You've mixed the whole song. The levels are balanced. The EQ is dialed in. But when you get to that final chorus, you think: "I just want this to feel bigger. I want it to explode."

Here's the problem: Most mixers leave the stereo width the same throughout the entire song. That's a missed opportunity.

In this video, Lucas from Produce Perform reveals one of the best mixing tricks for worship music — automating stereo width on your mix bus to make your last chorus (or any big moment) feel massive.

The Trick: Stereo Width Automation

The idea is simple but powerful: Instead of keeping your reverb, guitars, synths, and background vocals at the same width throughout the song, you automate them to get wider as the song builds to its climax.

This works because:

• Verses and pre-choruses stay tighter and more focused
• Choruses expand outward, creating a sense of space and energy
• The final chorus hits at maximum width, making it feel like the mix is exploding

Two Methods to Do This

Method 1: Stereo Imager Plugin (Ozone Imager)

If you have a stereo imager like iZotope Ozone Imager, you can automate the "amount" knob on your mix bus. This controls how much width the plugin adds to different frequency bands.

Lucas uses a four-band approach:

• High highs (cymbals, air): Cranked wide
• High mids (presence): Wide but controlled
• Mids (vocals, instruments): Moderate width
• Lows (kick, bass): Kept narrow or mono (no widening)

Then he automates the overall amount knob, bringing it down to 50% for verses and up to 100% for the final chorus.

Method 2: Mid-Side EQ (Pro-Q4 or F6)

Don't have a stereo imager? Use a mid-side EQ instead.

Right-click on an EQ point and select "Go to Stereo Placement," then change it to "Side." This lets you boost the side (stereo) information at specific frequencies.

For example:

• Boost the sides around 3-10kHz (where cymbals and air live)
• Add a small boost around 1kHz for presence
• Automate the gain of these EQ points throughout the song

Why This Works for Worship Music

Worship music is already very wide — guitars, synths, and reverb are spread across the stereo field. But that width can make the mix feel diffuse and lose impact.

By automating width, you:

• Keep verses intimate — narrower width makes vocals and drums feel closer
• Build energy in choruses — width increases as the song builds
• Create a climax — the final chorus feels massive because the stereo field opens up
• Preserve clarity — the center stays focused (kick, snare, lead vocal) while the sides expand

The Key: Don't Overdo It

Lucas emphasizes: You don't need a 50% jump in width. Often, a 15-25% change is enough to feel significant without sounding artificial.

Also, if you're mastering someone else's mix, be subtle. The mixing engineer might not appreciate a drastic change to their stereo image.

When to Apply This

Do this at the very end of your mixing process, after you've balanced all your individual channels and buses. It's the final touch that makes your mix feel polished and intentional.

Watch the full video to see Lucas walk through the exact steps →

This one automation move will transform how your mixes feel — especially that final chorus moment.