Should You Check Your Mix in Mono?

[@vicsardou9654]

I have an advanced degree in physics and I would demonstrate destructive/destructive interference to my students. We'd play around with different songs and signal generators, headphones, stereo and mono speakers. I think they caught on. It is hard to explain this to people. You did a good job.

[@vicsardou9654]

*destructive/constructive

[@onedarkside4830]

@@vicsardou9654ahhh I c 🙌

[@Jay-sl9jo]

TIL Utility has a mid/side mode, woah! I would call this video the definitive video on mono compatibility. Thank you!

[@SeedtoStage]

Thanks for sayin so :)

[@Thayne2222]

Seriously that mono compatible mix still sounded freaking dope when collapsed down. Major props.

[@_madonkey_]

You always explain things in an easy and digestible ways. Taking difficult topics and turning them into easy to understand lessons is a massive skill that you have. Thank you.

[@SirBenjiful]

Thank you for speaking sense and being realistic about listeners' actual behaviour.

[@tyeblee23]

Papadosio killed it at secret dreams ❤your voice sounded so good man thanks for awesome chunes that weekend!

[@FluidBlow]

Crazy that you have so little views considering the quality of your videos! Thanks for sharing all this!

[@jimb762]

Always forget this, I now have both a mono and Harman curve check on my master thanks to you :)

[@mrclaytron]

Oh man, when I got The Downward Spiral in '94 it was the first time I realised just how incredible stereo mixing could be - placing sounds all around my head... It's like Trent is whispering to me from all over the place haha. Still one of my favourite albums of all time! The production on TDS (and The Fragile!) is just so damn good. Awesome video Anthony!

[@Feldspar__]

I've enjoyed seeing the OB-6 go on adventures around your studio.

[@Thassodar]

Imagine my surprise when I ran the mono test on a song I'm putting out next week and it IS mono compatible! Goniometer and everything, I'm good! This is awesome! I'm gonna check my other tracks now lol

[@lucaslaboudes2919]

Let me know if I'm wrong, but I think it's important to highlight some key differences in checking mono compatibility in Ableton. First off, when you use the Mono setting in the Utility device, it effectively removes the side information. This process is similar to filtering out side information with an EQ, rather than simply adding L + R and applying a -3 dB adjustment. In an analog environment-like a PA system-the approach can vary significantly based on how the mono result is achieved, whether through processors or connectivity. If it’s about connectivity, this method differs from using the Mono setting in Utility. In that case, it resembles utilizing two instances: one with the right channel through Utility and another with the left channel, adjusted to -6 dB on group. These may seem like small differences, but they can have a substantial impact on the final sound. Utility's mono is super useful, i use it too but i suggest to use your's interface/console switch too.

[@richardhanula4702]

at 20:30 you left the mono utility on mono when comparing to the m/s utility so the sounds were unaffected by the m/s utility (also shown on goniometer both signals are mono) but hey, we get the point. ;) Thank you for the vid. What i am really struggling with is how the F* do pro mixes sound good and balanced and pretty much the same on my studio speakers, on my studio headphones and on a JBL. I would appreciate super deep dive into this and into what everything can be done for translation of mixes across different types of music consumption devices. Thanks again!

[@josipvulic5471]

This lesson is a crazy realization of the importance of checking your mono mix, for any of us releasing any music to ether. Thanks Anthony. Oh and side question, has anyone investigated if "ether" is stereo or mono ;)

[@Darushiokan]

The stuff of nightmare! I never not check mono. I also find easier to set up different volumes while in mono.

[@TilliKommunikation]

This is a very instructive tutorial. Thank you!

[@mrtinacrispoti]

Always great content! Thanks!

[@michaelfitzsimmons6273]

Mono is good across the board (no pun intended), especially when you're doing the final mix it can be 100% helpful in placing sounds and instruments in the stereo field with as much clarity as possible

[@nectariosm]

You'll probably play at some squat party where amps are bridged to get more output or small(er) club and we've all played small clubs and squat parties before got to play some big festival PA...and I don't remember the last time I played a big festival PA that was full mono. But subs are still run in mono pretty much everywhere and the human brain *starts* (emphasis on starts) losing directionality below 300hz also stereo low mids (not out of phase...out of phase *can* be cool in some special FX context where you feel like your brain is doing a "barrel roll" inside your skull)....but wide low mids give a nice perception of depth. Its all a balancing act, after all, its part of mixing. So yeah, I do agree its important to make sure you check your goniometer is mostly on the positive side, but I feel we are being asked to make up for lack of reproduction quality medium....when people make movies, for the movie theatres, they don't really care about the people that will watch the movie on their smart phones. And I reached the end of video where I totally agree 100% about using the tools we have and being creative...I especially agree with "sticking it to the man"....

