PanCake 2
Key Features
- Drawable LFO waveforms using soft and hard control points for designing custom panning curves from smooth sweeps to sharp rhythmic patterns
- Beat-synced LFO from 1/128 notes to 32 bars with sample-accurate timing, plus free-running mode up to audio-rate 5.24 kHz
- MIDI note triggering for firing panning patterns on demand, ideal for syncing stereo movement to specific rhythmic events
- 10 custom waveform slots per instance for storing and switching between different panning shapes within a single project
- Full parameter automation including waveform shape, allowing dynamic curve morphing throughout a track
- Real-time left/right channel oscilloscope for precise visual monitoring of stereo movement
- Mix knob for controlling overall panning depth without altering the drawn waveform shape
Description
PanCake 2 by Cableguys is a drawable auto-panning plugin that gives you full creative control over stereo movement. Rather than limiting you to basic sine or triangle LFO shapes, it lets you sketch custom modulation curves using soft or hard control points, producing anything from gentle sweeps to aggressive rhythmic stutters.
The LFO engine syncs to your DAW's tempo from 1/128 notes up to 32 bars, or runs freely from 0.02 Hz all the way to audio-rate speeds at 5.24 kHz for extreme sound design. MIDI note triggering lets you fire panning patterns on demand, making it especially useful for syncing stereo movement to specific rhythmic events in your arrangement.
Up to 10 custom waveform slots let you store and recall different panning shapes within a single instance. Every parameter is fully automatable, including the waveform shape itself, so you can morph between curves throughout a track.
A real-time oscilloscope displays the left and right channel volume as the pattern plays, giving you precise visual feedback on how your audio is moving across the stereo field. The Mix knob controls overall panning depth, letting you dial back intensity without redesigning your curve.
PanCake 2 supports VST 2, VST 3, AU, and AAX formats on both Windows 64-bit and macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon), and works with all major DAWs including Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, FL Studio, and REAPER.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between PanCake 2 and PanShaper?
PanShaper is PanCake's paid big brother from the same developer, Cableguys. It adds multiband panning across three frequency bands, psychoacoustic Haas panning, envelope followers, audio transient triggering, and multiple panning modes. PanCake 2 handles single-band drawable autopanning and covers most standard use cases.
Can PanCake 2 be used for sound design beyond standard autopanning?
Yes. Setting the LFO to free-running mode at audio-rate speeds up to 5.24 kHz produces AM-synthesis-like effects and extreme stereo modulation that goes well beyond traditional panning. Combined with the drawable curves and automation, this opens up ring-modulation-style textures and experimental stereo effects.
How do you trigger panning patterns with MIDI in PanCake 2?
Route a MIDI track to PanCake 2 so that incoming notes restart the LFO waveform from the beginning. This lets you sync panning movement to specific hits or rhythmic events rather than relying solely on tempo sync, which is especially useful for dynamic drum patterns and staccato synth parts.
Does PanCake 2 cause any latency in the signal chain?
PanCake 2 is a zero-latency plugin with no lookahead buffer. It processes audio in real time with no added delay, so it can be safely used on live monitoring setups and across multiple tracks without introducing timing offsets.
