RJ Studios has released SideMinder ZL2, the second generation Zero Latency Dynamic Stereo Width Maximizer plug-in. They say:
SideMinder ZL2, like the SideMinder 2 and SideMinder ME2 studio versions, is a dynamic stereo width maximizer plug-in that can be used to enhance and control stereo width while ensuring mono compatibility. The plugin works to maximize the stereo width of a track, bus and/or master mix while automatically preventing over-widening and negative correlation that can cause signal loss when mixed or played in mono. In contrast to SideMinder 2 and SideMinder ME2, SideMinder ZL2 uses a real time gain core that provides zero-latency operation for use in live production, monitoring and other applications where latency is not permissible.
The most important and unique feature of SideMinder ZL2 - like all SideMinder plugins - are the Stereo Width Limiters. Similar to "volume maximizers" that maximize the level of a signal SideMinder plugins maximize the width of a stereo signal - keeping it wide at all times while preventing excessive width that can cause mono compatibility issues. SideMinder ZL2 can even fix tracks and mixes that are already too wide.
In SideMinder ZL2 the amount of width enhancement and control is adjustable for each of up to 3 frequency bands while a Bass Mono control allows gradual "mono-izing" of bass frequencies. An output correlation meter displays the output signal correlation allowing before/after effects of the processing to be observed while the Bypass and Mono buttons can be engaged to quickly audition SideMinder ZL2's action.
SideMinder ZL2 is optimized for applications requiring zero latency. For critical mixing and mastering work the SideMinder 2 and SideMinder ME2 plug-ins, which utilize "lookahead" to anticipate signal changes, are recommended for the most precise control.
SideMinder ZL2 is a 64-bit plugin in VST, VST3 and AAX formats for Windows PC and VST, VST3, AAX and AU formats for Mac OS 10.11+ on Intel and Apple Silicon. SideMinder ZL2 is available for sale from the RJ Studio's website and also from the KVR Marketplace.
Price: $34.95. Free 14 day demos are available for download at RJ Studio's website.
