Owner manual

Front Panel and Use
There are two controls on the front. The ‘Engage’ switch selects “stereo” or “S&M”
mode. Stereo mode bypasses the matrix circuitry allowing use of the processors in the
loop as normal (left and right). The “Width” control is a stepped attenuator giving precise
1/2dB steps to the difference channel. Straight up is normal. Clockwise increases the
width. The knob can also tame a signal that has too much stuff on the sides by going
counter-clockwise from the top. When working in S&M, a small twist of the Width
control can really make the detail sparkle.
If one desires to use the box just as a width control with no loop processing, XLR patch
cords need to be plugged into the S&M send and return loops.
In addition to enhancing stereo mixes, stereo instrument tracks, and creating interesting
effects from subtle to not-so-subtle, the S&M is incredibly powerful when used to correct
tracking and mixing oversights. A few usage examples will illustrate the principles.
You want to fix a mix that has too much 140 Hz mung on the bass guitar but not enough
kick drum. At the same time, the guitars on the sides need some low end (160 Hz) to give
them some beef. Big Problem? This one is solved with an EQ in about 1 minute by
dialing out 140 Hz and adding 50 Hz and 3 kHz on the middle (left) channel, and adding
160 Hz shelving to the sides (right) channel. Instant mix fix. Amaze your friends!
You have a pair of room mics on the drums that sound really great when they are turned
up in the mix but the snare is just too loud. This one’s easy also. Hook a limiter into the
S&M loop and set the attack time to be really quick and dial the middle (left) threshold
down until the snare sits comfortably.
You’re mastering a track and everything comes alive when you crank in a bunch of top
end but the vocal is now cracking you eardrums. Hook a De-esser to the loop and solve
that problem in 15 seconds or less. Amaze your friends again.
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