SMART TRACK DELAY 1.0.0
Installation and user guide
By Andrea Di Tella

The plugin is free to use, with no limitations.
Donations are optional; you can choose any amount to support development.

WHAT IT DOES
Smart Track Delay lets you adjust the timing and level of the left and right
channels independently. Small timing differences can give guitars, keyboards,
synths and other instruments a broader, more spacious stereo image.

Each channel contains its delayed signal. There is no added dry signal,
feedback or series of echo repeats.

REQUIREMENTS
Windows 64-bit.
A DAW that supports VST3 plugins and stereo tracks or groups.

INSTALLATION
1. Close your DAW.
2. Extract this ZIP archive.
3. Copy the complete SmartTrackDelay.vst3 folder to:
   C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3
4. Keep the Contents folder and all files and subfolders inside the plugin.
   Windows may ask you to approve administrator permission.
5. Reopen your DAW and let it scan for plugins. If needed, run a plugin rescan
   from your DAW's plugin manager or settings.
6. Find SmartTrackDelay in the effects list, usually under Delay.

The exact plugin scanning commands vary between DAWs. If the plugin is missing,
check your DAW's VST3 support and scan locations.

LOADING THE PLUGIN
Insert Smart Track Delay on a stereo audio track or stereo group.
It needs two input channels and two output channels.

A mono recording can remain a mono audio file. Play it on a stereo track,
or route its mono track to a stereo group and insert the plugin on the group.
Check that the source reaches both input channels.

Use a stereo insert to keep left and right processing separate. A mono channel
may keep only one output or combine the outputs, changing the intended effect.

THE FOUR CONTROLS
DELAY L - Left channel delay, from 0 to 100 milliseconds.
DELAY R - Right channel delay, from 0 to 100 milliseconds.
LEVEL L - Left channel level, from -60 to +6 dB.
LEVEL R - Right channel level, from -60 to +6 dB.

Each control affects its own channel only.
At 0 ms no additional delay is applied to that channel.
At 0 dB the incoming level is preserved.
Negative dB values reduce the level; positive values increase it.
-60 dB makes a channel very quiet, but does not mute it completely.

Drag a knob horizontally or vertically to change its value.
Click the numerical value below a knob to enter a precise setting.
Double-click THE KNOB ITSELF to reset it to 0 ms or 0 dB.

FIRST USE
1. Start with both delays at 0 ms and both levels at 0 dB.
2. Play your instrument recording.
3. Adjust DELAY L and DELAY R independently to suit your sound.
4. Adjust LEVEL L and LEVEL R separately to find the balance you prefer.
5. Compare with the plugin bypassed to judge the effect.

You can also delay the left side instead, or use different delays on both sides.
Longer settings may produce a distinct arrival on one side rather than subtle
stereo widening.

LISTEN IN MONO
Different delays on the two sides change how they combine when mixed to mono.
Check the result in mono as well as stereo. If important detail loses strength,
reduce or adjust the offset.

SAVING AND AUTOMATION
Your settings are saved with the DAW project.
You can save plugin presets using the functions provided by your DAW.
All four controls support DAW automation.

UPDATING
Close the DAW before replacing the complete SmartTrackDelay.vst3 folder.
Reopen and rescan if your DAW still shows the previous plugin.
If an old instance retains unexpected settings or routing, remove it and add
a fresh instance on a stereo track or group.

HELP AND SUPPORT
Website: https://www.andreaditella.com
For questions and support, use the contact form on the plugin page.

If you enjoy the plugin, you can support its development with a donation:
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/andreaditella