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Mid/Side Encode

Encode a stereo file into Mid/Side channels

Converts stereo audio into Mid/Side: Mid = (L+R) and Side = (L-R), with adjustable scaling. Helpful for mastering workflows, stereo width control, or processing center and ambience separately before later decoding.

Click to upload file or drag and drop file here

Maximum file size: 200MB Supported formats: audio/*

0 0.5 1

Scaling for the Mid channel (sum of L+R).

0 0.5 1

Scaling for the Side channel (difference L-R).

Key Facts

Category
Media
Input Types
file, range, select
Output Type
file
Sample Coverage
4
API Ready
Yes

Overview

The Mid/Side Encode tool converts stereo audio files into Mid and Side channels, where Mid is the sum of left and right signals and Side is the difference. This enables precise control over stereo width and center content for mastering, audio processing, and creative sound design.

When to Use

  • •When mastering audio to adjust stereo imaging for better translation across playback systems.
  • •For isolating center-panned elements like vocals or bass from side-panned ambience and effects.
  • •In sound design to manipulate stereo width or prepare channels for separate processing before decoding.

How It Works

  • •Upload a stereo audio file in a supported format such as WAV or MP3.
  • •Adjust the Mid Level and Side Level sliders to scale the channels between 0 and 1.
  • •Select an output format from options like WAV, MP3, or FLAC.
  • •Process the file and download the encoded Mid/Side audio.

Use Cases

Mastering engineers fine-tuning stereo width for vinyl or streaming releases.
Podcast producers isolating vocal tracks from background music for cleaner edits.
Sound designers creating immersive audio by processing Mid and Side channels separately.

Examples

1. Enhance Stereo Width in a Music Mix

Audio Engineer
Background
A rock track mix sounds narrow and lacks spatial depth during mastering.
Problem
Need to widen the stereo image without compromising the centered vocals and bass.
How to Use
Upload the stereo mix, set Side Level to 0.8 and Mid Level to 0.5, then output as WAV.
Outcome
The mix gains a broader stereo field with improved separation and clarity.

2. Prepare Audio for Spatial Processing

Background
Creating a binaural audio experience requires separate Mid and Side channels.
Problem
The stereo file needs encoding to isolate center and ambience for further manipulation.
How to Use
Encode the file with default levels (Mid 0.5, Side 0.5) and output as FLAC for high quality.
Outcome
Mid and Side channels are ready for independent spatial audio effects processing.

Try with Samples

audio, file
Copyright-Free AAC Audio Samples
High-quality AAC encoded audio samples for testing and development, featuring nature sounds and meditation music with excellent compression
preferred input family audio
audio
WebRTC Real-Time Communication Samples
Comprehensive WebRTC samples for peer-to-peer audio/video communication, data channels, screen sharing, and signaling server implementation
preferred input family audio
audio
Copyright-Free MP3 Audio Samples
Collection of royalty-free audio samples for testing and development purposes including nature sounds, meditation music, and ambient audio
preferred input family audio
audio
Copyright-Free WAV Audio Samples
Uncompressed PCM WAV audio samples for testing and development, mirrored from MP3 set with nature sounds and meditation music
preferred input family audio
audio

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FAQ

What is Mid/Side encoding?

It transforms stereo audio into Mid (L+R) and Side (L-R) channels for independent control.

How do I adjust stereo width?

Increase the Side Level to widen the stereo image or decrease it to narrow the focus.

What audio formats are supported?

Input accepts stereo audio files; output can be WAV, MP3, AAC, M4A, OGG, Opus, or FLAC.

Is there a file size limit?

Yes, the maximum file size is 200 MB.

Can I use this tool for mono files?

No, it requires stereo input; mono files will not process correctly.

API Documentation

Request Endpoint

POST /en/api/tools/audio-mid-side-encode

Request Parameters

Parameter Name Type Required Description
audioFile file (Upload required) Yes -
midLevel range No Scaling for the Mid channel (sum of L+R).
sideLevel range No Scaling for the Side channel (difference L-R).
outputFormat select No -

File type parameters need to be uploaded first via POST /upload/audio-mid-side-encode to get filePath, then pass filePath to the corresponding file field.

Response Format

{
  "filePath": "/public/processing/randomid.ext",
  "fileName": "output.ext",
  "contentType": "application/octet-stream",
  "size": 1024,
  "metadata": {
    "key": "value"
  },
  "error": "Error message (optional)",
  "message": "Notification message (optional)"
}
File: File

AI MCP Documentation

Add this tool to your MCP server configuration: 

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "elysiatools-audio-mid-side-encode": {
      "name": "audio-mid-side-encode",
      "description": "Encode a stereo file into Mid/Side channels",
      "baseUrl": "https://elysiatools.com/mcp/sse?toolId=audio-mid-side-encode",
      "command": "",
      "args": [],
      "env": {},
      "isActive": true,
      "type": "sse"
    }
  }
}

You can chain multiple tools, e.g.: `https://elysiatools.com/mcp/sse?toolId=png-to-webp,jpg-to-webp,gif-to-webp`, max 20 tools.

Supports URL file links or Base64 encoding for file parameters.

If you encounter any issues, please contact us at [email protected]