Nugen Audio Monofilter is a specialized audio plugin designed to address low-frequency issues in stereo mixes. It allows users to control the stereo width and phase correlation of bass frequencies, providing a powerful tool for mixing and mastering engineers. The plugin employs high-quality filter algorithms optimized for audio transparency, delivering results without unwanted coloration. Monofilter’s interface is designed for intuitive operation, with visual representations of many controls in graphical format. It offers optional visual analysis, displaying stereo spread and phase correlation relative to frequency, enabling frequency-conscious adjustments without the need for separate analysis tools. The plugin is particularly useful for centering low-frequency power distribution around and below localization frequencies, enhancing the definition and focus of lower frequency ranges while maintaining stereo perception.
Pros:
• Excellent sound quality with minimal artifacts
• Intuitive interface with visual feedback
• Flexible processing options for various scenarios
Cons:
• Limited customization options for real-time analysis graphs
Nugen Audio Monofilter offers a comprehensive set of features for low-frequency management in stereo mixes. The plugin’s core functionality revolves around its ability to control stereo width and phase correlation in the low end of the audio spectrum. Users can define a crossover frequency below which the stereo signal is gradually collapsed to mono, with adjustable slope steepness for a smooth transition.
The plugin provides three main processing modes: Left, Right, and Stereo. This allows users to choose which channel(s) serve as the source for the monofilter process. An input trim control enables boosting or attenuating the processed signal level (M) or the remaining stereo signal (S), providing fine-tuned control over the balance between mono and stereo elements.
Monofilter incorporates both linear phase and minimum phase filtering options. The linear phase mode ensures that the phase relationship between frequency components is preserved, which can be crucial for maintaining transient integrity. The minimum phase mode offers zero latency processing, making it suitable for live applications or when plugin delay compensation is a concern.
A standout feature is the auto-phase correlation option, which automatically adjusts the phase relationship between the left and right channels to maximize correlation in the low end. This can be particularly useful for correcting phase issues in poorly recorded material or for tightening up the low end of a mix.
The plugin includes a correlation by frequency meter, allowing users to visualize the phase relationship between channels across the frequency spectrum. This meter can be set to display pre- or post-processing results, providing valuable insight into the plugin’s effect on the signal.
Monofilter also offers various output modes for auditioning purposes. Users can isolate the mono or stereo portions of the processed signal, which is invaluable for fine-tuning the crossover frequency and assessing the plugin’s impact on the mix.
The interface features a large, interactive display where users can adjust the crossover frequency and stereo width by dragging nodes on a graph. This visual approach to parameter adjustment makes it easy to achieve precise results quickly.
Additional utility features include a preset browser, bypass function, unlimited undo/redo, and A/B comparison. These tools enhance workflow efficiency and allow for quick comparisons between different settings.
Comparison to similar plugins:
While there are other plugins that offer bass management features, Nugen Audio Monofilter stands out for its focus on phase correlation and its intuitive visual interface. Compared to more general-purpose stereo width plugins like Waves S1 Stereo Imager or iZotope Ozone Imager, Monofilter offers more specialized control over low-frequency content.
Brainworx bx_control V2 is another plugin that offers similar functionality, but Monofilter’s interface is generally considered more user-friendly. The Waves LoAir plugin is designed for low-frequency enhancement but lacks Monofilter’s phase correlation features.
Monofilter’s closest competitor might be the Leapwing Audio StageOne plugin, which offers similar low-end management features but with a different approach to the user interface and additional mid/side processing options.
This plugin is best for:
• Mastering engineers working on full mixes
• Mixing engineers focusing on low-end clarity
• Electronic music producers dealing with complex bass sounds
• Audio post-production professionals working on surround sound projects
• Live sound engineers needing to manage low-end in stereo PA systems
Nugen Audio Monofilter is a powerful and specialized tool for managing low-frequency content in stereo mixes. Its ability to control stereo width and phase correlation in the bass range makes it an invaluable asset for mixing and mastering engineers. The plugin’s intuitive interface, coupled with its high-quality processing algorithms, allows for quick and effective low-end adjustments without introducing unwanted artifacts. While it may be overkill for simple stereo width adjustments, its focused feature set makes it particularly well-suited for professional audio work where precise control over the low end is crucial. The visual feedback provided by the correlation meter and interactive display enhances the user’s ability to make informed decisions about low-frequency treatment. Despite its power, Monofilter remains accessible to users of varying experience levels, thanks to its well-designed presets and clear visual representations of its processing. For those working frequently with stereo material and seeking to achieve a tight, focused low end, Nugen Audio Monofilter represents a worthwhile investment in their plugin arsenal.