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An introduction to Boz Digital Labs Pan Knob, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
Pan Knob overcomes the limitations of traditional panning schemes with a superior algorithm that centres low frequencies while panning higher frequencies for superior balance and mix translation.
— Boz Digital Labs official site
What is Pan Knob?
Pan Knob is a panning utility plugin from Boz Digital Labs. It is meant to replace the DAW's built-in pan control, keeping low frequencies centred while panning the higher frequencies.
Ordinary panning only changes the level of the left and right channels, which can sound unnatural on headphones when panned wide. Pan Knob adds the high-frequency filtering of the head and a small arrival-time difference between the ears to aim for a more natural position.
Both the low-frequency centring and the micro delay can be switched on or off, so behaviour can range from traditional panning to a more natural-sounding approach.
Selectable pan laws and a Balance/Pan switch are included. It supports VST2, VST3, AU and AAX on Windows and macOS, and is listed at USD 49 on Plugin Boutique.
Lows centred, highs panned
Low frequencies stay centred while higher frequencies are panned. The maker says this keeps balance and helps the mix translate.
Selectable micro delay
A very short delay simulates the time difference between the ears. It can be turned on or off.
Pan law choice
Pan laws can be selected, which may help match the behaviour you prefer.
Balance or Pan
For stereo tracks you can switch between balance and pan behaviour.
Anywhere in the chain
It can be inserted anywhere in the signal path, and swapping pan positions is quick.
Breaking traditional rules
Because the result is meant to sound natural, the maker says you can try placements such as bass off-centre.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | USD 49.00 (Plugin Boutique) |
| Mac | macOS 10.13 High Sierra or later (Intel / Apple Silicon, 64-bit only) |
| Mac formats | VST2, VST3, AU, AAX Native |
| Windows | Windows 7 or later (64-bit only) |
| Windows formats | VST2, VST3, AAX Native |
| Trial | Available (Plugin Boutique) |
What is included and system requirements
- Pan Knob plugin (download from your Plugin Boutique account)
- A Boz Digital Labs account and redemption code for the licence
- Formats: VST2, VST3, AU (Mac only), AAX
How to use it
- Buy it on Plugin Boutique or try the demo.
- From your Plugin Boutique account download area, go to the Boz Digital Labs redemption page.
- Enter the code shown to retrieve the plugin.
- Run the installer.
- Scan plugins in your DAW.
- Insert Pan Knob on tracks you want to pan.
- For stereo tracks, choose Balance or Pan.
- Try the low-frequency centring and micro delay while listening on headphones.
Placing instruments in a mix
When widening guitars or synths, it may keep the low end from drifting to one side.
Checking on headphones
If panning sounds unnatural on headphones, it may be worth trying.
Post and narration
In positioning work, you can compare it with other panners by switching.
Who it may suit
- People who find the DAW's stock pan limiting
- Those who mix mostly on headphones
- Anyone wanting to try a dedicated panning plugin
Good to know before you buy
- The name Pan Knob 2 could not be confirmed on Plugin Boutique, so the name Pan Knob is used.
- The maker's site could not be read, so this relies on the Plugin Boutique page.
- AU format is Mac only.
- After purchase, a Boz Digital Labs account and redemption code are needed.
Price
$49 (Plugin Boutique, checked 2026-10-27). Prices can vary by region and promotion, so check the official page before buying.
See Pan Knob on the product page
Sources: pluginboutique.com (checked 2026-10-27)
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