Dead Robot has released DR Solo v1, a free utility plugin for monitoring stereo, mid, and side channels. It is available for Windows and macOS in VST2, VST3, and AU formats.
A Simple Tool for Mid and Side Checking
DR Solo v1 is a plugin built for one specific job: making mid and side monitoring easier. It uses a simple 3-button layout for switching between stereo, mid, and side channel listening modes.
That may sound basic, but tools like this can be genuinely useful on a master bus, especially when checking mix balance, stereo width, and mono information. It can also help when referencing other tracks and trying to hear how their center and side content are distributed.
Side Monitoring With a Practical Twist
One detail that stands out is the option to play the side channel back in mono, which makes isolated side information easier to judge, since hard-panned side content can otherwise sound a bit strange or distracting when monitored on its own.
As a result, DR Solo v1 looks like a small but practical utility for engineers and producers who want a quicker way to inspect stereo information without setting up a more complex routing chain.
Features
- Free mid and side monitoring plugin
- 3-button interface for stereo, mid, and side soloing
- Side channel can be monitored in mono
- Useful for master bus checking and reference listening
- Also useful for creative channel isolation
Plugin Formats
DR Solo v1 is available in VST3 and VST2 formats for Windows and macOS, plus AU for macOS. It requires macOS 10.13 or later and Windows 10 or later.
Free Download
DR Solo v1 is available as a free download from Dead Robot’s Gumroad.
