Mastering Stereo Tool Settings: The Ultimate Audio Optimization Guide
| | Likely Causes | Suggested Solutions | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Pumping / Breathing Effect | Too-aggressive AGC settings, mismatched attack/release times, or Remove remaining peaks set too low. | Reduce the AGC target level. Increase Remove remaining peaks slightly. In the Multiband Compressor, increase Master Release times. | | Loss of High Frequencies | For FM: Missing or incorrect pre-emphasis. For All: Clipper is reducing highs too much. | FM: Ensure Pre-emphasize output is ENABLED. All: Lower the Clipper Drive slightly or adjust the Clipper's high-frequency focus settings. | | Bass Breaks Up / Distorts | Bass Clipper is set too aggressively, or the low band in the Multiband Compressor is overpowering. | Reduce the Bass Clipper Drive. Lower the BandMix of Band 1 (bass) in the Multiband Compressor. Ensure the Don't process highs option is enabled in the clipper. | | Distortion on Voice (De-essing) | The High-Frequency band in the Multiband Compressor is too sensitive to sibilance (S and T sounds). | Reduce the Drive to the high band, or lower its output level. You can also enable the Speech Detection module if present to alter processing specifically for voice content. | | Dull, "Phasey" Sound | Overuse of Stereo Widening can cause phase issues. | Reduce the Stereo Boost amount. If you are broadcasting to an FM transmitter, keep widening very subtle or turn it off to maintain mono compatibility. | stereo tool settings
This is the controversial part. The clipper intentionally chops off the top of your waveforms to gain perceived loudness. In the Multiband Compressor, increase Master Release times
Your must change based on where the audio is going. A setting that sounds incredible on an FM radio might sound like garbage on Spotify. | FM: Ensure Pre-emphasize output is ENABLED