---
title: "When to Mix in Mono (Dogma in Music)"

description: "There are some sacred cows in music. Which ones are worth learning from? Should they be cast aside?"

status: complete

date: 2024-01-16

kind: solo

guestSlugs: []

listenUrl: "https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lovemusicmore/episodes/When-to-Mix-in-Mono-Dogma-in-Music-e2dqd1j"
appleUrl: "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-to-mix-in-mono-dogma-in-music/id1567355195?i=1000641821745&uo=4"
spotifyUrl: "https://open.spotify.com/episode/6NT7TokPjWmzNDlv1LVOfZ"

topicsDiscussed:
  - "Creativity"
  - "Mixing"
  - "Music production"
  - "dogma in music"
  - "historical references"
  - "production frameworks"
  - "sacred cows in music"
  - "listening environments"
  - "frequency spectrum"

hostNote: |
  Mono mixing is a real diagnostic tool, but treating it as dogma turns a useful check into a constraint. I look at why the "always start mono" rule made sense when the average listener had a clock radio, why headphones have changed the calculus, and when hard-panning conflicting elements is actually the solution mono mixing was trying to prevent.
  
  The stronger argument: use mono to *find* problems, not to *avoid* making decisions. Know why you're reaching for it.

selectedMoments:
  - label: "Introduction to mono mixing"
    startSec: 3
    note: "Setting the stage for discussing the importance of freeing oneself from traditional mixing dogmas."
  - label: "The value of sacred cows"
    startSec: 46
    note: "Exploring both the merits and downfalls of long-standing practices in music production."
  - label: "Old school vs modern mixing"
    startSec: 136
    note: "Discussing the misconceptions around mono mixing stemming from old school mentality."
  - label: "Importance of clarity"
    startSec: 181
    note: "The challenges faced in a mono mix and the necessity for clarity in production."
  - label: "Headphones as a primary medium"
    startSec: 270
    note: "Highlighting the importance of headphones in modern listening and mixing practices."
  - label: "Making intentional decisions in mixing"
    startSec: 406
    note: "Knowing what elements to prioritize and when to sacrifice clarity for impact."
  - label: "Using frameworks creatively"
    startSec: 990
    note: "Wrapping up with how to use traditional practices as a launch pad for creativity."

excerptQuotes:
  - text: "Mono mixing certainly has a ton of merit, but I want you to free yourself from dogma."
    startSec: 88
    reviewed: true
  - text: "When you mix in mono, there's a lot less room to hide stuff."
    startSec: 139
    reviewed: true
  - text: "It's okay to have things reinforcing or even fighting with each other between the two ears."
    startSec: 226
    reviewed: true
  - text: "The strengths of mono are actually... using old tools to make a new sound."
    startSec: 317
    reviewed: true
  - text: "If you have two things that are fighting, hard pan them against each other from one ear to the next."
    startSec: 989
    reviewed: true

faq:
  - question: "What is mono mixing?"
    answer: "Mono mixing refers to the practice of mixing audio so that all sound is combined into a single channel, as opposed to stereo which uses two channels. This can be beneficial for clarity and balance."
  - question: "Why should I consider mixing in mono?"
    answer: "Mixing in mono allows you to identify problems in your mix that might be masked by stereo effects, ensuring that the core elements are clear and well balanced."
  - question: "What are the dogmas in music production?"
    answer: "Dogmas in music production are traditional beliefs or practices that have persisted over time, often discouraging innovation or departure from established methods."

transcriptPublished: false

draft: false
---