Ear Candy Technologies 'SweetPoint': The Smarter Stereo Field Optimizer

Ear Candy Technologies, a Mexican developer of audio plug-ins known for its innovative tools that expand creative possibilities, has recently announced the release of ‘SweetPoint’ — An innovative audio plug-in designed to smartly optimize your stereo field with transparent mid-side processing, whether you’re working on a single track, an entire mix, or the final mastering stage. SweetPoint was born from years of cutting-edge research at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Music Production. SweetPoint was developed by Ear Candy Technologies in collaboration with electronic music producer and Intelligent Music Production (IMP) researcher Flavio Everardo. SweetPoint is compatible with 64-bit Mac and Windows systems, supporting AU, VST, VST3, and AAX formats, and works seamlessly with all major DAWs.

SweetPoint is a transparent and intuitive stereo imaging tool that empowers you with confidence and creative control. Using advanced mid-side processing, it enhances your stereo signal while maintaining flawless mono compatibility—making it an ideal companion for mixing, mastering, and everything in between. Equipped with a unique intelligent assistant developed in-house, SweetPoint offers expert-guided options that not only optimize your stereo spread but also explain the reasoning behind each decision. This intelligent feature even suggests alternatives to reduce potential phasing issues, ensuring a superior and reliable audio experience. A custom-built stereo width meter provides instant visual feedback on your audio spread, helping you fine-tune your stereo image with precision. With SweetPoint you can explore different sweet points, unlock new sonic dimensions, and transform your sound with clarity, balance, and unmatched creative potential.

The following is an explanation of the core features of SweetPoint:

SweetPoint features a custom-built Stereo Width Meter that provides essential information for verifying your audio, using correlation values to measure the stereo image. It offers instant visualization through three main indicators: Narrow, which represents a nearly mono signal; Optimal, the ideal range for maximizing stereo spread while maintaining mono compatibility; and Imbalance, where phasing issues may occur and compromise mono translation. These clear indicators help you monitor and fine-tune your audio for the best possible stereo performance.

You can take control of your stereo image instantly with the XY Pad, where a simple movement lets you hear the changes in real time. It dynamically adjusts the mid-side amplitude balance, with immediate feedback shown on the Mid-Side knobs. As you move the pointer, the XY Pad displays a transparent measurement of the stereo spread along with a visual representation of the incoming audio signal.

The XY Pad encourages creative control, but sometimes a second opinion can be helpful. SweetPoint offers three smart suggestion options via the Smart Assistant to help process your signal more effectively. By pressing the center button, the plug-in analyzes your audio after processing, checking whether it needs to be widened or narrowed, and ensures good mono compatibility based on the signal’s correlation values. The goal is to place your audio in the optimal range on the Stereo Width Meter. You can explore different suggestions using buttons II, III, and IIII.

SweetPoint is fully transparent in its process. When it starts analyzing your audio, a floating message will appear. After the analysis, the plug-in explains what it found and what actions were taken. If your signal is already balanced, it lets you know that no changes are needed. If adjustments are required, SweetPoint offers detailed suggestions in banks II, III, and IIII. Since the analysis adapts to your signal, you may get different suggestions each time.

For detailed manual precision, SweetPoint provides individual knobs and buttons to handle any stereo signal issues:

Mid and Side knobs: These mirror the XY Pad’s pointer movements, displaying amplitude levels on both the pad and the knobs. (refer to the above Image A)

Side HPF: Spreading low-frequency content can lead to muddiness in the mix. This high-pass filter, adjustable up to 500 Hz, cleans up the side signal for a tighter, clearer stereo image. (Image B)

Split: You can convert mono to stereo with a calibrated Hass effect using this single knob. Apply a delay to the right channel of the track to transform your signal into a rich stereo sound. (Image C)

Out (Gain): You can adjust the overall signal level with the Out gain control, ensuring consistent amplitude after processing. (Image D)

Swap Button: You can reverse channel information with a single click, allowing for creative adjustments. Useful when coupled with the Split knob. (Image E)

Mono Check: You can verify how your mix or master translates to mono, simulating playback on single-speaker devices. (Image F)

Bypass: This button lets you easily perform AB comparison to hear the difference before and after using SweetPoint. (Image G)

Features

Powerful XY Pad

With an intuitive XY Pad, SweetPoint allows instant stereo control with simple gestures, dynamically adjusting mid-side gain for endless creative possibilities.

Smart Assistant

Sometimes a second opinion makes all the difference. Featuring a unique, in-house developed Smart Assistant, SweetPoint offers insightful suggestions to achieve a suitable stereo image, providing guidance to help you create your ideal stereo image effortlessly.

Custom Stereo Width Meter

Monitor and adjust your audio with this custom-built Stereo Width Meter, granting precise feedback and a clear visual representation of your stereo field.

Detailed Stereo Controls

SweetPoint also provides detailed controls such as Mid and Side knobs for precise mid side gain adjustments, a Side High-Pass Filter to clean up the side signal for a clear stereo image, and a Split control to easily convert mono signals to stereo with a calibrated Hass effect.

Perfect for All Users

SweetPoint is perfect for both beginners and professionals, delivering unparalleled precision and control.

System Requirements

Mac

- macOS 10.10 or later (Intel / Apple Silicon supported), 64-bit only

- AU / VST / VST3 / AAX

- 4 GB RAM required (8 GB recommended)

- 2.5 GHz CPU (Intel, AMD or Apple Silicon)

- 270 MB Free Disk Space

Windows

- Windows 7 or later (64-bit only)

- VST / VST3 / AAX

- 4 GB RAM required (8 GB recommended)

- 2.5 GHz CPU (Intel or AMD)

- 270 MB Free Disk Space

*Note: SweetPoint is not compatible with 32-bit platforms.

Price

$39.99 USD

*The company also offers a free demo version of SweetPoint — try it out here.

For more information on ‘SweetPoint’

About ‘Ear Candy Technologies’ (https://earcandytech.com/)

Our mission is to transform the audio industry by sweetening the experience for creators. We strive to push the boundaries of audio technology and design to bring the highest-quality audio tools and support to every corner of the world. Our vision is to become a leading player in the audio industry by revolutionizing the way audio is produced and heard.