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Stereo

Stereo audio uses two channels to create a sense of width and space.

Level relevance: introduced at Nat 3; tagged for every later level where the same concept remains useful.

Explanation

Stereo uses left and right channels to create a wider listening image. Some sources are recorded in stereo, such as overheads, keyboards, or a full mix export. Stereo can add depth and width, but it should be used purposefully so the centre of the mix still feels solid. Too many wide sounds can make a mix feel unfocused.

Topics

RecordingMixingSignal format
Curriculum statussupporting vocabulary
Review statusdraft

Related terms

Mono

Mono audio uses a single channel and places the sound in one central position.

View term

Panning

Panning places a sound further left, centre, or right in the stereo field.

View term

Reverb

Reverb creates the impression of acoustic space around a sound.

View term

Delay

Delay repeats a sound after a short or long period of time.

View term