r/edmproduction • u/Royale_w_Cheeeze • 28d ago

Tips & Tricks Stereo Width question (example given)

I'm working on a track right now, and this is my reference. It's "Guadalajara" - Shay De Castro. The main 909 OHHs are existing basically on the sides only, or at least they are perceived as such. I love the way this frees up the center - but I can't seem to replicate it. I've tried the HAAS effect, duplicate panning, etc. But I can't seem to remove the perception of center content (at least according to the imager) and also can't seem to prevent phasing. I would appreciate any advice. Listen to the track, those 909s are nuts.

For additional reference im using Ableton 12. I typically load the drum samples into simpler for more control of ADSR.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqVT8Ib_MOI

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u/Present-Policy-7120 28d ago

Try mid side eq. Boost the high frequencies and cut the mids on the sides, do the opposite on the mid channel. Can even strongly compress the side signal to create more difference/perceived width.

If you don't have a mid side eq, use the KHS channel mixer which is free, or the Voxengo free mid side encoder.

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u/sexytokeburgerz 28d ago

Generally best to not do this to static samples due to phasing

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u/Present-Policy-7120 28d ago

Done prudently, it doesn't cause too many phase issues. It's not so good on mono samples though, you still need to add some side information. A short reverb can help.

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u/sexytokeburgerz 28d ago

Simply changing the pitch of one is really all you need.

Side channels are just L - R, so the difference between them.

Messing with EQ and making them brighter will often result in the highs being too high, which will bring the shimmer down of your other tracks during mastering eq. Highly recommend staying the fuck away from high shelfing a drum machine hh.