Both mono and stereo audio are quite well known. While, The first one has only one audio channel, the second one stands out for having two.
Therefore, it is necessary to define more specifically what is meant when talking about a mono sound, in the same way as when refers to a stereo sound.
Below, you will also see the differences between the two, as well as what the best alternative when recording and playing your audio tracks.
Related: What is noise cancellation?
¿What is mono audio?
This sound is also known as monaural audioIt stands out because it has only one speaker and is exclusive to only one channel.
The most remarkable thing is that when you listen to any type of recording with mono audio, it sounds as if you were listening to it with one ear.
For others, this audio is a kind of mix, since all the sounds come together or they are joined together to send a signal only through a single channel.
Obviously, when using headphones a question arises. Which is how do you hear in a single earphone since it only has one channel? What this monaural audio does is duplicate the sound and send it to the other channelThis action is known as monaural duplicate audio.
Mono audio thanks to its simplicity, allows compatibility with more devices.
What is stereo audio?
Stereo sound is recorded and played back on two channels and is completely different from mono sound. Currently, almost all radio stations, as well as CDs, television programs and the famous and unrivaled vinyl records, feature this sound.
When you hear stereo sound, the first thing you think is that it is much more natural, mainly because it makes divisions and sends certain sounds to the left ear and others to the right.
A very important characteristic of this type of sound is that each of the signals or sounds sent to each channel, They have a connection with each other. That is, both channels are always synchronized.
An important point to note is that, It is considered backward compatible, since this sound can easily be reproduced on devices that exclusively support monaural sound.
When you listen to any kind of sound through this audio, it feels different and special, mainly because It seems like a more real and natural sound. This is the main reason why broadcasters and television channels decided to adapt it.
Differences between mono and stereo sounds
Although at first they seem the same, the truth is that they have some aspects in which they differ, however, it is necessary to mention that, both can be used for the same devices. Now, it is essential to establish certain characteristics of both, in order to determine these differences. The differences are:
- The mono sound, It only has one channel, unlike stereo, which has two.
- While stereo sound is accepted by Google, mono sound, When sending a duplicate signal, it is rejected.
- Stereo sound uses two components of monaural sound.
- As for speakers, mono sound only needs one, while stereo requires two, otherwise it would make a mono sound.
- If only mono components are used, even if you want to send a stereo recording, the result will be sending or broadcasting a monaural recording.
- Files of recordings under stereo audio They are heavier, they even weigh twice as much as mono audio.
- When you record a mono sound, it is only recorded on one track. Unlike what happens with stereophonic, which should be recorded in twoThe reason for this is that one is sent to the left channel and another to the right.
What is better, recording in mono or stereo?
In order to answer this question, which is actually of great importance, it is necessary to study those in depth Advantages and disadvantages of both soundsFor example, the following advantages can be highlighted:
- He Stereo sound is more natural at the moment of hearing it.
- With mono sound, you won't need have so much space on your hard drive, since it weighs little.
- Stereo audio It is approved by all types of platformsIn fact, it has managed to replace the monkey on different occasions.
- Monaural audio seeks send an identical sound through two channels.
Now, as for Disadvantages can be highlighted as follows:
- If you want to record via stereo sound, you need to have a computer that has a large storage space. Remember that this type of sound is divided into two tracks, which is why it takes up more space.
- Although mono sound sends two signals, They are both the same, then it makes no difference what you hear on the right side versus the left side.
- It is necessary that, at the time of recording, you have two speakers, since this is the only way to guarantee stereo sound.
- Currently, monaural sound has been characterized by having different limitations, especially because in most cases, including radio stations, it is has preferred stereo sound about this.
At the time, mono sound was one of the best around, however, if what you are looking for is quality, as well as audio that can be used on different platforms without being afraid that it has limitations, then proceed to lean towards stereo sound.
This sound not only stands out for being heard completely clear, but also for be more pleasant to the ears, and for sending two different signals to each side.