: www.soundonsound.com
Advanced Techniques
Mid-side processing is an advanced mixing technique that helps separate the center and side information of a stereo signal. By adjusting the volume of the center and side information, you can create width, depth, and control over the stereo image.
Mid Side processing has become an increasingly popular technique in music production. It involves extracting the mid and side information from a stereo track and processing them separately. This opens up a whole range of creative possibilities and advanced techniques that can take your mix to the next level. Let’s take a closer look at some of the advanced mid side processing techniques.
Mid Side Eq
Mid Side EQ is a technique that allows you to apply different equalization to the mid and side channels. This can help to create a more balanced mix and make certain elements stand out. For example, you may want to boost the mid frequencies of a vocal to make it more present in the mix, while cutting the mid frequencies of a guitar to make it sit better in the background.
Mid Side Compression
Mid Side compression is a technique that involves compressing the mid and side channels separately. This can help to control the dynamics of a mix and create more space in the stereo field. For example, you may want to compress the mid channel of a drum bus to tighten up the kick and snare, while leaving the side channels uncompressed to retain the width.
Mid Side Reverb/delay
Mid Side reverb and delay are techniques that allow you to apply different amounts of reverb or delay to the mid and side channels. This can help to create a more realistic sense of space and depth in your mix. For example, you may want to add more reverb to the side channels of a vocal to create a wider sense of space, while keeping the mid channel drier to maintain clarity and focus. Overall, mid side processing is a powerful technique that can help you to achieve a more professional and polished sound. By using these advanced techniques, you can take your mixes to the next level and create something truly unique and memorable.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Mid side is a powerful technique in mixing audio that can enhance the stereo image of your mix. However, when using mid side, there are common mistakes you need to avoid. These mistakes can lead to suboptimal results, or even damage your mix. In this article, we will look at these common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Mixing In Mid Side Without Headphones
Mixing in mid side without headphones is one of the most common mistakes beginners make. This mistake occurs when you mix and pan your tracks to the center or sides without checking the mix in headphones. Without using headphones, you won’t be able to hear the difference and the impact of the mid side processing.
When mixing in mid side, always use headphones to avoid this mistake. Headphones will help you hear the stereo field and identify any issues that need addressing.
Not Testing The Mix In Mono
Another common mistake when using mid side is not testing your mix in mono. When a song is played in mono, both left and right channels are combined to create a single track. If your mix has phase issues, combining the signals into mono will make the issues more pronounced.
Testing your mix in mono will help you identify any phase issues and ensure that your mix will sound good on a mono system. Make sure you test your mix in mono before finalizing your mix.
As you can see, mid side is a potent technique in mixing audio that can enhance your mix’s stereo field. However, it’s essential to avoid these common mistakes to ensure that you get the best out of it. Remember to use headphones when mixing in mid side and test your mix in mono to identify any phase issues. By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to creating a great mix using mid side processing.
Frequently Asked Questions Of How Does Mid Side Work
What Does Mid-side Do?
Mid-side is a stereo recording technique that separates sounds into two channels. The “mid” channel captures the center-panned instruments and vocals, while the “side” channel captures the stereo information from the left and right channels. This technique allows for greater control over the stereo mix during post-production.
How Does Mid-side Encoding Work?
Mid-side encoding is a technique to process stereo audio signals that separates the mono (center) and stereo (side) components. The center and side channels are then processed separately, allowing for greater control over the stereo image. This technique can be used for mastering, sound design, and broadcasting.
How Do You Calculate Mid-side?
Mid-side is calculated by using two microphones, one placed in the center and another one is placed on the side. The mid-signal is then derived by combining both microphones while the side-signal is obtained by subtracting the side microphone’s signal from the center microphone’s signal.
What Is An Example Of Mid-side Processing?
An example of mid-side processing is a technique in audio engineering that adjusts the level and stereo width of the midpoint and the sides of a stereo signal separately. This allows greater control over the balance between instruments and vocals in a mix.
Conclusion
Mid-side processing may seem like a complicated technique, but it is actually a versatile and powerful tool for sound engineers and producers. The ability to manipulate the stereo image of a recording provides endless creative possibilities, from widening the mix to isolating and enhancing elements.
By using mid-side processing, mixers can achieve greater control over the balance and depth of music, resulting in a more dynamic and engaging listening experience. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional, mid-side processing is a valuable technique to have in your audio toolkit.