Quick Mono Check in Pro Tools?

[BrandRecordingCo]

Hey guys,

How do you guys check your mixes in mono when mixing in Pro Tools? Do you just insert a mono master fader? I wish there was just a button to click that would allow you to check your mix in mono...

[BLUElightCory]

I use the "Mono" function on a Mackie Big Knob. You could always route the mix to a pair of aux inputs (one mono and one stereo) and just switch over to the mono aux input when you want to check your mono compatibility.

[Mike Brown]

On most (all? except the micro?) of the digi LE interfaces (and all work surfaces) there is such a button. Also most worthwhile consoles / monitor controllers will fold your inputs to mono at the press of a switch.

However, if I didn't have that I just change my master aux output to just one of my two main outputs while leaving the input stereo.

[spaceman_west]

what is the button in pro tools to check mixes in mono? or is it easiest to insert a mono master fader? will that do it?

[Colorblind]

which interface are you using?

[Rappy]

Brainworx has a free plugin you can insert on the master fader and use to check mono.

Cheers,

Rappy

[spaceman_west]

i'm using m-powered.

[Black Dirt]

Originally Posted by BLUElightCory

I use the "Mono" function on a Mackie Big Knob.

+1

and also a great way to explain to a band what phase issues are!

[bryancook]

Originally Posted by Black Dirt

+1

and also a great way to explain to a band what phase issues are!

but then you have to explain to the band what "mono" means and then their head might explode. that could get messy.

[Black Dirt]

Originally Posted by bryancook

but then you have to explain to the band what "mono" means and then their head might explode. that could get messy.

"dude, i had mono in high school..."

[Unclenny]

Originally Posted by Black Dirt

"dude, i had mono in high school..."

[spaceman_west]

i'm kind of avoiding the big knob. so...anyone know another way to check mono? what does a mono master fader do?

[Mike Brown]

Originally Posted by spaceman_west

i'm kind of avoiding the big knob. so...anyone know another way to check mono? what does a mono master fader do?

Ok.

A Masterfader just monitors the output for whatever buss it is set to.

A stereo masterfader would be most useful monitoring the output of your Analog 1 & 2 (your main outs).

A mono master fader would then just monitor ONE of those outs.

Masterfaders can go on any output of PT.... internal busses or interface outputs.

There are no pan controls on Masterfaders.

What you SHOULD be doing is routing your entire mix through an aux track. That means having all your routing ending up going out Bus 1 & 2 or whatever and then having an Aux Send named "Mix Buss" which routes Bus 1 & 2 out your main outputs.

Then to check for mono you can just pan both sides of the Aux into the center (or to one side of the speakers).

This also gives you the added benefit of having prefader inserts on this mix buss.... (Master faders have post-fader inserts).

It also makes it very easy to bounce your mix to an internal audio track.

[sailor]

This might seem kind of a kludge, but: you can insert a pan-able stereo plug on your master fader (like one of Waves' stereo-width processors). Set the plug's pans to center, and null out whatever other processing it's designed to do; this will give you the mix in mono without any additional processing.

Now bypass it and go ahead with your mix. When you want to hear it in mono, just momentarily un-bypass the plug (command-click the plug icon in the Inserts column -- you don't even need to open the plug window).

Caveat: depending on the plug's pan law, you may go overboard on levels if your mix is already near 0. But many plugs have input gain settings, so you can use those to compensate; in Bypass, they won't be active.

This trick saves the hassle of setting up more aux tracks than necessary, just for a simple monitoring need. And when you're done with the mix, just remove the plug.

[stuntbutt]

Originally Posted by bryancook

but then you have to explain to the band what "mono" means and then their head might explode. that could get messy.

I like to explain it "Mono a mono".