when considering the legendary ‌guitar tones that ⁤define rock music, ⁢consumer-grade equipment rarely ​comes to mind. Though, a compact yet powerful device known as The WOW Thing from SRS‌ has revolutionized this notion, demonstrating ⁢that remarkable guitar⁣ sounds ‌can emerge from the moast unexpected sources.

This article explores the​ fascinating journey of how a quirky, low-fidelity spatial effects processor designed for everyday audio ‍transformed into a vital tool in the studio: ‌”the little plastic box that‌ amplifies guitar greatness.”

the Origins of SRS Labs

SRS Labs, originally known as Sound Retrieval Systems,⁣ was established in the early 1980s as a psychoacoustic research division of Hughes Aircraft. Their​ goal was to create a realistic three-dimensional sound experience from standard stereo⁢ audio.

In the 1990s, SRS Labs was‌ acquired and rebranded, launching several consumer ‌products, including a ⁢remarkable little device called the WOW ⁤Thing.This unassuming desktop unit was designed⁤ to ‌enhance​ the sound quality ⁢of budget⁢ computer speakers, ⁢making them feel fuller and more immersive.

While professionals in the audio industry ‍might have overlooked it, a⁣ mix engineer working on what ​would‍ become a monumental rock⁤ album stumbled upon its capabilities, leading to a revelation that would change the⁤ sound of music.

The Sonic Magic of WOW Thing

The WOW Thing employs ‌a unique⁢ combination⁢ of extreme equalization, ⁤psychoacoustic processing, and phase delays, ‌which significantly expands ‌the stereo sound field and ⁤enhances low frequencies.

It incorporates three proprietary ⁣technologies: SRS 3D, which broadens the stereo ⁢image; Focus, which ​elevates sound vertically; and TruBass, designed to make small speaker drivers produce a rich, deep bass response‍ through psychoacoustic enhancement.

Its equalization ⁤techniques mirror ​those commonly used​ in mixing guitars-boosting low-end frequencies, scooping out⁤ low midrange, and subtly enhancing high-end presence.While⁤ such processing​ is commonplace today with digital plugins, it was groundbreaking in the ⁢early ’90s.

A​ Fortuitous Discovery

“Wider, brighter, and absolutely huge.” This is how renowned engineer Randy Staub (known for his work with Metallica,Mötley Crüe,and ⁣U2) described ⁤the WOW Thing’s impact on guitar sounds. He first encountered the software ‌version while enjoying music on his home computer and quickly ​realized its‍ potential ‍for ⁣transforming distorted guitars, providing thicker bass, ‍a lift ⁢in high frequencies, and a gentle scoop in the ‌low midrange that allowed⁣ them to shine in dense mixes.

At the time, Staub was mixing ​Metallica’s self-titled album, commonly referred to ⁣as the black Album, and ⁣was on the lookout for ways to⁣ enhance the guitar sound. The⁣ WOW Thing turned⁢ out to be the sonic secret he had been searching for.

In an⁢ interview with Ultimate Guitar,he stated,”I started ​using the⁤ WOW Thing ‌on guitars to spread them‍ out in the stereo⁤ image,and I’ve relied on it ​for years.”

Innovative ​Mixing Techniques

Staub⁤ adjusted the device to amplify the ⁤low end, enhance high frequencies, and reduce some midrange frequencies.This approach made the rhythm guitars​ feel more ⁣significant⁣ and helped separate them from⁣ the vocals and snare, which often occupy similar frequency ranges.

The WOW Thing ‌provided​ a ‍unique method to create a larger-than-life sound for doubled guitars, moving beyond customary EQ and⁢ compression​ techniques that typically define track layers.

Since it was designed for stereo processing, Staub applied it⁤ to stereo guitar busses and pairs⁣ of panned guitar tracks, resulting in a‍ thick, defined sound that remains a benchmark even 35 years later.

Korneff Audio’s Plugin⁤ Revolution

Eventually, recording engineer‌ Dan Korneff (who has worked with⁤ artists ‌like Breaking benjamin and my Chemical Romance) discovered the WOW Thing and began incorporating ​it into his ‌mixes. Inspired⁤ by its capabilities, he decided to​ develop‌ a ‍plugin version. “This happy accident redefined what we believed was achievable with⁤ electric guitars,” he remarked.”You can instantly hear the guitars becoming wider ⁣and ⁣deeper.”

As‌ the ​WOW ⁤Thing gained popularity, original units became harder to find. In ⁣2019, Korneff ⁣audio was established, creating a plugin ‌that ⁢closely emulates the original hardware’s ‍sound and interface while expanding its functionality.

This plugin features selectable frequency centers for the ​TrueBass control (ranging from 40Hz to ⁢400Hz) and offers two types of spatial‌ processing to replicate the desktop⁢ and Megawide‍ rackmount versions. ⁤Additionally, ‍it includes a Blend control ‌for parallel processing and a switch⁣ that sets the low end ⁣to mono ⁢for a broader stereo affect.

The ‍TrueBass control enhances low-end depth, making it versatile for downtuned and‌ extended-range guitar tracks, and‍ it ‍performs ‍excellently on guitar busses as well.A TrueBass Dynamics switch adds ⁢a ⁤four-band frequency-dependent compressor‍ for improved⁣ low-end⁣ control.

Korneff ⁤explained his motivation for creating the⁢ plugin:‌ “I wanted my guitars to sound as massive as Randy Staub’s. This plugin achieves that and more-it feels like the guitars are⁢ giving you a bear ‌hug.”

The legacy of‍ Happy Accidents

The world of recording has always⁤ celebrated innovative thinking and⁢ fresh approaches to ​established techniques. It’s remarkable that a consumer audio device originally priced at‍ just $20 evolved ⁢into a secret sonic weapon featured on iconic rock albums.

The⁢ influence of the WOW Thing on professional mixing underscores the idea that the‌ effectiveness of⁤ production tools ⁣lies not in the⁣ tools⁤ themselves, but in how they are⁣ utilized.