United Plugins WideFire: Stereo Width Plugin Review 2025

What Is United Plugins WideFire?

United Plugins WideFire is a stereo widening and spatial enhancement plugin developed by the Czech audio software company United Plugins, operating under their FireSonic sub-brand. It is designed to add width, depth, and three-dimensional presence to mono or stereo audio sources without introducing phase cancellation artifacts that typically plague simpler stereo wideners.

The plugin targets producers, mixing engineers, and sound designers who need precise control over the stereo field without compromising mono compatibility. It is available in VST3, AU, and AAX formats, making it compatible with all major digital audio workstations including Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, and Pro Tools.

Core Technology Behind WideFire

WideFire uses a proprietary algorithm that separates mid and side content before applying spatial processing independently to each channel. This mid-side approach allows users to widen the sides of a signal while preserving the integrity of the center, which is critical for kick drums, bass, and lead vocals that must remain mono-compatible for broadcast and streaming platforms.

The plugin also incorporates a transient-aware processing mode, which applies width selectively based on the dynamic envelope of the incoming signal. Transient peaks receive different spatial treatment than sustained tails, resulting in a more natural and three-dimensional sound compared to static stereo wideners.

Key Features and Controls

Width and Depth Parameters

The main Width knob controls the overall stereo spread, ranging from subtle enhancement to dramatic expansion. A separate Depth control adjusts the perceived front-to-back positioning of the sound, simulating room acoustics without requiring a separate reverb plugin.

Mono Compatibility Checker

One of the most practical features is the built-in mono compatibility meter. This real-time display shows users how much phase cancellation will occur when the processed signal is summed to mono. This is an essential tool for music destined for streaming platforms, club sound systems, and broadcast, where mono playback remains common.

Frequency-Selective Widening

WideFire includes a frequency-selective widening section that allows producers to apply stereo expansion only within a defined frequency range. For example, a user can widen only the high-frequency content of a synth pad while keeping the low-mids narrow and focused. This level of control is typically found only in more expensive mid-side equalizers or mastering-grade tools.

According to iZotope's guide on stereo imaging, frequency-selective widening is one of the most effective techniques for adding width without muddying a mix, which positions WideFire well against simpler alternatives.

Sound Quality Assessment

In practical use, WideFire performs well on a range of source material. On synthesizer pads and atmospheric textures, the width enhancement sounds natural and avoids the phasey, artificial quality common in basic Haas-effect wideners. On drum buses, the transient-aware processing adds air and space without causing the snare or overheads to lose punch.

The Depth control is genuinely useful rather than decorative. Applied subtly to acoustic guitars or room microphones, it creates a convincing sense of three-dimensional space that complements rather than replaces reverb. Overuse can introduce a slightly hollow quality, but this is easy to manage with the built-in metering.

Bass frequencies below 80 Hz remain unaffected by default, which is the correct behavior for any stereo widener intended for professional use. AES research on low-frequency stereo perception confirms that widening sub-bass content creates phase problems that are audible on most playback systems.

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Pricing and Value

United Plugins offers WideFire at an introductory price that positions it below most mid-tier mastering tools while offering feature parity with several plugins priced significantly higher. The plugin is frequently discounted through AudioDeluxe and similar plugin marketplaces, making it accessible to bedroom producers and professional engineers alike.

Given the combination of mid-side processing, frequency-selective widening, transient awareness, and mono compatibility metering in a single interface, the value proposition is strong. Comparable functionality from competing brands often requires purchasing multiple plugins or upgrading to bundle tiers.

Who Should Buy WideFire

• Producers working in electronic music, ambient, or cinematic genres who need precise stereo control
• Mixing engineers who want a reliable mono compatibility check built into their widening tool
• Mastering engineers looking for a surgical stereo enhancement option that does not color the sound
• Home studio producers who want professional-grade spatial control without a steep learning curve

Internal Link Opportunities

• Link to any existing plugin review roundup on diplo.fm covering stereo imaging tools
• Link to a mixing tips article covering mid-side processing techniques
• Link to a DAW-specific workflow guide where stereo widening is discussed
• Link to any mastering plugin comparison articles already published on diplo.fm

Frequently Asked Questions

Is United Plugins WideFire safe to use on a master bus? Yes, WideFire is suitable for master bus processing when used conservatively. The built-in mono compatibility meter helps prevent phase cancellation issues, and the frequency-selective widening allows precise control over which parts of the spectrum receive treatment. Start with subtle settings and monitor in mono before finalizing any master.

Does WideFire work on mono sources? WideFire can process mono sources and generate a stereo output using its spatial algorithms. The results are effective on instruments like mono synthesizers, direct-input guitars, and close-miked vocals. However, the degree of natural-sounding width achievable from a mono source is always more limited than processing an already-stereo signal.

How does United Plugins WideFire compare to iZotope Imager? Both tools offer mid-side processing and mono compatibility checking, but WideFire includes transient-aware processing that iZotope Imager does not. iZotope Imager benefits from deep integration within the Ozone mastering suite. WideFire is the stronger standalone option for producers who do not already own Ozone and want frequency-selective widening with transient sensitivity in one plugin.

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