Microphone Only Recording Left Channel, Solution (FAQ Series)

In this FAQ entry, I explain why your microphone is only recording to the left channel, or right channel, and tell you how to fix the problem in your recording software or streaming software.
DEFINITIONS (which I should have included in the video)
STEREO: A stereo signal has multiple channels of audio, each of which can be reproduced by separate speakers. Meaning in a 2 speaker setup (or in headphones) the left speaker will be producing a different sound than the right.
MONO: A mono signal is made up of a single sound source that is reproduced by all speakers simultaneously. This means what you hear in the left speaker, you will also hear the same in the right speaker.
00:00 - Intro
00:19 - How Your Interface Treats the Inputs
01:21 - How to Fix the Issue Before Hitting Record?
03:07 - How to Fix the Issue After You’ve Recorded?
05:23 - How to Fix the Issue in Streaming Software?
06:07 - Note on Mixers
06:26 - Outro
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[@imusingadblock5363]

What about discord

[@Podcastage]

Discord downmixes audio to mono prior to transmitting to everyone: twitter.com/discordapp/status/853281035341135877?lang=en

[@imusingadblock5363]

@@Podcastage Thanks! I've been wondering about it for a long time now

[@RadOo]

I know only TeamSpeak can do stereo while Opus codec is set to Music mode

[@Airbomb]

Most games use mono anyway

[@ZNsolo101]

​@@Podcastage why would you not just change your computers sound setting input select device setting recording tab change to 1 channel 24bit 48000 hz to get mono instead of it default 2 channel this will fix it without down mixing.

[@Avomance]

This was superb - THANK YOU - I now have OBS working beautifully!

[@General_Puffball]

Thanks for another year of great content, Bandrew. This channel has become an invaluable resource for the audio community, and I really appreciate the time and money you invest to make it so.

[@Podcastage]

Thanks so much Michael, that means a lot.

[@eanjaymusic]

I swear, even though I have my mic and interface of choice, I can always come to your channel and be pleased by the content.

[@Podcastage]

That really means a lot. Thank you for the kind words.

[@JoshSetterfield]

Quick and easy, straight to the point! You’re a legend! Thank you, dude!

[@iwoody1962]

Dude your videos have literally been saving my audio issues! Short, sweet, informative, and direct. Thank you!!!

[@Podcastage]

iWoody really happy to help!

[@ZancralthePariah]

2 years later and this is still an amazing and well structured video. Thank you for all your help and explanation

[@RealCornWallace]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! I just started streaming and was getting frustrated with all the issues i was running into. but now I've got it figured out. I appreciate the video!

[@GamingAficionados]

Not only did this fix some issues I was having while recording music, but also, I won't have to switch back to my old phantom power box for my mic when streaming on OBS. Thank you so much!

[@notalltheories]

THANK YOU SIR, YOU ARE A LIFE SAVER!!! I just got this thing, and my first time using it was to record a group (that I'm in, so I couldn't monitor while recording) and WHAT THE HECK IT'S ONLY IN THE LEFT EAR. No chance to re-record. But NOW it sounds beautiful! I tried watching several other videos for a fix to this problem, but you are the most clear and concise and I appreciate you explaining it to those of us who are not audio engineers in a way that we can understand without making us feel like idiots.

[@Podcastage]

That's amazing to hear. Really happy to help.

[@uditjoshimusic]

What if I wanna do it in windows?

[@aftathought]

You are an amazing audio ninja wizard. I love you and your tutorials are so bomb and informative. Totally helped me figure out my mono streaming situation. I was only a google away but didn't have a chance to fix it before going on. I won't make that mistake again now with your help! Thanks again for being awesome.

[@swanlightbella]

You’re awesome! Thanks for releasing this very helpful video💫💫

[@FranciscoSolano]

Thanks you so much!!! I've been looking on the internet how to fix this issue and after reading so many articles (that don't tell you how to fix it) I finally found this video. Thanks a lot!!!

[@Percformysoul]

For all those not using the instrument channel, you can go into your control panel sound settings and open up sound controls. Change the analogue 1 + 2 to 1 channel studio in advanced properties. This will fix the problem.

[@alkhalaf89]

Thank you! amazing how no one mentioned that.

[@DudeRandom]

Marry me

[@MuteMax]

Thank you!

[@peterfargo6044]

I was about to post the same thing.

[@kenzie3650]

@@peterfargo6044 i dont see sound controls where is it?

[@01FrozenFuze]

This guy is a legend! I was trying to find it before my stream and he just fix the problem for me! This guy literally need more subs. @Podcastage I would like to thank you for all the help you have given me to get the right mic and good audio interface and everything else! You are truly a legend!

[@Podcastage]

Very happy to know the video helped solve your problem with the stream! Best of luck on the streaming.

