When it comes to audio recording and listening, the debate between mono and stereo sound is a long-standing one. While stereo sound is generally considered superior to mono sound, there are certain situations where mono sound may be the better choice. To understand the differences between mono and stereo sound, it's important to know what each type of sound is and how it can be used. Monophonic (mono) sound is recorded and reproduced using a single audio channel, while stereophonic (stereo) sound is recorded and reproduced using two audio channels.
As a listener, the most notable difference is that stereo sounds are capable of producing width perception, while mono sounds are not. This means that stereo sounds can create a more realistic listening experience, as they can create a three-dimensional image composed of height, width, and depth. In general, if a single source is recorded (especially in the case of a voice-over), the audio should be mono. This refers to mono audio that has only one audio signal that uses a single audio channel for playback or recording.
Mono recordings are often used in places that have several speakers, such as clubs, cafes or restaurants, as the stereo system can cause phase cancellation problems. On the other hand, stereo recordings are much better for the average listener. It sounds broader, more detailed and more realistic. If you've ever observed the waveform of a stereo audio file on a digital audio workstation (DAW), you've probably noticed that there are two waveforms apart from the file.
One way to find out if an audio file is mono or stereo is to open it in a program like Audacity to check if the file has two waveforms (stereo) or just one (mono). Bands used to sign a mono or stereo version of the album with engineers before its release. Hear the differences between the mono and stereo versions of Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds from The Beatles' seminal 1967 album, Sgt. In general, mono or stereo audio is not categorically better than the other.
Both types of audio serve a purpose and both have features that can benefit your listening experience and your recordings if you know how and when to use them. Stereo sound is superior to mono sound in almost all cases because it creates a richer and more detailed listening experience due to more audio being recorded than in mono format and being presented in a more organic way. You record a singer in mono because you have nothing to record that makes the difference between the left and right channels. And even if the Bluetooth speaker is stereo, you'll notice it as mono when the sound reaches your ears. Therefore, a song that plays in mono will be reduced and will sound as if it came from between the speakers. Unless some other superior form of sound recording is just around the corner, stereo is definitely here to stay.
Knowing when to use mono or stereo sound can help you create better recordings and get better results from your listening experience.
