Stereo Imaging and Mono Compatibility: The Decisions That Matter
How sound is placed across the stereo field, and whether a mix still sounds correct when played back in mono on a single speaker.
Tomas Lindqvist
Why does it matter?
Many phones and smart speakers play in mono, and phase problems can make parts of a stereo mix disappear.
What are the numbers?
- Panning places sounds between left and right
- Mono summing left and right are combined into one channel
- Phase cancellation out-of-phase elements can vanish in mono
- Correlation meter shows phase relationships between channels
What should I do?
- Keep dialogue and key elements centered
- Check mixes in mono regularly
- Use a correlation meter
- Be careful with stereo widening effects
- Test on phone speakers
What should I avoid?
Avoid:
- Wide effects that collapse in mono
- Important sounds panned hard to one side
- Ignoring phase warnings
- Mixing only on headphones
When should I get help?
Short answer Bring in help when mixes sound thin or lose elements on some devices.
Where this comes from
- iZotope — Stereo imaging guide
- Audio Engineering Society — Educational resources
The figures and practices above come from the sources listed.
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