Mono Vs. Stereo Sound; Everything You Need To Know
If you are a lover of music or an active participant in the recording or music production industry, then you have probably heard of the concept of mono and stereo audio or sound. This post seeks to shed light on mono Vs. Stereo sound.
What is the difference between stereo and mono audio or sound?
Mono audio, as the name suggests, refers to one sound. This is sound that is recorded and played via one channel. For instance, mono audio is usually recorded using one mic and played via a single channel. It is worth mentioning that mono audio can incorporate multiple sounds from different sources, like different instruments. However, the sounds must be recorded using a single mic or channel or played via single or multiple sounds.
On the other hand, Stereo sound is audio that is recorded via and or played via two channels. For instance, the sound may be recorded using two mics. Additionally, stereo sound can also be defined as sound that is played via two channels. For instance, headsets usually have two earplugs. Many people believe that the only reason why there are two earplugs is that we have two ears and the plugs go on each. However, this is not the only reason. The two earplugs usually have different purposes. They produce different types of sound. This is referred to as stereo sound as it is produced via two channels, and each channel has a particular purpose.
How can you tell if audio is mono or stereo?
Contrary to popular belief, you can easily tell if audio is mono or stereo. The easiest way you can tell if your audio is mono or stereo is by listening to the part of the speakers when the sound is coming from. For instance, if the signal or the audio is coming from the center of your speaker, then it is mono audio or a mono recording. It is worth mentioning that mono signals usually rest center on a signal point, especially within a mix.
On the other hand, you can tell if your audio is stereo if you hear different sounds in the left and right speakers. For instance, if you are using headphones or a headset, you will notice that the sound coming from one earplug is different from the other. This is because stereo audio usually applies different qualities across different points.
You can also tell apart mono from stereo sound by looking at the waveforms. The waveform for mono sound usually features a single channel. On the other hand, stereo sound waveforms usually contain two linked signals.
Can mono audio be converted into stereo?
The straightforward answer to this question is YES. Mono audio can be converted into stereo. Numerous tools can be used to convert mono into stereo. Most of these tools are available to download online.
Final word
It is worth mentioning that converting mono to stereo requires some technical know-how. It is a technical process that could easily go wrong if not handled correctly. Additionally, recording stereo sound is usually expensive because of the technicalities of the process and the technical equipment required.
