let me rephrase the question,

[eatblueshell]

Is the only way to record in stereo to record to more than one channel?

and if thats the case, then the only way i can do that is to buy a signal splitter?

 

[NYMorningstar]

Is the only way to record in stereo to record to more than one channel?

Yes

and if thats the case, then the only way i can do that is to buy a signal splitter?

The only way to record stereo is to use 2 mics or a stereo mic. To get your signal on both speakers when you use one mic, record in mono.

 

[Matheon]

but before you go signal splitting try to think of why you would want to do that..

if you split the signal you'll just have a copy of the same signal on the left/right channels..

in which case why didn't you just record mono

if you want stereo separation or a wide stereo image or whatever the fancy term for it is.. there are ways of doing that with a mono signal.

many wonderful ways..

 

[Richard Monroe]

Eatblueshell- Stereo recording is a way to use 2 microphones pointed in 2 different directions, and possibly in 2 different places, to create a model of what your 2 ears would have heard if you were there when the sound was made. It can't be created electronically, by doubling, splitting, or delaying a single source. If you have the same thing on 2 channels, it is not stereo, it is 2 channel mono. Stereo recording requires 2 mics, 2 channels, 2 preamps, 2 inputs, 2 tracks. It is not an electronic decision, it is a way of using 2 microphones to record something.-Richie

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

Eatblueshell- Stereo recording is a way to use 2 microphones pointed in 2 different directions, and possibly in 2 different places, to create a model of what your 2 ears would have heard if you were there when the sound was made. It can't be created electronically, by doubling, splitting, or delaying a single source. If you have the same thing on 2 channels, it is not stereo, it is 2 channel mono. Stereo recording requires 2 mics, 2 channels, 2 preamps, 2 inputs, 2 tracks. It is not an electronic decision, it is a way of using 2 microphones to record something.-Richie

Great answer! Clear, concise, to the point, and exactly right!!