Waves UM225 and UM226 are specialized stereo-to-surround plugins designed for audio professionals working without access to original multi-track sessions. These tools enable the upmixing of stereo content to immersive surround formats like 5.0 and 5.1, preserving the sonic character of the original mix while expanding it into a full multi-speaker environment. By maintaining absolute and relative levels and positions, these plugins create an enveloping soundstage suitable for music production, film soundtracks, and other media.

Leveraging patented center and rear channel extraction technologies alongside a unique LFE channel enrichment process, UM225 and UM226 enhance surround imaging with greater separation and clarity. The plugins provide tailored profile modes for different content types, allowing precise control over frontal center clarity, rear ambience, and LFE bass enhancement. These features make the plugins ideal for sound designers applying stereo effects to surround soundtracks, engineers upgrading archive materials, keyboardists needing surround outputs for virtual instruments, and post-production professionals focused on dynamic low-frequency effects.

User-friendly controls include adjustable balance for low and high frequencies, width settings, rear channel delay and filtering, and output trims for each surround channel. The intuitive surround graph provides visual feedback to optimize spatial placement. Whether for creative real-time conversion or detailed surround mixing, UM225 and UM226 deliver professional stereo-to-surround processing that enriches audio projects with immersive depth and impact.