Do you guys record Mono or Stereo Guitar Tracks?

[romanianreaper]

I know there are a bunch of folks on here that record a lot. I was curious when recording guitars, do you select it as a mono track or stereo track? I've seen different articles on advantages and disadvantages and was just curious. Thanks!

 

[fusedbrain]

Mono tracks always.
Only exception would be if I was using a stereo mic, or doing mid / side.
There is no reason to record a single source ( 1 mic ) to a stereo track.
Having said that, I usually record multiple mics and multiple takes. But everything is on it's own mono track.

 

[romanianreaper]

Mono tracks always.
Only exception would be if I was using a stereo mic, or doing mid / side.
There is no reason to record a single source ( 1 mic ) to a stereo track.
Having said that, I usually record multiple mics and multiple takes. But everything is on it's own mono track.

Cool man, thanks. I don't know why I've been doing "stereo" all these years but makes sense now why sometimes I have had certain weird sounds, etc. creeping in. I was watching a video about some of the things that can happen with phase issues, etc.

 

[JTyson]

Mostly mono tracks, but some stereo for stuff that have stereo efx involved. Sometimes it will be dry up the middle on a mono track with effected tracks 30% panned L/R. We will always run multiple mics and tracks. Its kinda a PITA to mic up, we usually have to make compromises with mics because while I have a killer mic stable, I don't have 2-3 of all the mikes and the really good mic pres's for each of them... So we have to place them where they are gonna matter the most.
Sometimes we try stuff and go backwards in the mix, but sometimes it works out nicely, it really depends on the song..

 

[romanianreaper]

Mostly mono tracks, but some stereo for stuff that have stereo efx involved. Sometimes it will be dry up the middle on a mono track with effected tracks 30% panned L/R. We will always run multiple mics and tracks. Its kinda a PITA to mic up, we usually have to make compromises with mics because while I have a killer mic stable, I don't have 2-3 of all the mikes and the really good mic pres's for each of them... So we have to place them where they are gonna matter the most.
Sometimes we try stuff and go backwards in the mix, but sometimes it works out nicely, it really depends on the song..

Thanks for the input brother! Yeah, I am using an Axe-Fx II for my recordings and not micing anything which probably makes it even stranger that I was using "stereo" for stuff. My recordings have sounded great but it is like in hindsight, I almost go "Ahh, that was that weird tone I couldn't get rid of!". In the video the guy described it like something that normally isn't an issue but every once in awhile those tones can go out of phase and not even something you might even notice....until you really give it a listen.

 

[Ventura]

Stereo rig usually with 4 mics (sometimes an ambient distance mic for the 5th) - each mic a mono isolated track; blend as desired.

 

[romanianreaper]

Stereo rig usually with 4 mics (sometimes an ambient distance mic for the 5th) - each mic a mono isolated track; blend as desired.

Thanks man!!

 

[errrrrl]

I'm usually a mono track guy but been experimenting with a stereo track panned in the middle. But when I do that I use different IR's for each side so both sides do not sound the same. Not saying its good or bad, just something I've been experimenting with.