Benefits to M/S processing during the mixing stage?

[abaga129]

Hey guys!

I'm trying to expand my arsenal of techniques a little and was wondering if m/s processing can have any uses while mixing or if it is just mainly a tool to fix problems during mastering. Or is it just one of those things where if you need it, you will know?

If I had to take a guess, it would be that if you have access to each individual track then there is always a better way to accomplish what you need than using m/s eq, comp, etc. But I just thought I would ask

 

[Deranged Tapir]

Lately I've been finding M/S really useful. Obviously, it's best for things that were recorded in stereo or doubled tracked. You can use it to clear up mud on overheads or rhythm guitars on the sides while keeping them powerful in the center. It's something to be subtle with, but it helps tighten things up in your frequencies that aren't very directional anyway.

M/S compression is nice for tweaking your transients without losing width (which isn't always your goal). Again, it's something I like doing to overheads.

 

[Machinated]

benefits of M/S mostly come down to headroom. You can take bass out of the sides (make everything below a certain frequency mono), EQ things at the sides without affecting the centre.

Depends on the situation, but it can be nice treating them seperately.