Stereo vs Mono

[mixsit]

Starch, what I meant was that the overall mix is "stereo". That is, the lead vocal is in the middle (for example), a backup vocal is on the left, a lead guitar is on the right, and keyboards and so on are distributed around where there's space and [hopefully] they sound most natural. In this mix, each individual signal is mono so that it can take its place in the final conglomeration.

If you record that lead vocal in stereo, the end result (assuming you have equal signal on each side) is that you hear a mono vocal in the center. If you record that backup vocal in stereo, and pan the result left, you have a signal that seems to be coming from 2 different places. The result is that the listener's ability to locate that voice in the mix is diminished. You have at least devoted more hard drive space to that data (as a stereo track) than it needed (as a mono track).

...I may have the details wrong but it's certainly an effect you can hear.

I think that is a very good explanation lpdeluxe.
Another way to look at it - you can use multiple tracks to recreate one nice stereo image. To do that at least some of the tracks must be small-ish in size to fit the 'picture'. Everything can't be eight feet wide. If you recorded the same band and 'stage' with just a pair of mics XY, the images would still be pinpoints.
We're just doing it the hard way with multi track.

"the better his stereo micing technique got on individual instruments, the worse his mixes sounded".
Connect the dots.

 

[WinstonCowboy]

Nice thread guys....thanks for the info.

 

[sparadiddle]

That's a big factor -how much space gets allotted to an instrument or voice.
If the keyboard's notes are spread out L-R (not just the verb) and you want that kind of larger spread, than the stereo out would be the way to go.
Wayne

Thanks...

I'm going to upgrade my digital piano before I record. I don't hear much L-R spread when I run the stereo out w/o DSP, but this is a cheaper piano. Granted, I haven't looked, but is there any information (websites, etc) on recording acoustic piano? I'd basically like to simulate that, only using a digital piano. I'm getting ready to google it now And I guess I'll sit down with some recordings I like and listen to how they were done.

 

[bucchild]

I want to throw something else in on this topic....sometimes you want the extreme panning....especially on some heavily panned guitar effects....the guitarist likes that effect because of the extreme separation he hears right in front of the cab....even though it doesn't sound like that in the audience, he often wishes it does....sometimes the goal of the guitarist is different from what it sounds like in real life...Some drummers like the sound of those hard-panned toms because that's how they hear them....even though they'll never sound like that to the crowd.

My point is that if you can afford the tracks and it could be something you'll want later, record it stereo. But if you can record it mono and then separate it (copy the track and then pan)....that's probably a more efficient approach.

That is all.

 

[lpdeluxe]

Thanks, Mixsit. Once you get the concept it can be explained [or NOT!] any number of ways. The important thing in my mind is that every instrument and voice has its own place and that place is more distinct if recorded in mono.

 

[starch]

lpdeluxe, thanks for the explaination. I understand what you are saying, but I do think there are definitely times where stereo recording is beneficial over mono.

Starch, what I meant was that the overall mix is "stereo". That is, the lead vocal is in the middle (for example), a backup vocal is on the left, a lead guitar is on the right, and keyboards and so on are distributed around where there's space and [hopefully] they sound most natural.

If you record that lead vocal in stereo, the end result (assuming you have equal signal on each side) is that you hear a mono vocal in the center.

First, I don't think I would ever record a vocal in stereo, but I would use a stereo piano, keyboard, acoustic guitar etc. If recorded properly, you could pan the low range of the piano/keys left and the high range right. Now as the piano plays there is a movement from right to left as if you were sitting in front of the piano and playing it yourself. This is a huge benefit in certain mixes, as opposed to sticking a mono piano track off to one side. I do the same with some acoustic guitar parts to give a sense of movement throughout the song. It isn't necessarily an undefined localisation of the instrument any more than sitting at a piano and hearing low freq from the left and high from the right and everything else in between. It is very natural and organic and can add a huge amount of depth and liveness to a mix.

I will say that stereo doesn't work on everything... but neither does mono.

 

[mixsit]

Thanks, Mixsit. Once you get the concept it can be explained [or NOT!] any number of ways. The important thing in my mind is that every instrument and voice has its own place and that place is more distinct if recorded in mono.

Not to say that stereo can't also be very distinct. The generality was that where it starts to fall apart is when too many stereo layers are stacked up.

 

[WinstonCowboy]

The difference...

MONO is something you catch from a bottom-feeding street walker!

STEREO is something you hear from a high-priced call girl you're nubbing!

 

[Dom Franco]

Another oppinion

I like to record at least one important track in true stereo (Like an accoustic guitar that will carry the rythym and chord progression of the song.)

By "True stereo" I mean using two approx. equal distant matched high quality condensor mics.

I then build the mix around this all important basic track. For Example: Keyboard left, Electric Guitar right, Bass and Lead Vocal center, Drums panned for a natural sounding stereo field.

Having that one solid great sounding track, allows you to bring other instruments in and out of the mix for dynamics, with out having it sound too empty or like the whole left side drops out when the Piano stops playing etc.

Dom

 

[lpdeluxe]

I'm all for stereo. In a simple mix there's nothing better. But mine seem to end up with Dobro, harmonica, backup vocals, mandolin, banjo, guitar , bass and somethimes extra tracks of the same instruments doing lead breaks. In that situation the overall feel and the distinctness of each voice is most important. To clarify what I said earlier, BTW, I record vocals in mono.