Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. Prices were checked on the date shown and may change.
An introduction to Austrian Audio StereoCreator, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
Record the performance. Decide on the stereo image later.
— Austrian Audio official site
What is StereoCreator?
StereoCreator is a free stereo-imaging plugin from Austrian Audio. It is built around the separate front and rear diaphragm signals of the OC818 condenser microphone, so the stereo format and width can be decided after the recording is finished.
Normally a stereo recording forces you to choose XY, M/S or Blumlein, plus the angle and spacing of the mics, before the performance. With this plugin, the maker says you can switch between XY, M/S and Blumlein on the same take and compare them.
There are two ways to work. Dual Mode uses one OC818 for pseudo-stereo or pseudo-M/S; Quad Mode uses two OC818s for true M/S, true stereo and Blumlein. Parameters such as width, angle and polar pattern can be automated so the image can change along with the music.
It is designed for the OC818 and OC-S10. Windows and macOS versions can be downloaded free of charge from the maker's site in AAX, AU and VST3 formats. The microphone itself is required; this is not a general tool for widening ordinary stereo files.
Choose the format after recording
Because front and rear diaphragm signals are captured separately, XY, M/S and Blumlein can be switched after the take. It may help when you want to compare techniques on the same performance.
Dual Mode (one OC818)
One OC818 is placed rotated 90 degrees to the source for pseudo-M/S or pseudo-stereo. In pseudo-M/S the Mid is a fixed omni and the Side a figure-of-eight, balanced with Mid Gain and Side Gain.
Quad Mode (two OC818)
Two OC818s stacked at 90 degrees are recorded on four channels, giving true M/S, true stereo (XY) and Blumlein. Inserted on a four-channel track, the plugin opens in its quad version automatically.
Angle and pattern control
In True-stereo the opening angle can be set between 30 and 150 degrees, and the pattern slider changes the polar pattern. Narrower angles sound closer to mono; wider angles spread the image.
Blumlein rotation
In Blumlein mode the whole image can be rotated by plus or minus 30 degrees. As Blumlein setups are sensitive to misalignment, correcting the direction afterwards may be useful.
Compensation Gain
Compensation Gain keeps the output level constant when you change mode or parameters. Calculate analyses for 3 seconds and applies the offset automatically, which makes comparisons fairer.
Full automation
All parameters can be automated, so the width and image can evolve with the arrangement.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Free |
| OS | macOS 10.14 or later; Windows 11 64-bit or later |
| Plugin formats | AAX, AU, VST3 |
| Tested DAWs | Pro Tools, Cubase, Logic, Reaper |
| Target microphones | Austrian Audio OC818 (and OC-S10) |
| Modes | Dual Mode (pseudo-M/S, pseudo-stereo); Quad Mode (true M/S, true stereo, Blumlein) |
| Opening angle | 30 to 150 degrees (True-stereo) |
| Blumlein rotation | plus/minus 30 degrees |
What is included and system requirements
- Plugin (Windows and macOS builds, free download from the maker's site, about 8 MB)
- Manual (PDF)
- Formats: AAX, AU, VST3
- Needed separately: an OC818 or OC-S10 and the OCC8 mini XLR cable for the rear diaphragm output
How to use it
- Download the Windows or macOS version of StereoCreator from the maker's site and install it.
- For Dual Mode, rotate one OC818 by 90 degrees to the source with the logo facing left.
- Connect the front diaphragm signal (XLR output) to input 1 of the audio interface.
- Connect the rear diaphragm signal (via the OCC8 mini XLR cable) to input 2.
- In the DAW, route inputs 1 and 2 to a stereo track and insert StereoCreator.
- For Quad Mode, set two OC818s at 90 degrees, route inputs 1 to 4 to a four-channel track and insert the plugin.
- Choose the format in Setup and adjust Pattern, Angle or Rotation.
- When comparing formats, use Calculate in Compensation Gain to match levels.
Acoustic instruments
When recording piano, guitar or strings in stereo, the width and amount of room sound may be adjustable after the take.
Ambience and room sound
For ambience or a live room, you may be able to compare XY and M/S and pick the one that suits the mix.
Field and post work
If the mic technique cannot be decided on location, being able to choose the format afterwards may help.
Who it may suit
- Owners of an OC818 or OC-S10 who are unsure which stereo technique to use
- People who want to adjust stereo width and angle after recording
- Those who want to compare XY, M/S and Blumlein on the same performance
Good to know before you buy
- It works with material recorded from the dual outputs of the OC818 and OC-S10, not with ordinary stereo files.
- Dual Mode is pseudo-stereo or pseudo-M/S and differs from Quad Mode with two microphones.
- Requires macOS 10.14 or later or Windows 11 64-bit or later.
- The manual notes that very wide pseudo-stereo settings can introduce phasiness.
How it differs from similar products
We do not pick a winner; the official figures are placed side by side.
PolarDesignerAustrian Audio
StereoCreator decides the stereo format and width (XY, M/S, Blumlein) after recording and supports up to two OC818s on four channels. PolarDesigner shapes the polar pattern of a single OC818 in up to five frequency bands.
Price
Free to use (Austrian Audio official site, checked 2026-10-27).
Free to download; the microphone is sold separately.
See StereoCreator on the product page
Sources: austrian.audio (checked 2026-10-27)
Comments