Carbonated Audio Pour: M/S Stereo Imager Plugin

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Carbonated Audio has officially launched Pour, a new Mid/Side stereo imager plugin designed to give electronic music producers precise control over their stereo field. This release marks the fourth plugin from Carbonated Audio, joining their existing suite which includes Carbonator (saturation), De-Sipper (de-esser), and On Tap (sidechain ducker). Pour integrates a comprehensive set of features aimed at enhancing mix width and depth, making it a valuable tool for various production stages.

Pour’s design draws inspiration from classic stereo processing techniques, notably the SSL Fusion Stereo Image hardware and Alan Blumlein’s 1931 Stereo Shuffling. Consequently, it offers a sophisticated approach to widening the low end of a mix without compromising mono compatibility, a common challenge in stereo imaging. The plugin features an intuitive interface that combines various stereo tools onto a single screen, streamlining the workflow for engineers and producers alike. Furthermore, its live polar vectorscope provides real-time visual feedback, allowing users to observe their stereo image as they shape it.

Key Features and Stereo Control

One of Pour’s standout features is its Live M/S Vectorscope. This polar sample-plot visually represents the audio, with samples streaming in and a persistence trail, enabling users to see their stereo image dynamically. This visual feedback is crucial for making informed decisions about stereo adjustments. Moreover, the plugin incorporates the unique Shuffle + Space controls. These features implement Blumlein’s 1931 Stereo Shuffling technique, applying a broad bass shelf to the side signal with a configurable 40–400 Hz crossover. As a result, users can achieve a wider low end that still folds cleanly to mono, which is essential for professional mixes.

Beyond low-end management, Pour offers extensive control over the entire stereo field. The Width Control allows for ±6 dB gain on the side signal, providing the ability to subtly open up a mix without negatively impacting mono compatibility. Additionally, Rotation + Asymmetry provide further spatial manipulation. Rotation tilts the M/S vector by ±45°, mimicking the effect of rotating a microphone pair, while Asymmetry shifts the phantom center left or right without altering the overall width. This combination of controls ensures detailed and versatile stereo shaping.

Workflow and Compatibility

To aid in the mixing process, Pour includes a Solo Side function. This feature allows users to audition only the stereo (L-R) content, providing a clear understanding of what will disappear when the mix collapses to mono. Consequently, producers can identify and address potential phase problems before final delivery. The plugin also comes with a pop-up preset browser featuring categories like Bass, Vocal, Drum, and Guitar, offering quick starting points for various instruments and applications. For further flexibility, it includes A/B comparison and a 64-step undo/redo history. Importantly, Pour operates with zero latency and low CPU usage, making it suitable for demanding production environments, including tracking and live applications.

Features

  • Live polar vectorscope with persistence trail
  • Shuffle + Space for Blumlein bass stereo shuffling (40–400 Hz crossover)
  • Width control (±6 dB side gain)
  • Rotation (±45° M/S vector tilt)
  • Asymmetry for phantom center shift
  • Solo Side for auditioning stereo-only content
  • M/S metering on input + output
  • Pop-up preset browser (Bass, Vocal, Drum, Guitar categories)
  • A/B compare and 64-step Undo / Redo
  • Zero latency, low CPU performance

Pour is compatible with macOS 10.13+ (Intel + Apple Silicon native) and Windows operating systems. It is available in VST3, AU, and AAX plugin formats, ensuring broad compatibility with popular DAWs such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, FL Studio, Studio One, Cubase, and Reaper. Each license permits up to three machine activations, and Carbonated Audio offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to try the plugin risk-free. A demo version is also available for download.

Price
Launch Price: $20.00 (one-time purchase)

👍 Pros

  • ✓ Integrated live M/S vectorscope for visual feedback
  • ✓ Unique 'Shuffle + Space' feature for mono-compatible low-end widening
  • ✓ Comprehensive stereo control with Width, Rotation, and Asymmetry

👎 Cons

  • ✗ Potential for phase issues if pushed to extreme settings, requiring careful monitoring
  • ✗ Optimal utilization may require a foundational understanding of Mid/Side processing principles

More info: Carbonated Audio | Pour