POD XT recording: Stereo -vs- Mono

[jbe18]

OK, I have read all the threads on this subject and still feel like I'm missing something. I want to record out of my POD XT into my Delta 66 soundcard with breakout box using Homestudio 2002.

My question has to do with recording Mono vs Stereo. I am inclined to record two different Mono tracks and Pan them at will to create my own stereo guitar sound. But some of the POD's effects are produced in stereo. So if I record two mono tracks with differing effects and different reverb, do I lose the benefit of stereo effects? I know there are no rules, but are there any effects that would be worth recording in stereo (i.e. one "take" using both the L and R outputs from the POD into two tracks in Homestudio) and others that I needn't bother with?

 

[BrettB]

I would just record them stereo... When you record both channels mono you can only narrow the stereo images.

Suppose you record them both mono: You have to pan them fully left and hard to get the same image the stereo output would have got you, right? So the only thing you can do is pan them less, and narrow the stereo image..

 

[apl]

In Cubasis, I can independently pan the two sides of a stereo signal, but I can't independently adjust gain. Maybe you have some flexibility in your software to accomplish what you're after.

 

[Adam P]

Use the stereo outputs, but record two mono tracks, one from each output. That way you can take advantage of the stereo effects, and still have full control over panning and volume adjustments.