[@jackthehumanofficial]

LEGEND

[@Geoluhread]

Not even halfway through the video and im already like damn i gotta switch everything to mono asap

[@alexv4907]

Came here to say "yes" but you said it for me.

[@shokdj1]

I find a lot of samples nowadays are way too wide. It often sounds worse when you go back to stereo.

[@Peampiin]

I can get my mixes to sound amazing in head phones but feels a little lifeless in a car system. I've always known about Mono compat. but never really gave much thought about it until now. Thank you.

[@danielfromyesterday]

that was a great explanation thank you 🙏

[@Zdrewe]

Instant like and watch 💪

[@morizanova]

When the better we should arrange " Frequency Slotting" ? In production stage or doing it in mixing stage

[@No_Amoeba]

Thats what she said!! @17:40

[@Artek604]

What about producing in mono from the start and only enabling stereo when mixing? I always plan to do it, but it's so hard to let go of those delicious delays, reverbs, choruses and phasers 😅

[@RampageTim]

Спасибо! Важная тема, полезное видео!

[@mcdjchandler]

It's near impossible to press a vinyl record with lots of stereo information in the bass. The needle will jump out of the groove.

[@vinylarchaeologist]

The cool thing is: out-of-phase sounds are easily identifiable by ear - it's like a sound that is coming from nowhere, or better said, you cannot easily tell where the sound is coming from on the stereo soundstage, it's neither left nor right, nor the middle. And it also creates a slightly nauseating sensation if you have headphones on or you are in the sweet spot of your speakers. Best way to start training for these types of sounds is panning a sound to the left and use a utility to invert that sound's phase, and pan that to the right. You'll get that nauseating effect instantly. Now, in more complex mixes those out-of-phase sounds will be more difficult to spot, and that's where the meters come in, but for easily trouble-shooting stuff and hearing if an important element is out-of-phase, it's good to be able to rely just on your ears.

[@joeldichter1320]

Yes, because when you’re going to the bathroom in the club, the sound is mono

[@michaelfitzsimmons6273]

😂 YES

[@infiniterift]

"Human ears are actually oriented horizontally." Me: 😮 jk great video as usual

[@PoboyMusic]

Mixing in mono made my mixes 10x better

[@michaelfitzsimmons6273]

Same, it's totally necessary to do it

[@timetravelvictim]

Link to Goniometer please? I can't find it anywhere.

[@cg9279]

I'd like to know what preventative measures I can take as I'm creating a track to make this process easier for later. Is it mainly just watching the frequency clashes/loudness/stereo image of each individual instrument? That's what I gathered from the video but just want to be clear since the difference between what went into creating the compatible/incompatible wasn't shown and they sounded similar. Thanks for any/all help!

[@potatodubs]

If you're a DJ you need to mix or even just produce in mono if you want you music to sound good at venues and festivals who all run their system in mono so all your tracks should actually be in mono. Edit: oh sick that's reason number 3 in the video. As EDM producers most of our audience actually consumes our music at the club so you better put yo stuff in mono

[@czowiekzlasu3740]

21:38 what is this

[@synthesizedpdx]

A headphoned gentleman

[@czowiekzlasu3740]

@@synthesizedpdx thank you

[@ChoppedAndSkinned]

Any input on setting frequencies under 100 as strictly mono?

[@ChoppedAndSkinned]

My bad. Commented before you touched on that.

[@Matthew1981]

"wow mono is such a waste of my time because nobody will every play my tracks in a setting where people will be dancing to them"

[@gusbonani]

Hi! Could this problem be solved even a little in the mastering stage? Assuming there is no chance of fixing the mix. A possible solution could be to set the synth area to mono in a percentage in a multiband imager?

