# Stereo Tools

## Functionality

Stereo Tools are some handy utilities for managing stereo signals, e.g. as a extensive input stage in a stereo channel of a multitrack program like Ardour, for converting M/S stereo recordings to a L/R signal while having control over the parameters or spreading the stereo image of your master track.

## Controls

- Bypass: Don't process anything, just bypass the signal
- Input L/R (VU-meter): The level of the original signal
- 0dB (LED): Flashes if the level of the original signal raises above 0dB (it doesn't clip your signal)
- Input (knob): Raise the volume before the signal is sent in the compression stage. If you have found some great settings but want to raise the overall loudness of the track simply increase this level.
- Balance: Set the balance between both channels
- Flip L/R: Toggle the channels
- Softclip: Do kind of analog distortion instead of harsh digital 0db clipping
- S level: The level of the side signal
- S Balance: The balance of the side signal
- M Level: The level of the middle signal
- M Panorama: The position in the panorama of the middle signal
- Mode: Choose normal stereo behavior (LR - LR) or convert between MS and LR
- Mute L: Mute the left channel
- Phase L: Change the phase of the left channel
- Mute R: Mute the right channel
- Phase R: Change the phase of the right channel
- Output L/R (VU-meter): The level of the compressed and made up signal
- 0dB (LED): Flashes if the level of the output signal raises above 0dB (it may clip your signal depending on your host and your systems' bitrate!)
- Output (knob): Raise the overall volume after the compression stage
- Delay: Delay the left or the right channel (milliseconds)
- Stereo Base: Set the stereo base of your material seamless between Mono and inversed Channels
- Stereo Phase: Set the stereo phase of your material
- Balance: Set the balance between both channels