Eli & Flo HiPan: Free Dual-Band Stereo Panning Plugin

Eli & Flo Introduce HiPan: A Free Dual-Band Stereo Panning Plugin

Independent developers Eli & Flo have recently unveiled HiPan, a new and entirely free dual-band stereo panning plugin. This innovative tool is now available for Windows and macOS, specifically as a VST3 plugin. HiPan offers a distinct approach to stereo imaging by allowing producers to independently position low and high frequencies within the stereo field, providing enhanced control over a mix.

Traditional panning controls typically move an entire audio signal left or right. However, HiPan introduces a more nuanced method. It utilizes an adjustable crossover frequency, which divides the audio spectrum into two distinct bands: low and high. Consequently, users can pan these two frequency ranges separately. For instance, a common application involves keeping the crucial bass and low-end information perfectly centered, thus maintaining mix stability and power. Meanwhile, higher frequencies, such as those from synths or percussion, can be spread or positioned elsewhere to create width and interest without compromising the low end.

Advanced Stereo Control Features

The plugin’s design prioritizes both flexibility and efficiency. HiPan boasts independent panning controls for both the low and high frequency bands. Furthermore, users can precisely adjust the crossover frequency, which dictates where the split between the low and high bands occurs. This level of customization ensures that the plugin can be tailored to various audio sources and mixing scenarios.

In addition to its core panning capabilities, HiPan incorporates a Stereo Spread control. This feature allows for further manipulation of the stereo image, enabling users to widen or narrow the perceived space of their high frequencies. Moreover, a dedicated Low Mono mode is included, which can be particularly useful for ensuring that all low-end content remains perfectly mono, reinforcing mix clarity and punch. For precise adjustments, the plugin also offers solo monitoring for each band, allowing producers to isolate and fine-tune their panning decisions with confidence. Overall, HiPan is designed to be lightweight, ensuring minimal CPU usage even in complex projects.

Availability and Future Development

HiPan is currently accessible as a free VST3 plugin for both Windows and macOS users. This means that electronic music producers can immediately integrate this powerful tool into their digital audio workstations without any cost. While macOS users can currently benefit from the VST3 version, it is important to note that Audio Unit (AU) support for macOS is actively under development. Eli & Flo have confirmed that AU compatibility will be incorporated in a forthcoming update, further expanding the plugin’s accessibility for Apple-based production environments. Therefore, users can anticipate broader platform support in the near future.

Price
Free forever

Features