Panning Basics - Warren Huart: Produce Like A Pro

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Warren opens up a session and discusses the basics of panning. He shows how he pans each instrument and how the use of clever panning can drastically improve your mixes.
Produce Like A Pro is a website which features great tips to help the beginning recordist make incredible sounding home recordings on a budget.

[@ceferistul05]

man, people don t understand this guy shares knowledge worth PAYING for

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Sorin! Thanks ever so much for the great comment! I really appreciate your kind words! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@TheTwistedMystic]

Definitely. I have a degree in audio production and engineering that I got here in Minneapolis at IPR. I wouldn't trade in my classroom experience for anything, or getting to work with engineers that worked with Prince, but a lot of what Warren teaches here is exactly what was taught in the classroom there.

[@ryanwilson5936]

Realizing that is half the reason I subscribed to Warren. I heard about him through SMG (Glenn Fricker) and owe them both quite a bit for the knowledge they share. I’m just getting into home recording and Warrens’ information is highly appreciated!

[@philfyphil]

I can assure you all who subscribe appreciate exactly the value of Warren’s presentations :-)

[@McGuire40695]

Man, I can't agree more! I've been watching Warren's videos for about a year now, and I keep seeing new (to me) videos from him explaining SO much crucial information.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi, friends, I've had lots of emails and comments asking about panning so I wanted to do a video where I touched on some of the basics of panning when mixing. I open up a session and show how I pan each instrument, talk about my typical approach to panning and how using clever pan automation can really help bring your mix to life. Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@esongsore]

Since discovering this site, I unsubscribed to all other audio recording channels. I am not trying to compare your tutorials to any others, but personally, I find 'every single' tutorial here focused, detailed, relevant and very practical. Keep up the good work. You should consider putting the videos together in a downloadable file or DVD and selling them. Keep up the good work Warren

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi, +Emmanuel Songsore Wow! You are very kind indeed! I am so glad to be able to help!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@_patrikjay_]

Right all channels on this subject are great but Warren and Music Tech Help Guy are just Naturally Great Teachers, without coming off as Teachers:)

[@im215exempt]

This is easily one of the BEST tutorials in the entire online-universe for recording tips. Amazing video Mr Huart, thank you!

[@noisesoundtonevibe]

Yay! 15 minutes on the basics of panning! It is too often overlooked or left without any explanation. But it's essential. Thanks Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +noisesoundtonevibe You're every welcome!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@rawkinj6609]

Woke up with the PLAP theme song in my head!! Enjoy the last bits of the decade. You and your channel are truly marvelous !! 2020 here we come!!

[@KingBig1984]

Wow, Warren to the rescue. I am new to recording and didn't have a clue what to do when it comes to Drums and Panning. Many thanks mate! You Rock!

[@Elevation34]

Hi Warren!! I've watched many of your tutorials before subscribing to your channel. I have to say that you're an incredible inspirer who has me wanting more for my own little setup. Your setup is extremely nice plus your videos are straight forward and understanding. Thanks for sharing the tips and tricks, Warren!!

[@Slothclawcolseslaw]

Like many here, recording is a passion separate from my day job, and you have totally inspired me to dedicate more time to it. Thank you for all you do!

[@fuuraa4765]

I love how you explained panning i knew how it should be done but you gave me more knowledge and tips with it! Thank you! I subscribed and smashed the bell to get more tips from you! Thank you!

[@aesoundforge]

Every time I rewatch one of your vids I glean so more gold..

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks so watching.

[@dogpetdog]

Wow, thank you for this. Panning for me is really difficult and confusing. I hear a lot of people say everything is either hard l or hard r or in the middle and I don't agree. So when I saw you panning tom's 20 and 20; I do this!

[@SarahAlice]

This was extremely helpful! I've been trying to learn how to pan properly so this has definitely given me some guidelines. Thank you so much!

[@13thJ]

Thank you Warren this video really helped improve not only my drums and my guitar but it really helped me understand the spacing in where I can fit all of my special effects after that it’s made a world of difference to the size and sound it was literally monumental change in my sound in one hour my song is completely improved thanks to you I truly appreciate your videos

[@johnnyjclark]

As always, thanks for inviting us into your session.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +johnnyjclark Thank you! I am always glad to be able to help! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks, Warren.

[@kernjames]

A very informative video. I really liked the separate section about panning Drums. I liked the idea of seeing the drums on stage and matching the panning with that vision.

[@blasborg]

what an absolutely amazing video!!! Thank you Warren!

[@mjhickson4339]

warren, thank you so much, believe it or not i've been struggling with various issues like this and others you address for like 10+ years, I am so excited to work through my back catalogue and clean everything up and see what i'm actually working with. all the best sir.

