When I'm recording and mixing my own stuff, it is better to have the individual instruments as stereo or mono? Or does it really matter?
My own tracks are usually composed of individual softsynth parts, electric guitar, drums from pre-recorded loops (samples), some "found sound" voices etc. I noticed with purchased sample packs they tend to be a mix ie some stereo, some mono.
When I mix I'll pan some of the individual instruments left or right to try and give some space in the track. It occurred to me that panning a stereo part left or right kinda defeats the purpose of the track being stereo.
Any suggestions or thoughts on this?
Individual stems - stereo or mono?
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- KVRist
- 215 posts since 1 Jan, 2015
My Music https://soundcloud.com/derek_barlas
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- KVRer
- 5 posts since 15 Mar, 2020
Personally, I find that if everything is wide, nothing is wide! The key is contrast.
And precisely as you say, sometimes it's harder to give the illusion of placement in a mix if something is stereo - e.g. a wide synth part - it might help to narrow it down, or just have it in plain mono.
Some instruments also tend to feel more "solid" in mono, e.g. a sub bass part or a low kick.
This is naturally all up to taste. Play around!
And precisely as you say, sometimes it's harder to give the illusion of placement in a mix if something is stereo - e.g. a wide synth part - it might help to narrow it down, or just have it in plain mono.
Some instruments also tend to feel more "solid" in mono, e.g. a sub bass part or a low kick.
This is naturally all up to taste. Play around!
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- KVRist
- 341 posts since 30 Nov, 2008
i like having everything in mono.
space i give in the mix.
space i give in the mix.