[@01FrozenFuze]

@@Podcastage Thanks Man I really do appreciate it! It have went really well thankfully and with my new mic and audio interface it made my voice sound better! I would have to say without your help I might not have been able to get this far at this time.

[@Marek_Vasilev]

That OBS bit helped me a lot, it's exactly what I needed and you got straight to the point. Take my like, good sir!

[@rosssturgeon1823]

5 years old man I still have to say thank you mate this helped me sis out what the hell was happening I liked the video for you, THANKS MAN!

[@B4YBTech]

Thanks for making this video and thanks for answering my questions in that review video you had. Only thing that sucks for me is when I use nvidia shadowplay it doesn't record mono

[@balazsgulyas8315]

Hey, quick question @podcastage. How can I turn my audio to make sure it sounds like stereo on Facebook live? I'm using Scarlett 2i2 third gen. I'd like to stream a mic for vocal and an acoustic guitar with line in on channel 2 but it really makes me unhappy that I hear both channels on different sides?

[@TraeFittz]

Been Recording at Home for YEARS.. Finally got an Interface & Mic Upgrade. THIS WAS SOOOO HELPFUL 👌🏾

[@Westerntech]

YOU BEAUTIFUL MAN!! THANK YOU FOR FIXING MY ISSUES ON OBS!! Never would have figured it out without your help

[@healthyinspirations6692]

Fantastic. I have been trying to resolve this for my Heil PR 40 connected to a Behringer Tube Utragain Mic500USB (which I got as it was the only solution I could find to deal with Heil's impedance needs). But, I could not see how to set up my Macbook Pro to select the left channel for Skype/Zoom interview recordings. Any thoughts much appreciated. Greetings from Brisbane.

[@TechWinds321]

how to install Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface with pc and start video podcastage please make a complete video

[@jedimindtrickonyou3692]

You totally solved my problem! Love the channel by the way too! You helped me decide on a Samson Q2U and the Behringer UM2 for my budget setup!

[@whimperingwoods2701]

Really glad this video exists. Thank you for how thorough you were.

[@Seorai]

I love YOU ❤️ 🧡 💛 💚 💙 💜 🖤

[@Podcastage]

You're too kind. Happy it helped.

[@Thrashman138]

For Windows 10 (and I'm assuming previous versions) you can set a global single-channel input setting for the Focusrite or any other DAC. Instructions: right click the speaker icon in the system tray on the bottom right of your screen > click "Open Sound Settings" > under "input" make sure "Focusrite USB" is selected in the drop-down menu > click "Device properties" > click the "Advanced" tab on the next window that pops up > select "1 channel, 24 bit, 48000 Hz (Studio Quality)," or whichever single channel quality setting you want to work with > finally, click "Apply." Done. Doing it this way will force a mono input/recording from your microphone through the DAC no matter which recording software you use. It's super easy and only needs to be done once.

[@dashofawesome64]

I have the umc202hd and for some reason i don't have the option. i.imgur.com/vax5smn.png

[@KristalTear]

I have a list, but they al 2 channel =( so my windows records in just 1 speaker-.-

[@gradeA50]

Upgrading my remote teaching setup has been daunting in the audio sphere, but you have a video for almost every issue I’ve run into. Thank you!!

[@YAOG]

Who do you teach for?

[@mathewleon4352]

This was the absolute easiest demonstration!! Thank you so much

[@marvluebke]

Sound -> Recording -> Rightclick recording device -> Properties -> Advanced -> Set to 1 Channel

[@eduardsegle478]

Thank you!

[@dashofawesome64]

I can only choose 2 channel i.imgur.com/vax5smn.png

[@AgarioBNWWoolff]

@@dashofawesome64 same

[@Linkaden]

@@AgarioBNWWoolff i only had access to 2 channels, I set mine to Studio Quality and that seemed to work.

[@ciazz621]

@@Linkaden i only have Studio Quality and Channel 2, i'm basically trapped, you got any other solutions?

[@elmSTREETnasty]

For gaming: Install VB Cable Go to your mic properties Click Listen Change playback to VB Audio Virtual Cable Problem solved

[@jonathanwilling3726]

This is actually a really interesting solution and might be way simpler than my solution of using Voicemeeter. Thanks for the tip!

[@yasuh4550]

I'd personally avoid this as it adds a ton of delay

[@ajddavid452]

what's a VB cable?

[@jonathanwilling3726]

Yasuh Just tried, and yeah it does add noticeable delay. Maybe 300ms? I think that’s acceptable for my purposes.

[@ajddavid452]

@@jonathanwilling3726 300 MS? that's 0.3 seconds, now that sounds like a noticeable delay

[@meiitsugaki9138]

Thank you so much! I didn't know what was the issue, this was so helpful since you covered all the programs and even the equipment I used!

