Mixing in mono

[Ricklh]

I'm sure this has been covered many times on this forum but can you get a better mix by adjusting your faders/levels with no panning (in mono) to get a good blend of the various tracks and after that is done, then do your panning? Just wondering if this is done by others - I have a 8-track Fostex that I use this technique with.

 

[Seafroggys]

One way of mixing (that I try to follow) is to do ALL of the mixing in mono. EQ settings, automation, compression, etc. etc. Make it sound good in mono. Because you never know when you'll have playback in mono. The more important thing though, is that when you get things as clear sounding as you can in mono, when you pan instruments, things become even more clear, and you get great instrument seperation going on.

Unfortunately, for my album, my stereo recorded instruments (drums, piano, acoustic guitar) sound great panned hard l/r but have phase issues when in mono, so I have to mix with them seperated. All my other instruments are mixed initially in mono though, so at least I have that advantage.

After you pan, re-adjust all your settings as well.

 

[gecko zzed]

Mixing in mono first is a common technique, and has the benefits of allowing the mixer to see if there are phase issues, or that instruments all have niches for themselves.

Nevertheless, I don't worry about it. I would much rather mix in stereo from the start so that I can enjoy the spatial landscape building up in front of me as I go.

 

[Massive Master]

I make most corrective EQ adjustments before I start panning (it's more or less the first thing).

Sounds good in mono = Sounds great in stereo.

Sounds good in stereo = ???? in mono.

 

[jedblue]

I make most corrective EQ adjustments before I start panning (it's more or less the first thing).

Sounds good in mono = Sounds great in stereo.

Sounds good in stereo = ???? in mono.

Just as an aside John, do you know what happens if you cut a laquer in dual mono from a mono analog source. Do you know if you get all sorts of phasing and flutter issues or is it usually okay. Any experience in this?

Cheers

Jed