Processed Mono from Stereo

[MichaelPatrick]

Are there any OTB processors that can reliably produce a quality mono output from stereo sources, even if there are some phase issues?

While recording multiple channels on location I often make a rough live mix to stereo. I have no problem when camera guys walk up at the last minute wanting feeds unless they ask for mono, because I can't trust those mixes to hold up in mono without a proper mixdown.

[bob katz]

Originally Posted by MichaelPatrick

Are there any OTB processors that can reliably produce a quality mono output from stereo sources, even if there are some phase issues?

While recording multiple channels on location I often make a rough live mix to stereo. I have no problem when camera guys walk up at the last minute wanting feeds unless they ask for mono, because I can't trust those mixes to hold up in mono without a proper mixdown.

Get a small (probably 4 input) line mixer and if it has no panpots make a y cord.

BK

[MichaelPatrick]

Originally Posted by bob katz

Get a small (probably 4 input) line mixer and if it has no panpots make a y cord.

BK

Bob, it's hard to argue with keeping it simple.

So you think it's no problem to trust that a rough mix will sum OK to mono. Coming from you I can run with that.

As I think about it, these processors would likely be for AM broadcast and quite expensive.

[Cellotron]

If you want a simple interface for this then the ADR ProPak Audiomate would fit the bill - http://www.adrl.co.uk/pdf/AudioMate%20Datasheet.pdf

I suggest doing what I did with mine and upgrading the opamps from the stock JRC's to National Semiconductor LME's (sorry - forget the exact model # that was used right now) - as this will give much better performance (i.e. less noise and less distortion). I also had the input pots bypassed on my units as well - but I use mine for a M/S matrix so you might not want to do this.

Best regards,
Steve Berson

[MichaelPatrick]

Steve, thanks for the tip. Are the opamps socketed?

Originally Posted by Cellotron

If you want a simple interface for this then the ADR ProPak Audiomate would fit the bill - http://www.adrl.co.uk/pdf/AudioMate%20Datasheet.pdf

I suggest doing what I did with mine and upgrading the opamps from the stock JRC's to National Semiconductor LME's (sorry - forget the exact model # that was used right now) - as this will give much better performance (i.e. less noise and less distortion). I also had the input pots bypassed on my units as well - but I use mine for a M/S matrix so you might not want to do this.

Best regards,
Steve Berson

[Cellotron]

Originally Posted by MichaelPatrick

Steve, thanks for the tip. Are the opamps socketed?

yes, afaik they are.

Best regards,
Steve Berson

[bob katz]

Originally Posted by MichaelPatrick

Bob, it's hard to argue with keeping it simple.

So you think it's no problem to trust that a rough mix will sum OK to mono. Coming from you I can run with that.

As I think about it, these processors would likely be for AM broadcast and quite expensive.

Thanks, but...

It's one thing to suggest a simple solution to get to mono, it's another thing to say that your rough mix will "sum ok to mono"! But we already know that Mono mixes made unintentionally are always a compromise. You get center channel buildup without an intentional mono mix. Happens all the time, so I guess for those TV camera guys who need a mix, it's better than feeding them only the left channel!

BK

[MichaelPatrick]

Originally Posted by bob katz

Thanks, but...

It's one thing to suggest a simple solution to get to mono, it's another thing to say that your rough mix will "sum ok to mono"! But we already know that Mono mixes made unintentionally are always a compromise. You get center channel buildup without an intentional mono mix. Happens all the time, so I guess for those TV camera guys who need a mix, it's better than feeding them only the left channel!

BK

Yea, I'd love to know about any OTB processors that can automatically convert stereo sources into quality mono, or at least improve the mono when I can't make the mono mix myself.

Broadcasters use magic boxes for a variety of purposes --i.e. stereo generation and AGC-- I want one that downmixes stereo to mono. Output doesn't have to be hi-fi, just listenable and consistent.

Perhaps I'll post this question in the forum for remote & location recording.

[DrDeltaM]

Not OTB, but have a look at my DrMS plugin.

You can use it to make a stereo signal mono, without losing the stereo information that normally gets cancelled out on mono-summation:
Use the Mid section in combination with the Field section for this, leave Side and Focus on 0%

[MichaelPatrick]

Originally Posted by DrDeltaM

Not OTB, but have a look at my DrMS plugin.

You can use it to make a stereo signal mono, without losing the stereo information that normally gets cancelled out on mono-summation:
Use the Mid section in combination with the Field section for this, leave Side and Focus on 0%

Mathew, IMO that's a tool for different applications, but it's quite intriguing. Does it work in Windows (VST) Cubase 4?

[DrDeltaM]

Originally Posted by MichaelPatrick

Mathew, IMO that's a tool for different applications, but it's quite intriguing. Does it work in Windows (VST) Cubase 4?

Yes, it works on Cubase 4 on Windows as VST thru Pluggo, you can download the demo from my website.

[huub]

Those cameraguys are just being lazy , or they also want to record an on-camera mic for safety.. The newer XD cams can record two channels on an xlr input and the on-camera mic at the same time..

Anywayyyyy..

[MichaelPatrick]

Thanks for those tidbits; I'm beginning to think like you.

Let 'em eat stereo!

Originally Posted by huub

Those cameraguys are just being lazy , or they also want to record an on-camera mic for safety.. The newer XD cams can record two channels on an xlr input and the on-camera mic at the same time..

Anywayyyyy..