Mid/Side Mixing – Unlocking Depth & Space in Your Mixes
- Leiam Sullivan
- Jan 31
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 30
Every mix I do, there comes a point where it’s time to check Mid/Side processing. No matter the style or genre, what’s happening in the sides of the mix is often very different from what’s in the mid—and understanding this can completely transform your mix.
I use ADPTR Metric A/B on my 2-bus to easily switch between Mid/Side and analyse the balance. If I’m working on genre-specific mixing, I’ll always have a few reference tracks loaded up, giving me a clear picture of where certain elements should sit.
The Mid – Where the Weight Lives
For club tracks, the mid-channel is where all the weight sits—Kick, Snare, and Bass. This is pretty much standard for any track that relies on powerful low-end energy.
But beyond this, where everything else sits is often dictated by genre expectations. Some tracks feature all the drums in the centre, going through a mono reverb, with nothing happening in the sides.
A great example of this is “Am I Dreaming” by Metro Boomin, A$AP Rocky & Roisee. While watching the end credits of Spiderman – Across the Spiderverse on my LG TV speakers, I was hit with full mono drums—something I hadn’t noticed in a while. It punched through in a way that was unexpectedly powerful.
For club mixes, this approach makes sense. Many club sound systems are still mono, so having all your drum weight in the mid ensures the track hits consistently on any system.
The Sides – Crafting Width & Depth
While mono drums work well in some cases, in most modern mixes, the hats, claps, percussion, snares, and even kick tops contribute to the stereo field. The key is making sure the mix is working in the sides as much as it does in the centre.
When pushing elements out to the sides, you need to ensure:
• The hats interact with the snare/clap & kick tops.
• The stereo image remains cohesive.
• The elements don’t feel detached from the main groove.
It’s almost like another mix happening out there, and the goal is to make it as balanced and intentional as the centre.
Leads, Vocals & Pads – Finding Their Place
When it comes to leads, vocals, and pads, it’s all down to personal choice and genre.
• Check the references of tracks you like.
• Understand why you like them.
• Try placing elements in similar positions in your mix.
This approach helps with separation and space, making sure each element sits where it best serves the track. Experiment, A/B, and adjust until it feels right for your mix.
Mid/Side Tools & Techniques
There are plenty of ways to place elements into the stereo field. Here are some of my go-to tools for shaping width and depth in a mix:
1. Wider (Polyverse Music)
A simple but effective free plugin that adds stereo width without causing phase issues. Great for subtle widening.
2. Goodhertz Mid/Side Matrix
I love Goodhertz Midside for its Mid/Side control, which helps position sounds naturally across the stereo field. I don’t have the full version at the moment, so I use the free version (Goodhertz Mid/Side Matrix) to shape the stereo balance.
3. Sample Delay (Logic Pro X) + Stereo Pan Mode
A classic stereo widening trick—using sample delay to push a sound slightly out of phase between the left and right channels, creating width.(Haas Effect)
When using Sample Delay, I switch the pan mode to Stereo Pan instead of Balance Pan (Split Stereo Pan Mode in Ableton). This allows me to control how much of the delayed signal is actually going into the sides, keeping it tight and balanced.
4. SPL Big
A great tool for broadening sounds in a mix while keeping them under control.
Final Thoughts – A/B and Keep It Cohesive
The beauty of Mid/Side processing is that it gives you complete control over how your mix translates across different playback systems.
• Use reference tracks to compare and see how other producers distribute elements.
• A/B your mix often to ensure the stereo field is balanced.
• Remember that there are no fixed rules—as long as the mix feels cohesive and intentional, you can place elements wherever they best serve the track.
Whether you’re tightening up a club mix or sculpting wide cinematic textures, Mid/Side processing is a powerful tool that can take your mixes to the next level.
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