What is mono compatibility

With mono-compatibility understand them as possible lossless playback option on playback devices with only a loudspeaker . Strictly speaking, with the mono signal, the original stereo signal is mixed together from the left and right channels. One speaks here of a "mono reproduction".

Mono compatibility in music production

Q: Why is mono compatibility so important?

Mono compatibility in music production is so important because the song is perceived as being much more balanced and powerful when there is a good relationship between the mid and side signals. Especially with playback media with only one loudspeaker, or with many club PAs, playback is in mono. In addition, many club sound systems, smartphones, tablets or other playback and playback media only reproduce their sound in mono. So this is very much about how much of the original sound is reproduced on such devices.

Q: How can one find out the mono compatibility?

The mono compatibility can be achieved with a so-called Correlation meter or goniometer determine. Often the conventional audio interfaces also have a mono switch with which the middle signal can be output in isolation. It is therefore advisable for the mix and also for mastering Check the mono or mid-range signal and possibly less to mix in stereo . With panning up to approx. 65% (of 100) you usually get few problems with the Mono signal .

Q: Which instruments / sounds should be mono compatible?

In order to answer these questions, we first have to ask ourselves which elements in our production are so-called "lead sounds". Example of lead sounds within a song: Kick drum bassline Snare Hi hats Lead synth Piano Of course, this list could be continued. It's just to show that all parts that are important should have some degree of mono compatibility. With a "lead synth" this can sometimes become a problem. Our tip for a good mono compatibility of stereo sounds: Simply duplicate the stereo sound as a track. A stereo imager is placed on the duplicated track. Now set the entire signal to mono. Mix in the pure mono signal at will, depending on the volume.

With mono-compatibility understand them as possible lossless playback option on playback devices with only a loudspeakerStrictly speaking, with a mono signal, the original stereo signal from the left and right channels is mixed together. This is referred to as “mono playback”.

Why is mono compatibility so important?

Mono compatibility is so important in music production because a good balance between the mid and side signals makes the song sound significantly more balanced and powerful. This is especially true for playback devices with only one speaker, or in club PA systems with multiple speakers.

Furthermore, many club sound systems, smartphones, tablets, and other playback devices still only reproduce sound in mono. Therefore, the crucial question is how much of the original sound is reproduced on such devices.

Think about mono in the overall mix: Our tutorial shows you how mid/side signals, panning, and balance interact throughout the entire mixing process. Mixing Guide in a structured process.

How can one find out the mono compatibility?

The mono compatibility can be achieved with a so-called Correlation meter or goniometer determine. Often the conventional audio interfaces also have a mono switch with which the middle signal can be output in isolation. It is therefore advisable for the mix and also for mastering Check the mono or mid-range signal and possibly less to mix in stereo. With panning up to approx. 65% (of 100) you usually get few problems with the Mono signal.

Which instruments / sounds should be mono compatible?

To answer these questions, we first have to ask ourselves which elements in our production are so-called “lead sounds”.

Example of lead sounds within a track:

Kick drum
bassline
Snare
Hi hats
Lead synth
Piano

Of course, this list could be continued. It is simply intended to show that all important parts should have a certain degree of mono compatibility. With a "lead synth" this can sometimes become a problem.

Our tip for a good mono compatibility of stereo sounds:

Simply duplicate the stereo sound as a track.
A stereo imager is placed on the duplicated track.
Now set the entire signal to mono.
Mix in the pure mono signal at will, depending on the volume.

WE PAY ATTENTION TO THE RIGHT MONOCOMPATIBILITY

We make sure that your song has the correct stereo width and sufficient mono compatibility.