#165: What is Mid-Side EQ? Enhance Your Stereo Image with Ian Stewart

Music Production and Mixing Tips for Music Producers and Artists | Inside The Mix

Ever wondered what is mid-side EQ or how does mid-side EQ work? Is mid-side EQ essential for a professional-sounding mix? Tune in to EP 165 of the Inside The Mix podcast, where I sit down with distinguished mastering engineer and educator Ian Stewart to explore the ins and outs of mid-side EQ. Together, we unravel the techniques that can add width and clarity to your mix and transform your audio production skills.

We dive deep into the profound effects of manipulating mid and side channels to give your mix a wider stereo image and greater clarity. Ian takes us on a journey through the origins of mid-side EQ, sharing insights into how to control mid-channel loudness and boost side channels for professional stereo width. Learn how these principles can also be applied to EQ and compression for a polished, high-quality sound.

In this episode, we break down the art of mid-side recording, using directional and figure-eight microphones to craft a spacious stereo image. Ian also clears up common misconceptions around polarity and phase, helping you avoid typical pitfalls when setting up a mid-side stereo field.

Ian also provides a masterclass on how mid-side EQ impacts stereo balance and phase response, essential knowledge for mastering engineers and producers alike. We dig into linear and minimum phase EQ effects on stereo imaging and discuss advanced compression techniques that can elevate your production game.

In this episode, we cover:

• What is mid-side EQ and why you should use it
• How manipulating mid and side channels affects your mix’s width and clarity
• The history of mid-side EQ and its origins as a micing technique by Alan Blumline
• Understanding polarity, phase, and common mistakes in mid-side setups
• Using linear and minimum phase EQ for optimal stereo imaging
• Advanced compression tips using mid-side processing for a polished sound

Follow Ian Stewart for more insights: https://flotownmastering.com/

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1. Mid-Side EQ Technique Explained (00:00:00)

2. Exploring Mid-Side Audio Techniques (00:04:18)

3. Misconceptions of Mid-Side EQ Operations (00:11:35)

4. Understanding Mid-Side EQ Techniques (00:17:27)

5. Stereo Imaging With EQ Techniques (00:29:30)

6. Linear Phase EQ Effects on Stereo (00:35:20)

7. Understanding Mid-Side Processing (00:40:34)

8. Advanced Compression Techniques and Tips (00:48:31)