Drums Samples - Stereo vs. Mono

[tone4407]

What are some pros and cons for having your drums in Stereo or Mono format?

I've always converted all my drum samples to Mono, cause thats how I use them in the mixing process.

But lately, I've been getting some samples from peeps and they're in Stereo format. Whats the advantage of this, if any?

Elighten me...

[azwun25]

zero advantage to having them in stereo...all mono for me please!

[Igotsoul4u]

I hate it when I get stereo kicks and snares. The only sounds that should be stereo are sounds that actually move from one area of the sound field to another like a bell tree.

[Dopamine]

Yeah, for the most part I only use mono drum samples. I hate when clients bring me sessions with tons of stereo drum tracks (one guy brought in a session w/ 3 stereo kicks). Of course I move them to mono tracks, but it is a bit of a hassle.

I find it odd that a lot of libraries (and a lot of people) use stereo drum samples. they may sound better in isolation, but once they are in a mix they usually sound worse.

Let's campaign... "no more stereo drum samples"

Are you listening Scirocco? I like some of the samples you posted, but they are way too "stereofied". I hope you can change this before going commercial/

[tone4407]

I knew I wasn't the only stereo drum hater.

Say No To Stereo!

[con?one]

mono unless there's a good ass reason otherwise (depends on the original)

But?


If the stereo signal is basically a "mono" kick for example

It shouldnt eat anymore of the stereo sound field than a mono recording would

Infact if the left and right signals are the same, shouldnt the result be a mono signal that is 6db louder because it is doubled?

Right?

[Dopamine]

Originally Posted by no ssl yet

But?nIf the stereo signal is basically a "mono" kick for example

It shouldnt eat anymore of the stereo sound field than a mono recording would

Infact if the left and right signals are the same, shouldnt the result be a mono signal that is 6db louder because it is doubled? Right?

It doubles the track count, uses twice the amount insert fx, etc. Not to mention the stereo ambience often gets in the way, panning is awkward.

Yes, I guess this is one of my pet peeves. I've been "mono'izing" loops lately as well.

[filterayok]

i make claps and stuff with the crowd on both sides, and if you make a layered kik or snare, there maybe some stuff panned, or stereo reverbs on it---then youd wanta stereo sample----check out hi tek's get in my car---that snare/clap is VERY stereo, and sounds great--if you could somehow rip it from the record, youd want that in stereo

[Dor]

if the drum sample was well recorded with a stereo set of mics then i'll keep it in stereo. i have a bunch of drum samples in stereo that wouldn't sound as huge mono'd up since they often have some movement going left to right ... Things like claps and other percussion sounds can benefit from stereo. Keep in mind these are true stereo sounds and not dual mono files.


D

[streetbeats]

Originally Posted by Dor

if the drum sample was well recorded with a stereo set of mics then i'll keep it in stereo. i have a bunch of drum samples in stereo that wouldn't sound as huge mono'd up since they often have some movement going left to right ... Things like claps and other percussion sounds can benefit from stereo. Keep in mind these are true stereo sounds and not dual mono files.


D

word boom - that you on the mpc forums ?

Nail on the head - if it was well recorded in stereo and it sounds good, Ill likely keep it.
But generally only with HF content, since vinyl is still my main target medium..

[Zacchino]

Guys, why all this anger against stereo kicks ? What's wrong with it ? I always use stereo kick samples, especially when adding reverb to it, this gives a live room feel to it, and make'em thicker too.

Timbo sometimes uses stereo kicks as far as I heard, and it sounds sweet.

Soon I'll use 5.1 surround kicks. This'll be awesome ! Okay just kidding ^^

Seriously, what's soo bad with stereo kits ? I wanna know your opinion

[nukmusic]

Stereo kicks do sound better IMO. in fact all drums in stereo sound better...IMO., give them life..... from drum machines and keyboards that is. On a real drum set, that stereo OH's give the drums more life, no need for anything else to be stereo

[Dopamine]

Originally Posted by Zacchino

Guys, why all this anger against stereo kicks ? What's wrong with it ? I always use stereo kick samples, especially when adding reverb to it, this gives a live room feel to it, and make'em thicker too.

I just think it wastes tracks and prefer to add any sort of ambience as an effect on the channel. Most of us layer our drum sounds any way.

Like some of the other guys said, certain samples DO sound better in stereo. But I find this to be the exception.

[Dor]

Originally Posted by streetbeats

word boom - that you on the mpc forums ?

Sure is What's your handle on those boards?

[KevWest]

Originally Posted by Dopamine

Yeah, for the most part I only use mono drum samples. I hate when clients bring me sessions with tons of stereo drum tracks (one guy brought in a session w/ 3 stereo kicks). Of course I move them to mono tracks, but it is a bit of a hassle.

I find it odd that a lot of libraries (and a lot of people) use stereo drum samples. they may sound better in isolation, but once they are in a mix they usually sound worse.

Let's campaign... "no more stereo drum samples"

Are you listening Scirocco? I like some of the samples you posted, but they are way too "stereofied". I hope you can change this before going commercial/

thats never gonna fly. people are accustomed to believing that stereo is just superior and higher quality than mono which just isnt true. Mono is just better for mixing stereo is better for mixdown. but most new comers or igorant individuals will never understand that.

[streetbeats]

Originally Posted by Dor

Sure is What's your handle on those boards?

subvertbeats

[Northern Light]

I like mono but sometimes if im layerin 3 different mono kicks, ill pan 2 L+R and leave one center. The two L+R alwayz quieter.
and snares too, sometimes 2 snares L+R will open it up.
and if im breakin the rules ill put 2 completely different snares L+R