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Decorrelating a limiter's left and right sidechains preserves stereo width at the cost of center-channel density

Concept L4Performance D · Mixing, mastering & loudness

A limiter’s sidechain determines which signal triggers gain reduction. With a fully correlated (linked) stereo sidechain, the louder of the two channels drives gain reduction for both — preserving center focus and mono-like solidity but reducing apparent stereo spread when the limiter fires. Partially or fully unlinked sidechains allow each channel’s gain reduction to be driven independently, which retains the original stereo image and produces slightly more perceived width. The trade-off is a looser center: bass frequencies and kick/snare, which are typically mono and drive the most gain reduction, may have slightly less defined center presence. This decision is genre- and track-dependent.

Examples

On a limiter with sidechain stereo link control: try fully linked (100% correlated) — note center solidity. Then try unlinked (0% correlated) — note increased width and slightly reduced punch. Choose based on which quality the track needs more.

Assessment

A student notices their mastered file sounds narrower than the mix. Which limiter setting is likely causing this, and what adjustment would restore the stereo image? What is the trade-off of that adjustment?

Prerequisites — understand these first

Don't confuse with

Sources

“I've unlinked the side chains slightly differently between the attack and the release phase of the limiter. If you have a fully correlated sidechain with a limiter you're going to get nice, good, solid clarity up the middle but you won't get quite as much stereo spread.”
corpus · are-you-listening-mixing-and-mastering-video-series-izotope · chunk 2

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