What is mono compatibility

With Mono Compatibility understand them as possible lossless playback option on playback devices with only a loudspeaker <img src="https://tdns.gtranslate.net/tdn-static2/images/edit.png" width="12" height="12" title=". Genaugenommen wird beim Monosignal das ursprüngliche Stereo-Signal vom Linken- und Rechten- -Kanal zusammengemischt. Man spricht hier also von einer "Monowiedergabe"." data-gt-hash="ab92fdec653824aee84365f6cf973cbe" data-gt-orig-text=". Genaugenommen wird beim Monosignal das ursprüngliche Stereo-Signal vom Linken- und Rechten- -Kanal zusammengemischt. Man spricht hier also von einer "Monowiedergabe"." class="gicons gicons-text" onmouseover="toggleHighlightText(this)" onmouseout="toggleHighlightText(this)"> . 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

Mono compatibility describes how good a stereo mix sounds when both channels are combined into a single mono signal – as smartphones, club PA systems, and many streaming speakers do. Without it, low frequencies can disappear due to phase cancellation, and the mix will sound thin or unbalanced.

WithMono Compatibilityunderstand them as possiblelossless playback optionon playback devices with onlya loudspeakerStrictly speaking, the original signal is used in a mono signal.Stereo signalThe signal from the left and right channels is mixed together. This is therefore 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 Guidein a structured process.

A single compact mono studio monitor positioned centrally on the mixing console for mono compatibility checks in a professional studio.

How can one find out the mono compatibility?

The mono compatibility can be achieved with a so-calledCorrelation 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 masteringCheck the mono or mid-range signal

and possibly less

to mix in stereo

. With

Panning

Up to about 65% (out of 100), you generally have few problems with theMono 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.

Mono compatibility is mandatory for every streaming master — where it is integrated into the overall workflow is shown in theMastering Guide.

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 MAKE SURE YOUR TRACK WORKS IN MONO

We make sure your song has the right stereo width and enough mono compatibility for reliable playback.