Desper Products Spatializer PT3D Plug-In

by J. Arif Verner

Spatializer by Desper Products Inc. originally built its reputation as a stand-alone hardware product. This 3-D software package is now available as a Pro Tools TDM Plug-In - hence the name PT3D ($399). The term 3-D means different things to different people. However, the Spatializer documentation states, “Wide-panned tracks are brought outside the speaker boundaries and around the listener, extending the stereo sound stage for a natural, uncolored surround sound effect from only two ordinary loudspeakers.”

Once installed, the program provides only three control “sliders” for parameter settings. Gain regulates the input level. Space controls the amount of the effect and Center regulates the amount of the left/right signal. I found that the Spatializer effect generates a fairly “hot” signal. Therefore it is important to reduce the Gain setting to avoid clipping. For the Space mix, the documentation suggested a setting of 70 (out of 100). This seemed a bit excessive - 50 to 60 sounded better. The Center control is used to add a mono signal to the middle of the sound-stage. This may be a concern if the sound has a “hole” in the center. However, the documentation states that the optimum value is zero. I agree. If the sound needs to be closed, use less Spatial mix or adjust the pan positions. Personally, I found the Center control added a bit of graininess to the sound.

Spatializer also provides five 23-step LED-type meters that monitor the spatial processing. These meters include left and right outputs with a clip indicator, Spatial Impression and Sum and Difference levels. Spatial Impression displays the amount of spatial processing present on the two stereo output channels. Sum provides a meter reading of the middle sound source (L+R). And Difference meters the hard panned signals (L-R). If the Sum level has a low reading, there could be a problem with mono compatibility - i.e., out-of-phase signals. Lastly, there is a bypass control to check the processed sound against the normal sound.

How does this stuff work? Great, but it should be used judiciously. The Spatializer effect tends to make reverbs wetter and chorusing thicker. Also, in the process of spreading out the sound, detail and high frequencies may be reduced. Apparently the Spatializer effect works best between 400 Hz to 5 kHz. And 500 Hz and 2 kHz are the hot spots. So apply accordingly.

One advantage with PT3D is that the effect is not dependent upon the listener sitting in the sweet-spot. It is even all across the monitor’s sound stage. I found that Spatializer worked best on background sounds like synth pads, guitar textures and ambient effects. For lead instruments and vocals, use sparingly. The documentation also states that it can be used on an entire mix, however, I think it works best on selected tracks - each to their own.

What’s the Bottom line? If used properly, Spatializer PT3D can open your sound to new dimensions. You can’t say no to that.