A tool that creates a rich and musical but fully mono-compatible stereo image is not easy to come by. I personally use a variety of stereo makers such as Brainworx Stereomaker, Schoeps Upmix, Fiedler Audio Stage, iZotope Imager, and even Infected Mushroom’s free Wider. To a certain extent, each of them takes a different approach to creating and enhancing the stereo image, resulting in all of them having their own unique sound. Which is why they tend to be useful in different situations.

For a while now, I have wanted to create a simple stereo maker that uses only stock devices in Live. I tried several approaches, built a number of racks, but this is the one that has the best and most musical sound. I call it the Stereoizer. I tested it on just about every kind of instrument there is — vocals, bass, drums, pads, and leads; and I find it very effective and aesthetically pleasing in creating stereo signal. In the audio samples below, you’ll first hear the dry and then the processed version. Headphones recommended.