Mono vs stereo tracking

alexwasashrimp · 2023-06-26T07:16:56.840Z

How do you track your synths for itb mixing? On one hand, it seems to be much easier to mix in mono. On the other hand, in some cases stereo can be a part of the character. Of course you can always add stereo fx itb, but you can’t add voice spread or a true stereo analog chorus after tracking.

I’m rebuilding my studio after moving and can’t decide whether I want to track my Op6 (plus Julianna chorus) and Alpha Juno in stereo, would like to hear what more experienced producers think.

TheWhistler · 2023-06-26T07:45:12.333Z

It depends.
If the stereo information has an inherent quality that is important for the sound, of course track in stereo.
Otherwise this information/quality is lost and baked into a mono signal.
If you are recording e.g. a simple TB kind of bass, you can safely do this in mono.
You can as well narrow any stereo signal to some degree if necessary/appropriate for some reason ITB.
This is even possible in a frequency selective way.
To make it short…keep the possibility to track in stereo by all means.

HoldMyBeer · 2023-06-26T07:49:10.171Z

Follow your heart.

DaveMech · 2023-06-26T07:53:32.429Z

Just go for stereo. You can still sum to mono after recording if it’s a sound that’s just mono mostly or because it sits better in the mix that way. That way you still have the option for a stereo voice spread mega super saw.

rodrigo21san · 2024-10-13T16:09:32.020Z

In the case of recording the A4, without effects. Is there any stereo information, or both L and R carry exactly the same information, allowing to record only L or R without loosing anything?