[@Th3Abel]

This was so informative and yet straight to the point! Wish all content creators were like this.. 😆 Very helpful. Liked. Subscribed.

[@thatgameromar162]

Is there anyway to set it to mono by default, I mainly use my mic for games and I don't want players to hear me in the left side of their ear lmao. (without using voicemeeter) Please help!

[@papamadone]

Someone help

[@MrRourk]

Use a external USB mixer. Once set it should stay set.

[@MrRourk]

One like this www.amazon.com/Soundcraft-Notepad-8FX-Small-format-Console-Lexicon/dp/B075SLJGGV The cheaper 5 channel is good. But you can hook up audio toys. Keyboards, mp3 players and such. More room with the 8channel.

[@MrRourk]

If you can live with 16bit recording (which is not really that bad). If you don't need all the bells and whistles. www.amazon.com/Phenyx-Pro-4-Channel-Interface-Recording/dp/B07BT2GLBY

[@micmule3395]

For windows apps and stuff go to sound setting where you select headphones etc Select the scarlet in the input tab then select record as mono instead of sterio Might be worded poorly but its what i did Edit It will say somthing like 24khz record 2 channel change that to 1 channel 24 khz

[@sk1y47]

Thats the correct solution for windows. It will apply system wide and no need to fiddle with application settings.

[@Thrashman138]

For Windows 10 (and I'm assuming previous versions) you can set a global single-channel input setting for the Focusrite or any other DAC. Instructions: right click the speaker icon in the system tray on the bottom right of your screen > click "Open Sound Settings" > under "input" make sure "Focusrite USB" is selected in the drop-down menu > click "Device properties" > click the "Advanced" tab on the next window that pops up > select "1 channel, 24 bit, 48000 Hz (Studio Quality)," or whichever single channel quality setting you want to work with > finally, click "Apply." Done. Doing it this way will force a mono input/recording from your microphone through the DAC no matter which recording software you use. It's super easy and only needs to be done once.

[@brtcobra]

this will cause issues with a scarlet device. not recommended

[@Thrashman138]

@@brtcobra Untrue. I've been using this exact setup for years, no problems. Perhaps your specific setup had problems, however that does not apply universally.

[@monowavy]

Well I don't have "1 channel" options with my Behringer UMC404.....

[@angulararchitecture2566]

Perfect explanation. Clear, concise, and solved the problem(s). Thanks.

[@klericoslive3707]

As soon as you said fixing it in OBS you got a sub lol. You are the reason I bought the m audio duo interface for my first one and now I'm back to fix his. Big appreciation for these videos! Much love man!

[@shawnwilliams7021]

I really enjoy these types of vids, great job!

[@EuroJex]

love your videos man , great work

[@shanewood7005]

You are a life saver! I found this video concise and informative - fixed my problem with ease. Much thanks!

[@ThatBlackOni]

Thank you so much, man. I have had this issue for months now and was thinking something was wrong with my interface. You have saved me a lot of money and time.

[@mcchurch118]

This was the answer I was looking for! Thank you so much for making this video!!!

[@ruby_red_monkey]

man you're actually a legend for this video. such a simple fix but i never would have found it on my own

[@myauramusic]

Thank you, quick and easy solution, quality information and delivery. Subbed

[@sherlynn.]

thank you so much i've been struggling with streaming for weeks, your video really helps!

[@Key019]

I just want to comment to say a big THANK YOU for your content. I am in the "getting started" stage of recording vocal audio for my own Channel, and I've ended up watching several of your videos on various topics. Got my equipment set up just now, and wouldn't you know, "OBS is only recording the left channel..... why???" And boom, here you are with a video solving it in 10 seconds. Thank you so much!

[@eggydew3904]

Happy to say after knowing literally nowt about my audio setup (I myself have a Scarlet Solo), I now understand my problem. Cheers mate.

[@primalphatman]

This fix felt so easy for the audio coming out of the left side... Thank you for showing how simple it was to fix :D

[@gobbiz1]

Great video!! Succinct and clear. Subscribed.

[@mightymightyironhead]

You Sir have my sincere gratitude. I spent much longer than i though i would setting up a Behringer UMC202HD yesterday, only to have my recoding coming out of just one speaker. A quick search brought me to your video and now i have stereo. Thank you.

[@thebearserker9628]

This video just fixed my issue for stream labs and an issue i have had with my mic for years. Thank you

[@anamariafrancoquintero]

Goddamit, here's your well deserved like good man, I was desperate! thank you so much!

