From mlongo@highmarkdesign.com Thu Apr 04 12:36:01 2002
Subject:Re: Stereo vs. Mono


Many synths/pianos have both stereo and mono samples/programs.
It's generally a mistake to use a stereo sample/program into a mono
device fpor the summing reasons mentioned. How bad that sounds
varies from patch-to-patch, synth-to-synth, and listener-to-
listener. Those list members who run a stereo mix to their stage rig
and sum that in the mono house system should be careful. Their
acoustic piano that sounds so good on stage may sound like a toy to
the audience. Though again, depending on the patch/synth, they may
get away with it fine.

Most of the house systems I use are run in mono. A good many of
them could be configured to be used in stereo, but the sound crew
chooses not to do that for their own reasons.

> As an aside, I'm not a big believer in stereo house mixes.
> In most venues they don't make a lot of sense, because only
> a very small percentage of the audience is in the "sweet spot"
> where you can get a genuine stereo image.

A stereo live mix can add a lot to a band, though doing a stereo
live performance mix is a very different thing from doing a stereo
recording mix. In a live situation, the panning should normally be
very closer to center, for the reason that Dave sites above. Most
clubs, and even some small theatres, don't have enough space and/or
good enough acoustics to give the audience the benenfit of recording-
style stereo without having a lot of uneven spots in the room too.

BUT, a stereo mix live can be useful in a few ways. Panning
everything to center and then using stereo effects (reverb) at the
board is an effective way to bring added depth and ambience to the
performance (room acoustics permitting). In some cases this can
actually improve a room's dead spot problems. Another trick is to
pan the bass and kick drum *slightly* apart to try to get a little
more definition in each.

Mark Longo