Mono and stereo describe how many audio channels are present and how they are organized. Understanding the distinction helps avoid unnecessary conversions and accidental loss of spatial information.
GuideConcepts and technologiesBeginner
Mono, stereo and audio channels: convert or separate them
Learn the difference between mono and stereo, when downmixing is useful, and how to split left and right channels into separate files.
Mono
A mono signal contains one channel. It is often sufficient for a single voice, a microphone feed or content where stereo space carries no useful information.
Stereo
Stereo contains two channels, conventionally left and right. They may contain a spatial mix, or they may carry two independent recordings.
That second case is common with interviews recorded using two microphones into the left and right inputs of a recorder.
Converting stereo to mono
A downmix combines the channels. This can simplify distribution and reduce data, but it removes the independent left/right structure.
Before downmixing, make sure the stereo image is not meaningful. Also listen for phase interactions: combining two related channels can sometimes change the resulting tone.
Use the audio channel converter when you need a mono or stereo output.
Separating left and right
If each stereo channel contains a different microphone, do not downmix first. Split the channels and process them independently.
The channel splitter creates separate outputs for left and right.
A typical interview workflow is:
Stereo recording → Split channels → Edit each voice → Normalize → ExportThis is a good example of a workflow that benefits from Workspace pipelines.
For sample-rate questions, continue with Audio sample rate: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz and resampling.