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FAQ on recording
a live show in Mono vs Stereo |
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Question:
Answer:
Some quick definitions: Mono=one
channel of audio signal
Stereo=
two different channels of audio signal, recorded with two microphones
spaced apart (or with a single microphone with two elements)
Even tough many bands will put out a mono signal through their PA system, it is almost always better to record in stereo (or Binaural). Here are the reasons: In
many cases, especially in smaller venues, some of the sound you hear is
coming right off the stage and is essentially "mixed in" with
the sound coming out of the PA. In this case, you are indeed hearing the
benefit of multiple sound sources coming from different directions. Recording
in mono would not capture the true essence of the sound you heard at the
time of the recording.
Even when all of the sound is coming from the PA system, the acoustics of the venue you are recording in greatly affects the way sounds hit your ears. By the time the sound waves get to you, they are indeed in "stereo" and will greatly benefit from a stereo or binaural recording. Note: the exception to this would be when you are recording from a position very close to the PA speakers ("stacks). In this case, most of what your microphones will pick up is direct sound from the PA, and very little reflected sound from the room. In this case, you would still hear a small difference with a stereo recording, especially when using omnidirectional microphones, but to a lesser extent than a situation when you are a little further away from the speakers. If you have any questions regarding this topic, please call 800-213-3021 or 856-638-0008
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