In the ever-evolving world of audio production, Panorama Audio Labs has made a bold entrance with their inaugural plugin, Panoramic. This innovative tool promises to revolutionize the way we approach mastering, offering a fresh perspective on stereo field manipulation.
The Panoramic Approach
Panoramic takes a unique approach to widening and shaping the stereo image, focusing on side-signal processing rather than the traditional phase and delay techniques. This method ensures a more stable and controlled result, especially when dealing with mono compatibility.
Key Features
Width: This module allows you to control the stereo image's openness, either in parallel or across the entire signal.
Density: A parallel compression feature that enhances quiet details on the sides, leaving the center untouched.
Character: Adds odd-order saturation to the sides, providing weight and energy. The Steal function here is particularly intriguing, as it transfers harmonics from the mid channel to the sides, creating a richer sound.
Air: Lifts the high-end frequencies for a more present sound, and includes a dynamic EQ to tame any harshness.
Elliptical Filter: Keeps the low end mono, offering flexibility by running before or after the modules, depending on the desired result.
Technical Details
Panoramic offers 2x and 4x oversampling, linked or unlinked I/O for precise gain staging, and a mix control ranging from 0 to 200%. The interface is scalable, ensuring a comfortable workflow. It's currently available for macOS 11 or later, on both Apple silicon and Intel platforms, with support for AU, VST3, and AAX formats.
The Vision Behind Panoramic
Created by Melbourne mastering engineer Nicholas Di Lorenzo, Panoramic is a reflection of his custom chains used in his own mastering work. The plugin aims to provide precise control over the stereo field, offering a more nuanced approach than the typical one-knob wideners. Di Lorenzo's vision is to empower engineers to enhance the stereo field without compromising the mono fold-down, a common challenge in audio production.
Final Thoughts
Panoramic's release is a testament to the continuous innovation in audio technology. It offers a fresh take on stereo field processing, providing engineers with a powerful tool to enhance their mixes. With its unique features and precise control, Panoramic is set to become a go-to plugin for mastering engineers seeking to push the boundaries of sound manipulation.
Personally, I find the Steal function particularly intriguing, as it hints at a new dimension of sound design. It's these kinds of innovative features that keep the audio production community excited and engaged.
