Pitch and space
Left, centre, right
Panning places a sound in the stereo image by changing the level on each side.
With two speakers or headphones, a sound sent at equal level to both sides seems to come from the centre. The more it is sent to one side, the further it moves there: that is panning.
On headphones the image is very sharp and slightly exaggerated; on speakers it depends on where you sit: place yourself at equal distance from both, in a triangle.
Placing a sound is the first step of spatial work in mixing: spreading instruments so they do not get in each other's way.
Listen for
- Where the sound seems to come from, eyes closed.
- The difference between "slightly left" and "hard left".
The classic mistake
Listening with headphones on the wrong way round or with one earbud: check left and right before you start.
Put it into practice
Where is the sound? · Discovery
Where is the sound?The lesson is complete when the level is passed (35/50).