When it comes to audio, there are two main types: mono and stereo. Mono audio tends to sound flat, tight and less dynamic, as all audio elements are grouped together on the same channel and played at the same volume. It usually sounds as if it came from a single point on a 2D plane, usually the front or the center. Mono tracks send only one channel for all speakers, while stereo tracks send two different channels, one for each speaker.
Most people today use the stereo because it sounds wider, more detailed and much more realistic. In addition to the difference in sound quality, there are other differences between mono and stereo sound. Mono sound has only one sound channel, while stereo sound uses one channel for each speaker or earpiece. Mono was widely used in the past and is sometimes still used, but stereo has generally replaced it because stereo gives a higher quality and realistic impression. Mono is preferred in radiotelephony communications, telephone networks and radio stations dedicated to talk shows and conversations, PA systems and headphones. Stereo sound is preferred for listening to music, in theaters, radio stations dedicated to music, FM broadcasting and digital audio broadcasting (DAB).
Mono sound recording is done primarily with a microphone, and only one speaker is required to hear the sound. In the case of headphones and multiple speakers, the routes are mixed into a single signal path and transmitted. The signal does not contain level, arrival time or phase information that can replicate or simulate directional signals. Everyone hears the same signal and with the same level of sound. The sound played, for example, by each instrument in a band will not be heard clearly, even though it will have total fidelity. Portable recorders record sound in mono because it's cheaper and easier to record in mono sound.
Stereo recording is done with two or more special microphones. The stereo effect is achieved by carefully positioning the microphone that receives different levels of sound pressure, so even the speakers must have the ability to produce the stereo and must also be positioned with care. These sound systems have two or more independent audio signal channels. The signals have a specific level and phase relationship with each other, so that when reproduced through an appropriate reproduction system there will be an apparent image of the original sound source. It's expensive and requires the ability to record stereo sound. In terms of entertainment purposes, you would only benefit from mono sound if you only used a headset.
You record a singer in mono because you have nothing to record that makes the difference between the left and right channels. In the 1960s and 1970s many collectors had a different dilemma: buying a mono or stereo version of an album. Regardless of the headset you use, the song will sound exactly the same because the mono version has only one sound channel. A mono signal reproduced through a stereo system would be especially susceptible to this because the signals are exactly the same. Recording in mono audio is easier and more affordable because minimal equipment is needed and requires no advanced technical knowledge. The reproduction of a mono recording such as this can be achieved with a single speaker or a pair of speakers. I downloaded it a couple of months ago and use it every time I convert mono recordings to stereo. Everything that really makes use of the stereo system will definitely NOT improve if it is remastered back to MONO since the sound space is limited to a single channel which on a CD is distributed equally on both channels.
Of course panning instruments or adding stereo reverb will make the sound of a recording different from that of a mono version. You can find some of his thoughts on the enduring benefits of monophony in Tape Op magazine along with other profound reflections from the recording industry. Nowadays any device should be able to play both mono and stereo discs so don't buy one or the other depending on your listening equipment. The following Steven Law video contains a consecutive comparison of a mono guitar recording and a stereo guitar recording. In conclusion, when deciding between mono vs stereo audio it's important to consider your needs as well as your budget. Mono audio tends to be cheaper but lacks depth compared to stereo audio which provides more realistic sounding audio but requires more equipment.
