MS Mid/Side Sum Difference Encode Decode Box

[ghostboy]

I have been searching for an inexpensive but no-compromise, simple fix to mid/side encoding and decoding in the analog domain. After describing my needs to my friend and partner at PureAnalog, he has developed an awesome box that should interest alot of folks. I am not hiding the fact that I am involved with sales of custom made Variable Mu compressors made by PureAnalog. This new matrix encoder decoder is being directly marketed by the man who makes them:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290333945354

It ain't the parts, it's the engineering!

[Nate Scott]

Definitely interested...small form factor and great price. Will it hold up in a mastering chain?

Any suggestions on how to make up for the 10db loss from In to Out (if I read that correctly)?

NATE

[Omicron_9]

There is also this:

Peter Engh - Sound Recording Interface Products

I have the Sonic Orbit and love it. Recommended.

-0.9

[ghostboy]

For insertion loss, depends on how you're using it. I'm using it in an elaborate mix-buss chain, and it's perfect just after DA conversion. This actually allows me to push a little harder with the analog stuff.
If you were already in analog, it would be a real simple matter of gain.

I kept trying to use waves plugs and set up the matrix's in protools. It was like, c'mon man. This is not the way to do it. Nightmare.

So this simple smart box really takes the whole equation out of my head and makes it happen without headaches. The whole mix buss becomes
sum difference, and by the time I hear it again it's already back to stereo.

Also, if you wanted zero insertion loss, there are options.

From the Designer:
"10db is 5 db up on the driving device and 5db up on the next input. Barely noticeable. It's passive so it can be used at any level. That's a VERY big deal. 10db is not."

[ghostboy]

Other options include tube make-up amps, mute switches, switches to toggle between MS and L-R. Lot's of possibilitities.

Charles will customize anything the way you want it. He won't compromise on circuits though. All analog, all tube, all amazing!

He just made me an 8x4x2 tube mixer with wet/dry features. Sounds
so sweet. Charles is pointblank the real deal. Very truthful and
as far as tone goes, a miracle worker.

You are welcome to e-maiol me directly at shimgup at hotmail dot com
with any questions or inquiries. If you haven't seen it, search PureAnalog DuaLevel in gearslutz here. Witness.

[Nate Scott]

Thanks for all of the info., sounds like a very customizable service/product. I'll be finalizing my patchbay layout this week so this is good timing, I hope to incorporate M/S into the bay.

I'll keep you posted!

NATE

[ghostboy]

Cool Nate!

Yes, there are many options. The simple $399 box does a pretty amazing no frills job though. I have had zero want to have extra options and switches, but I also have enough outboard with serious headroom to not have to worry about it. It really only requires about 5 db extra gain, and this is actually just the nature of running MS. When combining 2 stereo sums, you simply must lose some volume somewhere, usually in the DAW you have to turn the faders down 6 to 10 db.

Here is a new video of our beloved designer messing with L+R and L-R..

http://home.comcast.net/~wqam/monster.wmv

[Marcocet]

I have been looking for exactly this for about two years. A friend was on the verge of building me one. However I'm slight on cash right now. I'll be looking back in a few months I'm sure.

Just a thanks for building this.

[ghostboy]

Keep in touch!

You will dig it.

[MATTI]

OK?

[sonicdefault]

Does he design individual process units ie. just a decoder?


Thanks.


-SD

[ghostboy]

Absolutely. Any configuration you want.

[sonicdefault]

Thanks!


-SD

[Benmrx]

Very nice!! Simple and to the point.

[ghostboy]

Just got the Manual for the END1-P Rackmount. Here's an excerpt. For more details and options please pm me or better yet, e-mail me at shimgup@hotmail.com.::

END-1, The precision mid/side encoder/decoder. The unit operates as follows...

The Encoder section (L and R inputs to Mid and Side outputs) precisely adds R to L, producing Mid Out. It also precisely subtracts R from L, producing Side Out.

The Decoder section (Mid and Side returns to L and R outputs) reverses the process, restoring pure left and pure right channel audio.



There are three modes possible...

Mid/Side (all six switches DOWN) produces the encoding and decoding detailed above.

Bypass (shown above) (both right-hand switches UP and the left four switches don't care) connects the left input to the left output and connects the right input to the right output. END-1 is removed from the circuit, except for the switching. Your processing loop between END-1's encoder and decoder is likewise bypassed.


Stereo (the right two switches DOWN and the left four switches UP) routes the left input to the mid (L) output and the right input to the side (R) output. It also routes the mid (L) ret to the left output and the side (R) ret to the right output. This mode bypasses END-1 encoder and decoder through your processing loop, connected to the M/S out and M/S ret jacks. You are therefore processing conventional Left and Right Stereo. The Mid processing becomes Left Channel and the Side processing becomes Right Channel.


System Requirements:

END-1 is designed for 600 ohm line use It may be used at virtually any level from microphone to +24dbm. The encoder and decoder will only perform with balanced line sources and loads. If any input or output leg is unbalanced, please obtain a suitable transformer and place it in the line, before or after END-1.

In reality, END-1 will operate satisfactorily with any source impedance from 0.1 to 600 ohms. It will work satisfactorily into any load impedance from 150 ohms up to 10k ohms. What follows are special instances, or where one might want to maintain absolute 600 ohm system integrity. You may wish to skip this section, and come back to it only if your results are not as expected.