Big Difference in Mono, Do I Need to Re-mix?

[Mr. Z]

I am very happy with a recent mix I did and my client loves it. We are getting ready to send the file to mastering, but I noticed that it sounds a lot different in mono. Particularly, the wide string parts and reverb are just about gone when listening in mono. Should I recall and try to fix this? Could this present problems down the road?

[wado1942]

Your mix will always sound different in mono. Now is that reason to remix? Just remember that 70% of your possible listener base will be hearing the music almost in mono. So if it really bothers you, then you'll probably want to remix it.

That's the biggest reason I built my mono-checker to go between the computer and monitors. At the flick of a switch, I can listen in mono and let it influence the way I mix.

[FBM]

Always check in mono! A great trick is also when you have a mixing problem to switch to mono and fix it in mono. When it sounds good in mono it sounds even better in stereo.
What I do with strings (in some situations!) is make them mono double them (stereo track double mono), create a small delay difference between left and right (3ms is enough) . Pan the left and right track to your taste. Put a effect send stereo reverb on it (small amount). Problem solved! Sounds more stereo then stereo. Watch the eq of the reverb (make low and high cut) or put a eq in between with low and high cuts.
Keep testing this set up in mono!!!
Good luck David

[Mr. Z]

I will recall and take a look at what the cause is. This was done on an analog board with some outboard processing. I'm thinking it may be a stereo chorus that I applied through aux send/returns. I do like to hear a difference when comparing stereo to mono, but the difference is a bit much in this case.

I probably didn't apply chorus to the strings, so it may be something else. I'll check the verbs. Thanks for the suggestions on mono/stereo string techniques.

[FBM]

You be surprised how much mono is used and how good it sounds!
David

[It'sJoeAgain]

Originally Posted by Mr. Z

I will recall and take a look at what the cause is. This was done on an analog board with some outboard processing. I'm thinking it may be a stereo chorus that I applied through aux send/returns. I do like to hear a difference when comparing stereo to mono, but the difference is a bit much in this case.

u probably have phase inverted those strings that's why u can't hear them when they go mono...mix again....change their panning and move towards the center channel but monitor ur mix in mono so taht you can hear how much presence u want them to have (when in mono).....

[lerone]

Originally Posted by FBM

Always check in mono! A great trick is also when you have a mixing problem to switch to mono and fix it in mono. When it sounds good in mono is sounds even better in stereo.
What I do with strings (in some situations!) is make them mono double them (stereo track double mono), create a small delay difference between left and right (3ms is enough) . Pan the left and right track to your taste. Put a effect send stereo reverb on it (small amount). Problem solved! Sounds more stereo then stereo. Watch the eq of the reverb (make low and high cut) or put a eq in between with low and high cuts.
Keep testing this set up in mono!!!
Good luck David

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