The Stereo Image

This chapter discusses the characteristics of the stereo image, including possibilities, the types of sounds that the image contains, and how to fill and exploit the image to improve both clarity and entertainment. Methods used to control a sound’s location in the stereo image are explored and examples of typical positioning of sounds in a mix are presented. The concept of ‘stacking’ vocals is introduced, together with how to achieve different images and intensity characteristics using different stereo concepts. ‘Ear candy’ is discussed, along with some easy ways of creating it in a mix. The types of audio files used in a stereo mix are explored. How to actively mix the stereo image to relate it to a song is considered, along with how the recorded tracks will determine what stereo image use is possible in the mix.