It is obvious that the ToolMod system can be used to combine any kind of modules in any desired way. The ToolMod sets are some examples of special setups. The picture shows the M/S processing set with 2 M/S matrix modules, 2 eq's, and a stereo compressor.

The Pro Audio M/S Processor ToolMod MSP

The M/S Processor is a unique set of modules for analog audio processing of a stereo signal in M/S format. M/S processing offers outstanding features to shape the spatial image of a stereo signal, even with a final mix. Separate equalization of the mono components in the M channel and the spatial information in the S channel is possible with two separate equalizers. This results in a frequency depending base width modification of the stereo signal. Dynamics processing in the M/S chain is based on different rules than normal dynamics processing of a stereo signal. An improved alignment on the mono signal is the major advantage; however, any kind of level offset between M and S caused by the compressor will result in a modulation of the stereo base width. The consequence of such behavior is that there are no fixed positions of the instruments on the stereo base anymore; the positions and the entire base width is changed by the regulation of the compressor. This might be a funny effect for a special purpose but it is not possible to use this principle for normal mixing or mastering. A stereo compressor with exactly calibrated tracking is the best way to avoid these problems.

The MS Processor has two M/S matrix units to convert the input signal from the standard left/right format to M/S and reconvert the processed output signal back to left/right. Two separate TM107 Equalizers are used for the processing of the M and S signals.

The M/S dynamics processing takes place with the TM212 Stereo Compressor. With all real world stereo signals, the level of the M channel is higher than the S-channel level. This results in a compression that is controlled by the M channel. The channel balance will not be perfect after conversion of the compressed signal back to left/right format; however, M/S compression is very ood way to implement a center oriented pre-compression.

The M/S Matrix TM130 offers additional controls for stereo base width and direction. The base width control allows the variation from mono to 300 % stereo. The 100 % - stereo unchanged - position at the center is precisely calibrated. The elliptic equalizer maintains a mono compatible bass fundament, even if enhanced stereo base width is used.

In combination with the Stereo Mastering Set's the ToolMod M/S processor offers a rich set of additional processing features.