The No.1 Trick To Make Everything Sound Wide | Cubase Secrets with Dom

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore how to create a wide sound in your music productions using Steinberg Cubase 11. This technique involves utilizing stereo delay and effective signal spreading to enhance the auditory experience of your tracks. By following these steps, you will be able to position vocals centrally while adding depth and width to the surrounding instrumentation, making your mixes sound more professional.

Step 1: Set Up Your Mono Signal

• Begin by selecting the audio track you wish to modify.
• Ensure your track is a mono signal, as this technique works best with mono inputs.
• If your track is stereo, convert it to mono within Cubase.

Step 2: Create a Stereo Group Channel

• Go to the 'Project' menu.
• Select 'Add Track' and then choose 'Group Channel'.
• Set the channel to stereo to allow for a wider sound field.
• Name your group channel appropriately for easy identification.

Step 3: Route the Mono Signal to the Stereo Group

• Click on the mono track’s output settings.
• Route the output to the newly created stereo group channel.
• This step prepares your mono signal for widening.

Step 4: Apply Stereo Delay Effect

• Open the 'Inserts' section of the stereo group channel.
• Select the 'Stereo Delay' effect from the list of available plugins.
• Set the delay time to 25 milliseconds on one side (right channel).
• Leave the other side (left channel) without delay or adjust it minimally for balance.

Step 5: Adjust Pan Settings

• Pan the original mono signal fully to the left.
• Pan the delayed signal fully to the right.
• This configuration tricks the brain into perceiving a wider sound by creating an auditory illusion.

Step 6: Fine-Tune the Mix

• Play back your track and listen to how the wideness affects the overall mix.
• Adjust the volume levels of the mono signal and the stereo group channel as needed.
• Experiment with the delay settings slightly to achieve the desired effect without losing clarity.

Step 7: Center Your Vocals

• Ensure that your vocal tracks are centered in the mix.
• Keep the vocal track output set to a mono signal to maintain focus in the middle.
• This placement creates a contrast between the wide instrumentation and the centered vocals.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively create a wide sound in your music productions using Cubase 11. This technique not only adds depth but also enhances the professional quality of your tracks. Experiment with different settings and effects to find the sound that best fits your style. Happy mixing!