[@jeffsmith3621]

Very helpful. I just asked you about panning last week and BOOM! There it is. Answers my questions completely. Thank you.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +Jeff Smith Haha! Yes you were one of the people that pushed me to do this!! Thanks very much!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@bandninkasimusic6484]

Excellent video. Like the idea of different panning for different sections of the song. Thanks Warren.

[@alexmiller3472]

Amazing! Couldn't get the topic till I saw your video! Thanks very much! 🙏🏻

[@floyd4826]

Thank you for your time and sharing this.. This has helped color my mixes

[@Derjerber]

That was a really great video, I find your content incredibly useful. Thanks Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +Davey Jones-Bierton Aw shucks thanks very much indeed! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@lordha-ha4242]

Thanks man, youre amazing as always, and after a few beers here, my brain is panning in too!

[@ekimbeats2293]

Great channel with unique videos, super detailed and practical! I´m a fan of your job!

[@mikewoodbridgemusic8218]

Not sure why I have only just found your channel, but this is great stuff well explained. Thanks!

[@robertnicholas3608]

Wow! I've been looking for something like this, especially for the vocals. Nice! Thank again Warren.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +Robert Nicholas You're welcome!! Thank YOU! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren!

[@joefrantic5729]

great video warren, loving all the content you post!!!! keep up the good work dude :)

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +Jose Avi (Qualia) Thanks very much!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@JawaTheWicked]

Wow, very straight forward, extremely helpful. Thanks dude!

[@spiralsofdanu]

Great video - thanks for helping us newbs!

[@Producelikeapro]

You're very welcome my friend!

[@newsomething8682]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@stylestep111]

That was really informative. Also loving the song, that vocalist has an awesome voice!

[@RishyCupTV]

Thanks so much Warren! Learned A LOT! Loved hearing you break down the "vocal thickening" thank you!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi, +RishyCup TV Aw shucks!! Thanks very much for your kind words! It really means a lot!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@gnugnu00]

Very cool Warren. Love the help. Your fans in the UK!

[@giot2627]

Oh my gosh, I can not verbally (or physically) thank you enough for giving away this incredible information worth $$$$$ for free!!!!!! I LOVE YOU

[@user-ux5ym6ck3c]

This is exactly what I needed to hear. This guy is a total guru.

[@MrJacoBezuidenhout]

Brilliant piece of info. It's so basic, but so helpful! I never tried the guitar one side and FX other side trick, but will do soon! And this lead me to your vocal thickening tutorial.... which I want to try on acoustics! Thanks a lot.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi, +Jaco Bezuidenhout So glad to be able to help! The thickening trick works on any instrument! I used it on Ace Frehley's guitar solos! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@frederickthorne2496]

Where the hell you find your time,.. You are a very busy man. // That Little Empire song - we haven't heard that one yet. It is sounding really good! Very much looking forward to hearing that project in it's entirety. Thanks for all you do, Warren. Us minions love you. :)

[@giggagaines]

Love this guy ty my friend for your service. Much love

[@CoredusK]

Jees these are so helpful. Thank you so much Warren!

[@GaryWeidner1970]

thanks warren. some really great ideas here with panning. the way you processed and panned that girls vocal was just sick man. i wanna be as good as you.

[@StigmatizedProductions]

A great tutorial explained at the most clear way!

[@symmie666]

These videos are Brilliant Warren! I will admit I would mix my drums, bass and vox the same way! But the guitar tricks are definitely going to give me more width and space to play around with.. normally i panned an acoustic 40 left and an electric 40 right and maybe in a pre chorus or bridge i would bring another in about 30 on the left then bring just one more guitar in hard left and a synth hard right on chorus but the depth you have shown me is fantastic! Definitely trying this tomorrow ona new track I'm recording. Love your videos man.

[@MarkDavies247am]

What a marvellous gentlemen you are. I'm an in the box wannabe producer with my laptop and a recently purchased copy of reason (for better or worse!) But I'm really learning alot from your sharing of trusted knowledge. Thanks ever so much!

[@jettjaguar8150]

outstanding content , very inspirational .......... thanks so much Warren

[@taopagan]

Very helpful concepts for me at this time! Again, very inspiring!

[@jordyjeppesen6996]

Your videos are amazing, I do miss the 60s hard pans that immerse me in the music, sometimes even making me feel like I'm in the room with the band!

[@Rek-Ignition]

Glad to see your videos are getting to the audiences great job as always warren

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi, +santo karlos Thank you ever so much! I really appreciate it! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@AllanGildea]

You're a master teacher Warren. Thanks so much.

