


These differences are what really define mono and stereo sound. But there are also psychoacoustic differences – sound perception differences. There are audio technical differences between mono and stereo, certainly. Psychoacoustics: Mono Vs Stereo Sound Perception We’ll get into all these technicalities in the next section below. For example, if you record a guitar with one microphone, the guitar will be in mono but played back in stereo, because all audio playback systems play sound through two channels. Pseudo stereo or, simulated stereo is anything that plays through two channels but isn’t recorded in true stereo. True stereo is when a sound source like an instrument or dialogue is recorded with two microphones. There is True Stereo and another type, which we call Pseudo Stereo There two types of stereo you’ll come across. Stereo is sound recorded with two microphones and or played back through two channels.Īll our listening systems are configured in stereo our phones, laptop speakers, headphones, the sound in films, the sound in video games, the PA systems in clubs and festivals and so on.Įverything that produces sound in consumer electronics and media has two channels and is therefore configured to stereo. Stereós (Greek) – Stereo (English) = Full Stereo is short for stereophonic, meaning full sound. We’ll get into mono recording and specifics later though! What Is Stereo? If it is all sent through one channel, it is mono. It doesn’t matter how many sounds or instruments there are in the recording. For example, one microphone recording a guitar is a mono recording, because you’re using one channel (with one mic) to pick up the sound of the guitar.Įven if you record multiple instruments, using one microphone, it is still a mono recording because everything is being captured and played back through one channel.Īll you need to know about mono is that it is a system of recording and playing back audio through one channel. Mono sound is any sound – in most cases, music, that is recorded and or played back using one audio channel. Mono is short for monophonic, meaning one sound.

You’ll learn about the historical significance of mono and stereo, as well as their use in recording and mixing. In this guide, we’ll cover the differences between mono and stereo. The tasteful application and use of mono and stereo can enhance the aesthetics of your productions. To producers, they’re part of daily decision making. To consumers, mono and stereo don’t mean much. They are two fundamentals in audio engineering that, as a producer, you’ll be dealing with every day. Mono vs stereo both have their place of importance in music production.
