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Summary
You might understand the basic concept of mono vs. stereo audio.
But choosing the best channel format for specific audio contexts can considerably improve your mixing and production process.
What Is the Difference Between Mono and Stereo Audio?
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Mono represents single-channel audio that, typically, sounds like it comes from the center of an audio source.
What Is Dual Mono?
There is an additional channel format you could use for tracks and plugin setups called dual mono.
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To further clarify the difference, stereo mode plugins on a stereo track act on the two channels equally.
Mono vs.
Some instruments like acoustic guitars can be recorded either way, depending on the audio effect you’re after.
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Often, guitars are recorded on dual mono tracks hard-panned left and right to generate a sense of width.
Often, it’s a good idea to set up aux channels with reverb and delay as stereo tracks.
This can stimulate the sense of space for certain instruments or your overall mix.
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Like with most aspects of music production, be careful not to overdo your reverbs and delays.
If you do, you may struggle to achieve a defined sound and a mono-compatible track.
For ways to remedy frequency masking issues, look intohow to use EQs.
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It shows you just how each of your musical elements interact with one another.
The challenge of balancing each instrument as it sounds from the same position will push your mixing abilities.
This will save you time and effort when starting the subsequent process ofmastering your track.
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Only select stereo for instruments and effects that emit a desirable blend of stereo information.
And mix your whole track in mono for greater definition before applying panning and stereo effects.
Do this, and you’ll ensure mono compatibility and a higher-quality mix overall.
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