Stage Depth Lite v1.0.5

Overview

Stage Depth Lite is a one-knob spatial depth processor designed to place sounds naturally in a virtual acoustic space. Instead of relying on a traditional reverb or EQ workflow, it combines distance-based imaging, early reflections, delay cues, reverb shaping, automatic gain compensation, and transient shaping behind a single intuitive Depth control.

The v1.0.5 interface keeps the identity of Stage Depth Lite while adding the newer True Stage Audio visual language, continuous metering, a backplate view, and Guide Mode.

Stage Depth Lite is intentionally simple: set the Depth amount, work in the Hall space, and use Auto Gain when you want the plugin to compensate for distance-related loss of perceived level.

Quick Start

Insert Stage Depth Lite on a mono or stereo track, instrument, aux, group, or bus.
Start with Depth at a low value and raise it until the source sits where you want it in the stage.
Use the built-in Hall space for natural acoustic placement.
Turn on Auto Gain when you want Stage Depth Lite to compensate for distance-related level loss.
Watch the input and output meters to confirm that signal is reaching and leaving the plugin.
Click the encircled G button at the bottom left to open Guide Mode whenever you want on-screen help.

Interface

The main interface is organised from top to bottom: metering and depth control first, then the fixed Hall space, then the Auto Gain utility control. The design is intentionally direct so Stage Depth Lite can be used quickly while mixing.

Depth Dial

Controls how far a sound sits in the virtual space, from close and upfront to distant and ambient. The centre number shows the current value from 0 to 100.

Input and Output Meters

Continuous left/right meters show signal activity. The dynamic readouts above the meters are smoothed so level changes remain readable.

Space: Hall

Stage Depth Lite provides the Hall space only. It is a balanced orchestral-style space with natural depth and clarity, suitable for most musical material.

Auto Gain

Compensates for distance-related loss of perceived loudness as Depth increases. It keeps the mix balanced while shaping distance, but it is not intended to reproduce an exact dry-signal gain match.

Depth Ranges

0-20: Close or upfront placement.
20-60: Natural placement and the broad sweet spot.
60-100: Distant, atmospheric, or ambient placement.

As Depth increases, high frequencies soften, early reflections increase, reverb depth increases, the direct signal subtly reduces, and transients soften.

Guide Mode

The encircled G button at the bottom left opens Guide Mode. Guide Mode places an overlay over the interface and shows interactive information points for the main controls.

Hover over an information point to display a larger explanation box. Only one explanation is shown at a time, keeping the interface readable on laptops and smaller screens. Click the G button again to close Guide Mode.

Guide Mode includes help points for the Depth dial, Hall space, Auto Gain, and the backplate button.

Backplate View

The button at the top left opens the backplate view. The backplate contains product and account-facing information without crowding the main mixing controls.

The backplate shows the license status, the True Stage Audio website, the model name, the current Lite version, and the design and development credit. Use the same top-left button to return to the main interface.

Installation

Stage Depth Lite is distributed in plugin formats for supported DAWs. Install only the formats required by your system and host application.

macOS

The macOS installer allows you to install the formats you need. Use Customize in the installer if you want to install only selected formats.

VST3: /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/Stage Depth Lite.vst3
Audio Unit: /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/Stage Depth Lite.component
AAX: /Library/Application Support/Avid/Audio/Plug-Ins/Stage Depth Lite.aaxplugin

Windows

The Windows installer provides the available Windows plugin formats for supported hosts. Typical install locations are:

VST3: C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3\Stage Depth Lite.vst3
AAX: C:\Program Files\Common Files\Avid\Audio\Plug-Ins\Stage Depth Lite.aaxplugin

After installation, rescan plugins in your DAW if Stage Depth Lite does not appear immediately.

Lite and Core

Stage Depth Lite is the essential version of Stage Depth. It uses the same depth-processing idea while keeping the workflow focused around one Hall space and Auto Gain.

Stage Depth Core expands the workflow with additional spaces such as Studio and Hall II, an output selector, and Eco Mode for reducing CPU strain.

Workflow Tips

Use smaller Depth values for subtle front-to-back placement.
Use the 20-60 range for natural placement in a musical mix.
Automate Depth for dynamic movement between closer and more distant positions.
Use Auto Gain when increasing Depth makes the source feel too quiet in context.
Use the input and output meters to separate signal flow from processing amount.
Use Guide Mode as a quick reminder instead of leaving the manual open during a session.

Support

For product information, updates, and support, visit truestageaudio.com.

Stage Depth Lite v1.0.5
Designed and developed by True Stage Audio
Valdivia, Chile