Settings — Stereo Tool

This is the core of the "Radio Sound." Multiband compression splits the audio into Low, Mid, and High frequencies and compresses them separately.

Why do we do this? So that a heavy bass drop doesn't drown out the vocals, and a cymbal crash doesn't make the whole mix quieter.

Recommended Settings for Beginners:

  • Release: Set the Low Band release to Slow (to keep bass punchy). Set the High Band release to Fast (to keep cymbals airy).
  • Compression Ratio: Stick to 2:1 or 3:1. If you go higher (4:1+), the audio will start to "pump" aggressively.

    • Stereo Tool comes with presets. Do not use them blindly. Here is how to modify them:

    | Preset Name | Best For | One Change to Make | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | FM Soft | Adult contemporary, classical | Increase treble by +2 dB in EQ | | FM Loud | Top 40, hip-hop, rock | Reduce clipper threshold by 1 dB to lower fatigue | | Web Radio | General streaming | Enable True Peak Limiter | | Mastering | Audiophile, quiet listening | Turn off AGC and Clipper; use only MB compressor | | Voice Only | Podcasts, audiobooks | Set Bass Mono to 300 Hz, increase Mid compression | stereo tool settings

    One of Stereo Tool’s unique features. If your source is clipped (e.g., poorly mastered MP3s), the Declipper reconstructs the damaged waveform.

    Key Settings:

    Warning: Don’t use the Declipper on already clean material. It will add unwanted harmonic distortion. Use the "Bypass" button when processing modern, well-limited tracks.

    The AGC is the gatekeeper. It tames wild volume swings between songs (e.g., a 1960s jazz tune followed by modern EDM). This is the core of the "Radio Sound

    Key Settings:

    Pro Tip: For internet streaming, keep the AGC gentle. Over-AGCs cause "breathing" artifacts.

    The Loudness section (formerly "Compressor") shapes the overall tonal balance. This is where you add "punch" or "warmth."

    Key Settings:

    Genre Guide:

    This is the controversial part. The clipper intentionally chops off the top of your waveforms to gain perceived loudness.

    Before touching a single slider, you must understand a fundamental truth: There is no "perfect" preset. The ideal Stereo Tool settings depend entirely on your audio source, your transmission medium (FM, AM, streaming, or file-based), and your target genre.

    Always start with a preset close to your goal (e.g., "Web Radio Loud" or "FM Soft") and tweak from there. Never assume a preset works out of the box. Release: Set the Low Band release to Slow