[@Thrakatak]

This is one extremely useful tutorial

[@im215exempt]

This is a brilliant tutorial on panning. I currently use 20% 50% and 100% but I love your idea of sending the wet reverb signal of the guitar to the opposite side during the chorus! My next project will be full of these great ideas. Thank you for sharing your knowledge Warren.

[@Amish6Stringer]

It's nice to see more people panning audience perspective. I've held steady for over 10 years, but at first people (other engineers, not clients...they honestly have never mentioned it) were quite hostile in their opinions on this. Thanks for the video. Always cool to have a refresher on the basics to keep me on my toes. -Neil

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +Neil Tuuri Wow! Really people get hostile on it? Yowsa! Sorry to hear that you've had to deal with that! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@TheGRider56]

Awesome information and technique! Thank you!

[@sonyrana]

U are the godfather... Not because of u know that much things but because u are sharing ur valuable experience..... God bless u

[@darlenesheffield9835]

Excellent simple well laid out & informed !

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +Darlene Sheffield Thanks very much for your kind words I really appreciate it! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren

[@JamesMolyneux62]

Very helpful, clear and articulate.

[@joeyf808]

A great lesson! Kudos to Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +Joey Fernandez Thanks very much!! Keeping it simple makes the most sense to me! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@savedalsman2081]

That was really, really, great. THANK YOU!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@johncostopoulos7741]

very succinct and informative. Thanks so much for sharing your (vast) expertise!

[@KirkyDrums]

Great again Warren :) the snare sample is to loud to me but i love great organic sound but either way still rockin mate . Brilliant video. Thanks

[@fantimanjouju8407]

wow your idea about panning sunk well.Thank you Sir

[@TimAdamsMusic]

great video needed that!!! question when having so much panned hard left and right.... besides Eqing,, and having well recorded material,, is there any advice for when something isnt the best recorded that you recieve and things are fighting each other on the left and right sides... hope that makes sense.. again great videa...

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +Tim Adams Great question! If there's clutter going on I will have to get creative, try a lot of correctional EQ, it's a case by case situation, I would have to hear the issues to be able to make the right judgement! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@Toss-T]

so this was eye opening. Many thanks :)

[@MayAllSentientBeings]

what a great video. you've answered so many questions I've wondered about all in one tutorial - thanks so much.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +MayAllSentientBeings Thanks very much for your kind words I really appreciate it! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren

[@andreineagu.online]

Very useful tips! Great video from a great engineer!

[@kmt3809]

Very practical, unlike lots of things I read or watched, thanks

[@emulousrecordingstudio8521]

Very nice video as always Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +Emulous Studio Thanks very much!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@leopursuits]

Hey Warren, thanks so much for the video, great stuff as usual. I was wondering if you could do a video on the automation basics explaining how it's usually done...Cheers, Leo.

[@robr471]

Great advice. Thanks for the video

[@raggedrec]

Lily's vocals sound Amazing Warren. Great band to boot.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +Ragged Company Recordings I agree! Lily has an amazing voice! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@MrSiruiz]

Great video, i guess we got how panning, that looks a so simple left-right thing can (and should be) marvellous

[@corinasucre]

Thank you!!! Awesome info as always!

[@trekkspill1234]

Thank you for a great video! Been working on two 60-track projects now, and got to use many of your tips. One thought: What if the mixes you had received for this contest were mixed with headphones and not speakers? I typically mix with speakers, then regularly go over to headphones, just to check that it sounds okay on both.

[@deshchk2574]

Thank you so much for this one!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +Daniel Leszczak You're welcome!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@kimsaisse]

how do you pan things in your OH mic? When you soloed your OH track your toms were panned. How do you do that?

[@JohnBassarcticsoundstudios]

Another reason to put Bass and Kick down center that way both speakers carry the lows. Great video Warren thanks. I have had my studio since 1983 but I learn so much from your videos.

[@Producelikeapro]

Wow thanks very much John! You Rock! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@benjaminaustnesnarum3900]

Also, if you're in a club, venue, or somewhere with a big space, you might not even hear elements panned left or right

[@torbjrngrnas9535]

Great video AS allways. Thank you😊

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@elyseeguerrier2839]

Really nice and very helphful. you are a real mentor.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi, +Elysee Guerrier (EzBass) You're welcome! Thank you very much for your kind words! So glad to be able to help! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@kingsleyfreedom]

Thanks Warren for sharing your expert advise, we're so lucky in this internet age to have access to these techniques. Thanks for sharing buddy:)

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +kingsleyfreedom You're welcome!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren.

