Yes, with the stereo cart it can sound slightly different. To achieve the best mono sound you should be using a mono cart with mono pressings.
Mono - And why you should (Round 2) - Tubes - Amplification
- Thread starter jobrewer1983
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Yes, with the stereo cart it can sound slightly different. To achieve the best mono sound you should be using a mono cart with mono pressings.
Guys- have to be honest. Struggling with is this. Do you still get a left right sound stage? I understand that with my 2 channel voice is in the middle most of the time but other instruments are dispersed left and right, do you still get that? Also since it is mono is there any purpose in 2 speakers? Does having more than 1 speaker mess it up? I have a mono switch on my preamp, how close would that emulate your setups?
I have a stereo setup (two L300 and two 136A powered subs), and MONO sounds just fine to me. It depends on the quality of the source. Maybe, even more so than STEREO material.
Both speakers and the subwoofers are on. Two AKG mics, each close to (R and L) L300s. Pre-amp setting on default STEREO. 96dBA/at one meter volume level.
Beatles — "Please Please Me." EMI-Odeon Records (Japan). MONO. Red Vinyl reissue. 1982.
Run-Out: YEX -94-M 1-S 4 〄 1-Z
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I would say the center is fatter/wider in mono. The voice is more pin point center at least in this recording. I have Joni Mitchell Both sides now playing. The new version when she is my age....which is far better because in my mind I can tell in her voice when she is saying these words she NOW really appreciates both sides.Try it and find out
If you are just hitting the mono switch on your SS receiver it’s not the same. I stated that in my 1st post.
You told me to try it so I did. I don't have mono records or cartridge. Sorry to meddle.If you are just hitting the mono switch on your SS receiver it’s not the same. I stated that in my 1st post.
DesertRatt
All Bark, No Bite!
No, there is obviously not a left and a right source of sound. I sit about 14 feet from that speaker, and the apparent sound is eminating from the whole wall. It is a wide and tall, so it sounds quite a bit like a seat in a concert hall where a wave of sound washes over you. Not distinctly left and right. I loved it immediately, and did not miss the L/R thing at all. My personal interest in music is the musicianship, arrangements, and ability to hear even the most subtle parts that are buried in the mix. IMO, this mono style has more clarity - much like the clarity I get in headphones. That's "clarity of content" not how far forward or back is the oboe player, or exactly where on the stage is the banjo player. I don't need that, or care about that, as long as I can hear those few notes being played deep in the mix.
In a very general sense, it is EASIER to listen, because you don't have to lock onto the sweetspot. You can be pretty much anywhere in the room and haver a good listening experience.
By two speakers - did you mean two cabinets, or the fact that say, my cabinet has two loudspeakers in it? I needed a bass speaker, and a full ranger for my setup. In that sense it is a normal two-way speaker, I would NOT uses two of those for mono. BTW, I did try using a pair of bookshelfs in MONO mode. I did not like it.
BTW, I don't think I have more than a few MONO recordings. I am listening to 99% stereo records. But, I have a MONO summation network built into my stack.
Nice explanation! I get that if i am appreciating your thought. I can get enamored with how far left or right or almost behind me a recording is. That is not the music- it is a recording created in a recording studio for guys like me......messing with phasing and what not.
My dueling Duals. The tt on the right is the dedicated mono table. I have lots of 50's - 60's jazz and rock in mono, so it just made sense to have two turntables.
Man that’s a beautiful set up!!
Thanks John. That's some pretty sweet looking gear you have there. 
DesertRatt
All Bark, No Bite!
Sweet decor!
A few good Mono amps that are low buck but have amazing sound and are easily found on eBay are:
1. Eico HF-20
2. Eico HF-12
3. Heathkit - EA3 and EA2
4. Knight KM-15
5. Calrad AP-15
6. Heathkit AC-9
The list above are all integrated amps, but a dedicated Mono Power amp and a nice stereo preamp is also a great combo, I can help with wiring or set up of either if needed, just ask.
If you run a mono power amp/stereo pre you just need to know where to place the summ.
If you run a Mono Power amp and Mono Preamp the summ will be connected to the source > amp. If you run a Mono Amp and a stereo Preamp the Summ will be tied to the pre output.
I may set up a power and pre amp today if I have time.
As for power amps, there are many on eBay for under $200 bucks in working cond.
Mono is also a great way to learn how to work on tube amps, being that the circuits are simplified to one channel it makes understanding the layout a lot simpler to understand.
1. Eico HF-20
2. Eico HF-12
3. Heathkit - EA3 and EA2
4. Knight KM-15
5. Calrad AP-15
6. Heathkit AC-9
The list above are all integrated amps, but a dedicated Mono Power amp and a nice stereo preamp is also a great combo, I can help with wiring or set up of either if needed, just ask.
If you run a mono power amp/stereo pre you just need to know where to place the summ.
If you run a Mono Power amp and Mono Preamp the summ will be connected to the source > amp. If you run a Mono Amp and a stereo Preamp the Summ will be tied to the pre output.
I may set up a power and pre amp today if I have time.
As for power amps, there are many on eBay for under $200 bucks in working cond.
Mono is also a great way to learn how to work on tube amps, being that the circuits are simplified to one channel it makes understanding the layout a lot simpler to understand.
Another MONO delight from the vault.
Green Onions.
Booker T & The MG's "Green Onions." STAX 701. MONO. Atlantic Records mastering, MGM Custom pressing. White label. 1962.
Run-out: STX-11931-F [sideways AT] 2 [MGM block S logo] W
Booker T & The MG's "Green Onions." STAX 701. MONO. Atlantic Records mastering, MGM Custom pressing. White label. 1962.
Run-out: STX-11931-F [sideways AT] 2 [MGM block S logo] W
Another MONO delight from the vault.
Green Onions.
Booker T & The MG's "Green Onions." STAX 701. MONO. Atlantic Records mastering, MGM Custom pressing. White label. 1962.
Run-out: STX-11931-F [sideways AT] 2 [MGM block S logo] W
Great play!!! And man how are you recording this? The SQ sounds fantastic! Are you using a dedicated microphone? My phone can’t seem to capture sound like this.
Many thanks!
It's a lot of work to set up, but it's been a nice learning experience. Much, much different than configuring a Hi-Fi or guitar amp.The key is the quality of the mics and the proper use of various sound panels. You have to record with as minimal amount of background noise as possible. Those darn mics will pick up EVERYTHING. Even the sound of a car passing by outside.
I usually record about 3-4 takes to choose the best one.
Two AKG C414 mics in front of sound panels, about 12-18 inches from each L300 front grille.
I transfer the sound file to my computer. I usually reduce the files to 720p to speed up the upload time to YouTube.
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Yeah. Most phone mics are engineered for speech. Both in the frequency range and EQ.
Typical iPhone mic and software spectrum. Shows significant roll-off in the low and high frequencies. With a bump in the 5k-10K range.
0º = on axis. 180º is off-axis directly behind the camera's mic.
Typical iPhone mic and software spectrum. Shows significant roll-off in the low and high frequencies. With a bump in the 5k-10K range.
0º = on axis. 180º is off-axis directly behind the camera's mic.