[@SeedtoStage]

There’s always a chance to fix in the mix unless the mix has been bounced down and the project file is lost! If you’re asking though if you can do imaging work in mastering the answer is of course yes, it’s just a lot less ideal to be applying sweeping changes at that stage vs in the mix.

[@maksymfinchuk4810]

Sub in mono makes sense. Why would you make it stereo at all?

[@driftingmelodies]

In 2nd n 3rd world countries most people don't even have two speakers in mobile phones !

[@s.s.1996]

Filmed pre-Mohawk

[@SeedtoStage]

It’s true ha

[@kingpanda6585]

This is indeed something I have ignored for so long. I'm still halfway through the video but wanted to ask. I switched on the Utility to Mono for a track I recently did. Comparing it to having the Mono off, it got louder. The master usually peaks at -1.0 to -0.7. In Mono it went to -0.2 at most. But It did not sound like I lost any elements. Did I still possibly did something wrong?

[@graysonvandenbrink1317]

You didn't do anything wrong. Summing the left and the right channel together can and most likely will increase your level slightly.

[@kingpanda6585]

Replying to myself because my mind got blown with right-clicking the Width in Utility and making it Mid/Side Mode. 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯

[@kingpanda6585]

​@@graysonvandenbrink1317 Oh neat! I'm gonna check some of my recent and old mixes. But I'm surprised this recent one I did, did well in this case. I will probably be doing more mono-mix checking now because of this.

[@synthesizedpdx]

Smart speakers can be great for handling tasks at home. I use them to set timers in the kitchen when my hands are covered in food, I can ask them to make quick conversions (i.e. how many tablespoons are in a cup?), I use them to listen to podcasts, they are great for asking simple questions when I'm getting ready for the day (i.e. should I wear a jacket?), I use them to turn on and off lights, set my morning alarm etc. This is much easier and quicker than pulling out or finding my phone. I hardly ever use them to listen to music, but it's a bit ignorant/misinformed to say that it's dumb to own them, or that they don't serve a purpose. Also, it's extremely misguided to say that they "spy on you to sell you ads." What about your cell phone, computer, or any other smart device that has a microphone on it? You have some bold, judgemental opinions here that don't seem to align with reality.

[@MiniManiMuH]

CLAP ! CLAP! CLAP!

[@Grant82gc]

Ive hit pause 3 seconds into this video to comment .. for the love of god please check, i had a huge disaster once because i didnt. I released a trance tune on a label, 1 month later i played it out but the club was set up in mono (fairly rare where i live). When it plqyed out it sounded absolutely wack, there was so many phase issues in the pads that it caused notess to basically disappear and the progression sounded different. I didnt even recognise the chords it was that bad. To this day, i have this tune still released on Beatport 7 years later and its embarrassing to listen to in mono.. Ok, time to unpause and have you tell me why im wromg 😂

[@Grant82gc]

Ok, this video was good :)

[@DisssolvedGirl]

I like your content and will continue watching it, but the "dumb enough to buy these things" comment was uncalled for. For example, I have health issues that at times make me partially disabled, and these "devices" are a major help when say I need to turn the lights in my room on / off or turn the TV on without having to get out of bed, because I can't. For some fully disabled folks they can literally be a lifesaver, as you can call for help without having to pick up a phone. Plus, following the logic of gadgets "spying" on you, you shouldn't own laptops, cellphones, etc.

[@SeedtoStage]

I cant fault you for anything you just said. SUPER sorry! No harm was meant and especially if it helps you with disability, you are the ideal person for these speech based devices. Also yes computers and cell phones 10000% spy on us. I guess I'm just annoyed that folks want mono speakers and thats where the rub is for me.

[@DisssolvedGirl]

@@SeedtoStage no worries, thank you for responding

[@ebrann]

Great argument but attacking "un-informed stupid consumers" is not in good form.

[@mhhollomon]

Dude, the rants aren't really needed and really distract from other great content. Hard to get past the hate.

[@SeedtoStage]

Agreed. After watching back I removed potentially offensive comments I made about the smart speakers. I’m not a fan but that doesn’t meant they aren’t helpful for other people especially the disabled.

[@mhhollomon]

@@SeedtoStage Thank you.

[@alipaulstagram]

I've never fully understood how to fix out of phase stuff in my mix, but thanks to this video, I'm starting to understand it all. Thank you