[@thebasementfilmgroup]

...... and for those of you who are newbies - this right here -is pretty much how its done - if you can follow this method (and yes there are other ways of doing things) - you should end up with a pretty good basis for a mixture any band would be happy with. And I agree (not everyone does) - drums I always pan from audience perspective - many many many people do it the other way around - but I agree with Warren - the listener isn't in the band - do you wantthe sound engineer on stage to flip your kit too??? (Don't argue this point folks - its a preference lol) And thats it - don't bother going to college folks - cos you just got two years of learning crammed into a 17 minute video - job done ;)

[@jerichokom7044]

This is called the actual mixing of instruments that give extra colours to the result... Very useful and Thanks from Delhi

[@mattstory2011]

Thanks so much again Warren

[@Producelikeapro]

Thank you very much!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@AMB666]

Wow...That's a killer video...I think you shared very valuable information....those like secrets and you share them....you are so kind person really.

[@PabloSaavedra84]

I think that kind of paning is just for populars song, or a defined style. But you can tell a full story paning with creativity and imagination. Finaly, equal to mix, paning is a creative process... there's no rules to lead, this is a basic guide but your ears are designed to hear where the sound come from and that's all, you need to place the instruments wherever you want to hear it... great tutorial and thank you very much to put it online!!!

[@PabloSaavedra84]

BTW, sorry for my horrendous English...

[@Producelikeapro]

Absolutely! There are definitely no rules whatsoever!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing! Many thanks Warren

[@itsdannybuoy]

Thanks Warren. I'm loving this. I just joined the academy. Hope to learn alot. Quick one... How do you pan sampled stereo piano?

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +Daniel Ayittah Fantastic!! Looking forward to your contributions in the Academy!! It's a wonderfully safe place where we can share knowledge and music!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@Risenson]

Thanks for the tips and ideas!!

[@Producelikeapro]

HI, +Leonel Alvarado Thanks for watching and supporting the channel!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@dreambeliever3652]

Man buddy, just awesome content

[@DAVIDDAMIENR]

Thank You for sharing !!!

[@josienorment667]

wow! thank you so much this helps loads!!

[@Producelikeapro]

joe norment you're very welcome! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing many thanks Warren

[@LearnGuitarBristol]

16:50 my god you're like the most humble youtuber ever. I feel like I wanna buy you a pint to say thank you for this video, LOL

[@Magodafloresta]

Nice! One question: how would you usually pan an acoustic guitar mono track?

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi, +Luã Linhares Great question! It depends, but either dead centre under the vocal but usually slightly to one side around 20%. Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks, Warren.

[@TimothyBussMusic]

So many good ideas!!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +Timothy Buss Thanks very much!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@panduwics]

Great mix Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +PanduWic Aw shucks thank very much!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@sirhcyaj]

Had to stop mid video and leave a comment. Thank you for sharing this great video. Back to watching..

[@sirhcyaj]

Which DAW has the best panning features?

[@wilkiebrown244]

Awesome job!

[@SubFreqMartin]

Awesome video as usual! One question concerning bass guitar: In the case of let's say a live recording with only one rhythm guitar track, did you ever try panning part of the bass guitar signal (mids and highs) slightly to the side to get more stereo width and a better representation of the stage setup? Does that work or will I get problems using an approach like that?

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +BassMartin Wow what and interesting idea! I've never tried that! I would try maybe a little slap delay of the guitar very lightly panned the other way to feel a little bit of the void! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@philsackett7341]

Hi Warren, I was wondering what you think about LCR panning. I know a lot of the greats seem to use that scheme. I like it a lot myself, although you have taught me to start more mono'ish, working my way up to LCR at the choruses. Awesome tip btw! Dynamically, that method just kind of kicks ass for pop and rock tunes.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi, +Phil Sackett Great points! Yes I essentially subscribe to LCR in large parts of the songs and then work subtle moments of panning in other areas to create huge dynamic lifts! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@100chuckjones]

Thank you so much for a great tutorial on panning Warren. Right now I am struggling with something totally different, a channel strip. I typically plug right in to my Focusrite Scarlett's pre amp and record direct that way. Im trying to warm up the sound a bit but im not sure where to go. Im lost man. Would I benefit from getting a channel strip like the Presonus Studio channel ? I understand if you cant answer my question. maybe some others in the comments can. At any rate, I very much enjoy your videos. Thank you sir.

[@jacobnichols4875]

Loved the video Warren very helpful! Also I was wondering what you thought about Pro Tools First?

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi +Jacob Nichols Great question! I think Pro Tools First is a great way to get going!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren

[@jimgleckler5194]

Hi Warren - great video with lots of useful info, as always. Question - when you were saying you had guitar track doubles, were those actual 2nd recordings or processed duplicates of the guitars?

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi, +jim gleckler Great question! I like to track actual doubles of guitars! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren