23DSP has introduced two audio plugins aimed at enhancing stereo mixes with a combination of compression, saturation, and tonal shaping.
Both XY-FAT (free) and XY-FAT Pro (paid) are designed around a simple yet effective signal path that includes envelope-followed compression, peak EQ filtering, and soft saturation. The main difference lies in their approach to stereo processing: XY-FAT works on the full stereo signal, while XY-FAT Pro processes Mid and Side channels separately.
XY-FAT is a streamlined stereo effect plugin offering immediate results with minimal controls. It applies a unified processing chain to the full stereo signal, consisting of high-pass filtering, compression, tonal shaping, and soft saturation. XY-FAT is suitable for quick enhancement of drums, synths, vocals, or buses, providing a fast way to add weight and harmonic content without needing complex routing or setup.
XY-FAT Pro expands on the concept by offering Mid/Side stereo processing, allowing for independent control of the center and edges of the stereo field. This version is aimed at users who require more detailed shaping of their stereo image, whether for mixing, mastering, or creative sound design. By splitting the signal into Mid and Side components, XY-FAT Pro allows producers to shape transients and harmonic content in a more focused way—boosting stereo width, clarifying the center, or creating asymmetry for creative effect.
Available for Windows and Mac (VST3/AU), XY-FAT is a “pay-what-you-want” download, while XY-FAT Pro is priced €4.50 EUR.
