Leapwing Audio StageOne 2 is a sophisticated stereo enhancement plugin designed for mixing and mastering applications. This innovative processor allows users to manipulate the full sound stage with precision and control. StageOne 2 builds upon its predecessor by introducing a multi-band approach, offering even more flexibility in shaping the stereo image. The plugin consists of five separate algorithms: WIDTH, DEPTH, PHASE RECOVERY, MONO SPREAD, and CENTER GRAVITY, each serving a unique purpose in expanding and refining the perceived dimensions of audio signals. StageOne 2’s interface features a sleek, monochromatic design with an intuitive layout that prioritizes workflow efficiency. The centerpiece of the GUI is a visually striking and responsive visualizer that displays amplitude, frequency, and perceived stereo width of both input and output signals, providing immediate feedback on the plugin’s effects. With its high-quality, high-resolution audio processing algorithms, StageOne 2 aims to deliver clean and transparent results while maintaining mono compatibility, making it a valuable tool for professionals seeking to enhance their mixes and masters with minimal artifacts.
Pros:
• Powerful and versatile stereo enhancement capabilities with minimal phase issues
• Intuitive interface with a responsive visualizer for real-time feedback
• Multi-band processing allows for precise control over different frequency ranges
• Phase recovery algorithm helps maintain mono compatibility
• Clean and transparent sound quality suitable for mastering applications
Cons:
• High price point may be prohibitive for some users
• Steep learning curve to fully utilize all features effectively
StageOne 2 offers a comprehensive set of tools for manipulating the stereo field, each with its own unique approach to enhancing the perceived width and depth of audio signals. The WIDTH algorithm allows users to stretch the stereo field, moving off-center content towards and even beyond the speakers while leaving the phantom center untouched. This feature is particularly useful for expanding the stereo image of elements like pads, horn sections, and string ensembles without affecting the core of the mix.
The DEPTH module adds directionally optimized reflections to create an enhanced sense of space and dimension in the sound field. This can be used to add a natural sense of environment to a mix or to draw attention to specific elements by adjusting their perceived position within the stereo image. The reflections are carefully designed to avoid muddying the mix while still providing a noticeable increase in perceived depth.
StageOne 2 is the PHASE RECOVERY algorithm, which identifies out-of-phase components in the audio and re-aligns them. This process helps preserve information that might otherwise be lost when summing to mono, ensuring better mono compatibility – a crucial factor in both mixing and mastering scenarios.
The MONO SPREAD feature utilizes a unique filter design to convert mono signals into pseudo-stereo signals. This can be particularly useful for breathing life into mono recordings or for creating width in elements that were originally recorded in mono. The CENTER GRAVITY control allows users to shift the focal point of a stereo signal, either to balance an uneven stereo image or to reposition stereo elements within the mix.
StageOne 2 introduces a multi-band approach, allowing users to apply different amounts of processing to low, mid, and high frequency ranges. This granular control enables more precise shaping of the stereo image across the frequency spectrum. The plugin also features adjustable crossover points, giving users the flexibility to define these frequency bands according to the needs of their material.
The visualizer in StageOne 2 is not just visually appealing but also highly functional. It provides a clear representation of how the plugin is affecting the stereo image across different frequencies, making it easier for users to make informed decisions about their processing choices. The visualizer displays both input and output signals, allowing for quick comparisons and adjustments.
StageOne 2 is designed with high-end production in mind, utilizing high-quality, high-resolution audio processing algorithms to ensure the best possible sound quality. The plugin is available in 64-bit VST3, AAX, and AU formats, supporting both macOS and Windows platforms.
When compared to other stereo enhancement plugins on the market, StageOne 2 stands out for its sophisticated algorithms and multi-band approach. While many stereo wideners rely on simple mid-side processing or Haas effect techniques, StageOne 2’s methods appear to be more advanced, resulting in a cleaner and more natural-sounding expansion of the stereo field. Plugins like Waves S1 Stereo Imager or iZotope Ozone Imager offer similar functionality but with less granular control. StageOne 2’s multi-band capabilities and individual algorithms for different aspects of stereo enhancement provide a level of precision that these alternatives may lack. The phase recovery feature is also relatively unique, addressing a common concern with stereo enhancement tools. In terms of interface and workflow, StageOne 2’s visualizer is more comprehensive than many competitors, offering a clear representation of the plugin’s effect on the stereo field. However, some users might find plugins like FabFilter Pro-Q 3, which includes stereo manipulation features, to have a more familiar and immediately intuitive interface.
This plugin is best for:
• Professional mixing and mastering engineers seeking high-quality stereo enhancement
• Producers working with complex, multi-layered productions requiring precise stereo control
• Sound designers looking to create immersive stereo landscapes
• Engineers working on material that requires careful mono compatibility considerations
• Users seeking to breathe life into mono recordings or narrow stereo mixes
StageOne 2 from Leapwing Audio represents a significant advancement in stereo enhancement technology. Its combination of powerful algorithms, multi-band processing, and intuitive visualization tools make it a formidable option for professionals seeking to shape and expand their stereo field with precision and clarity. The plugin’s ability to widen stereo content, add perceived depth, and even convert mono signals to stereo without introducing significant phase issues or compromising mono compatibility is impressive. While the learning curve may be steep and the price point high, the quality of results achievable with StageOne 2 justifies its position as a high-end tool. Its clean, transparent sound and attention to preserving the integrity of the original mix make it particularly suitable for mastering applications, where subtle yet effective enhancements are crucial. However, its versatility also lends itself well to mixing scenarios, especially when dealing with complex productions that require careful stereo management. The plugin’s ability to address specific frequency ranges independently further enhances its utility across various genres and production styles. Despite its complexity, the well-designed interface and informative visualizer help users navigate its features and make informed decisions. For audio professionals willing to invest the time and resources, StageOne 2 offers a powerful set of tools to elevate the spatial qualities of their productions.