Fans of mid-side mastering and the hardware processor's of Germany's Sound Performance Lab, rejoice. The new SPL M/S Master is a rackmount processor designed to make mid-side signal management in the mastering process headache-free.

Mid-Side mastering allows for greater flexibility in the mastering process but can be a pain to setup and implement. M/S Master not only makes it easier to manage mid-side information, but allows for easy integration of external processor into the signal path.

The M/S Master controls include Balance, Center Level, Filter, Stereo Width, and Output Level. Mute and Insert Engage buttons are available separately for the mid and side signals, and the sweepable filter and low pass pre shape can be bypassed for the side signal. Two VU meters provide metering for either the M/S signals or the output L/R.

In addition to mastering applications, we imagine the M/S Master would make tracking and live mid-side techniques easier, too, saving both setup hassle and input channels.

Announced at MusikMesse, the SPL M/S Master doesn't yet have a release date or pricing.