[@saucedupshane]

you have literally changed my life, THANK YOU

[@OneHandedGuitar]

Thanks so much man! First video I clicked on and addressed the problem instantly! 👍🏻

[@Portly]

just received my first XLR mic and interface today (Rode Podmic and Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen) after watching a TON of videos on your channel, and even now you're comin in clutch with this video helping me figure things out!

[@colderland]

Thank you! This has been an extremely helpful video as all your videos are.

[@vaultgaming3044]

So helpful! Thank you 👍 Keep doing what you do

[@OutAboutLivingInQuarantine]

That helped a lot! Thank you for this video!

[@PodcastNow]

Thank you so much for this. 4 years later still helping people!!

[@MargueriteMontes]

After faffing about with convoluted tutorials from Logic X, you have saved this sinking ship! I thought I had to do all of the keys and vocals again. Made me want to cry... Such a simple process, yet impossible to know when one doesn't know! Thank you thank you thank you.

[@grahamboote8398]

Awesome explanation, thank you so much, a great help.

[@susegroj]

It was so simple! I'm using the UM2 for long and I never was able to solve the issuefor streaming and recording. Thank you a lot!

[@waltertomaszewski1083]

Thanks for the info! It's quite helpful.

[@adamb.9701]

Great video! I was freaking out thinking my mic was shot. THANKS!

[@CrisGG11]

Thank you so much my last video had to go up with a left only voice audio but I really appreciate what you do keep putting out this great content

[@Rev3Band]

THANK YOU SO MUCH. I Only had to watch half of this and saw my error. :)

[@standardjoyperu]

Right on, thanks. Worked like a champ.

[@beckya1095]

Thank you so much Podcastage, magnificent help -becky

[@Dominator4444]

thanks for the time stamps, great video

[@ScottMilnes1]

Thank you very much! Solid video- right to the point and immediate solution! Boom!!

[@HDStencils]

I was looking for help with one issue only then you helped me with all the issues I was dealing with. Much appreciated!!!

[@radthibidaeux8229]

Found this as the "pro tip" solution for the "left channel only" on OBS stream issue. A ten second solution, as they usually are. Thank you for this EASY, quick resolve!

[@TAZS]

Yes yes yes yes, thank you so much, i was pulling my hair out trying to sort this, you're a lifesaver!!!

[@bittutrivedi]

Same here,

[@webbophone3377]

Great vid! Helped a lot, thank you!

You have saved the world, man. Thank you.

[@midocrimsonfate1948]

hell yes simple and informative. Thanks man.

[@zoomerreacts763]

thank you for such a informative and easy video to follow along, it really helped solve my recording/streaming problem

[@FunsongsCoUkaction_songs]

Thanks you resolved my channel problem with a very clear explanation and video!

[@Podcastage]

I'm really happy to hear this solved it for you. Happy recording!

[@TheSonnyhorse]

Still helping people nearly three years later! Thanks.

[@Ghostblack999]

This was super helpful and right to the point!!

[@ItsTole]

Thank you so much from Spain :) it was really usefull, is was driving me crazy, but your help me a lot :)

[@JourneyWithAjah]

Extremely helpful!!

[@tylerdaerden]

Simple and clear :) you've been really helpfull , thanks for your video and all your work :)

[@teejmorrison]

THANK YOU!! Great video and timestamps are a godsend.

[@fadetto71]

This video really helped! Thanks!

[@RETRO_72]

Bless you for making this video!

[@thatssolonden7267]

This method still works in 2021!!!! Thanks buddy

[@ErikMosich]

TY for making this hurdle a small one while setting up my new mic thru OBS :)

[@6thwatergateplumber]

I'm late to the party, but THANK YOU. I fished around quite a bit until bumping into this video. Cheers!

[@Bluefairy513]

Thank you! People like you are a blessing!

[@traylingeriexoxo]

Thank you so much!!! This helped so much with my new 2 channel interface and I’m working off Cubase but still very relatable and help.

[@stefanorizzi1426]

BRO. Simply loving you ahahah Thanks.

[@frelonvert6064]

Thanks... still learning my equipment and software... this has helped a lot.

[@tracyface40]

Thank you this worked, I bought an external sound card and it was only recording mono, I did what you said in OBS and it worked a treat! :) Kudos

[@Rudiggz]

Thank you! I was having this issue and now I dont have it anymore, the video was very helpful

[@dslapster64]

This was perfect. Thank you.

[@nis.i]

Bro thank you so much, the obs part really helped me I will be looping this video for that watchtime.

[@WrstGaming]

Thank you for this video!! 'Def helped me out big time!!

[@iericnierman]

Thanks. Very helpful. I just realized I recorded a bunch of videos with the audio only going to the right sid channel... ugh. Glad it's fixed now ,and it was simple with this video.

[@MarianVEsanu]

great video bro, it worked; thanx a ton