Let's talk Mono & Mono.

[TripleHBK]

For years I've utilized only my single center channel speaker for Mono audio in films (or the two towers for 2.0 mono). Tonight while watching the Initiation however I decided to click over to "Full Mono" on the receiver and it got me thinking. I have plenty of films with 2.0 mono sound where the left and right towers produce the sound instead of the center channel which seems to be a commonly accepted alternative to the single speaker option, but what would be considered the "Correct" way of listening to mono? Furthermore, how were films like "The Initiation" handled in theaters? Was it really just a single large speaker broadcasting the sound from behind the screen, or were all speakers utilized the same way that I chose to utilize mine tonight with "Full Mono"?

I could see an argument that "Full Mono" is wrong, however is Full Mono really that much different from a 2.0 mono signal? In each case audio isn't emanating from the central location as one would assume it should, so is it really that much of a stretch to say that only single speaker mono would be correct, or, that any/all mono set ups are equally correct? I'd love to hear what folks older than myself experienced when they saw movies in the 70's and 80's as replicating that authentic experience is usually my goal.

Now with that all said, authenticity aside, what is everyone's preference for listening to mono soundtracks? Is it just to utilize the center channel, or are their folks that prefer the "full mono" option? I must admit that full mono does create a nice sound stage for background effects and musical cues. Thunder, wind, effects, the score all sound great and more immersive through full mono. Scenes play out with a much more 3 dimensional sound field as if I'm in the middle of each conversation and scene as opposed to just watching it unfold on the screen, which has made me curious if any films ever played this way upon release as it would seem like a much more involving way to keep the audiences attention.

I tried googling around but didn't really find any solid articles as it relates to movie soundtracks on the issue.

[captainsolo]

Essentially in a proper system one or two speakers are acceptable.

Originally in theaters you would have the large single speaker, and larger/grander theaters could chain multiple speakers to better fill out larger halls etc. This would all predate stereo coming in with 70mm, roadshows, Cinemascope four track stereo etc. really starting off in the 1950's. Mono got further complicated with the rise of Dolby units and noise reduction types. Most theaters will still use this for playing back mono as units still have similar settings.

For the home you have two options to be authentic. One is to leave it on direct unprocessed modes and receive the way the studio encoded it which most often would be 2.0 mono. If your speakers are properly balanced you will have the physical sensation of a single channel in front of you. This was also common practice in the past as most people had stereo speakers and it was easier to encode that way on video/broadcast, and dedicated home theaters generally have better/larger stereo mains than their center channels.
With Warner, Criterion and others now using 1.0 mono more often you can leave it that way to be only using the center channel or find the mode that will play back mono without added effects over your stereo mains if you find it preferable. However most receivers today have added subwoofer enhancement to these so you'll have to play around with it.


Come to think of it the old work around to go the opposite way was to apply prologic to 2.0 mono to have it come out of your center for a more accurate 1.0 direct presentation.

[Deciazulado]

You could also use the 3 fronts if they're not too far apart, for
"Fat Mono"; a 3rd alternative.

[Katatonia]

I generally just let my Yamaha receiver cover "Mono" audio, which outputs to the L/C/R channels whether it be a 1.0 track or 2.0 Dual-Mono track. So I guess I'm more in the "Full Mono" opinion.

I did find a Blu-ray release today that had the Mono audio track encoded as a PCM 2-channel dual-mono track, yet had all of the audio data on the "Left" channel only. Why not have just done that as a 1.0 track?

I cannot recall ever encountering that before on any release, but I checked it on both my home theater and also on my computer setup (external DAC to 2.1 speakers) and it did the exact same thing. I checked it in a spectrum analyzer program, and sure enough everything was only on the "Left" channel of the encode.

I simply could not force it to play through just the center channel only no matter what settings were attempted. I finally just had to use a "Mono" setting in a 7.1 sound profile and then blocked the rears, and it finally played okay when output through L/C/R.

[oddbox83]

Originally Posted by Katatonia

I did find a Blu-ray release today that had the Mono audio track encoded as a PCM 2-channel dual-mono track, yet had all of the audio data on the "Left" channel only. Why not have just done that as a 1.0 track?

Just an encoding screw-up.

[kishiro]

Originally Posted by Katatonia

I did find a Blu-ray release today that had the Mono audio track encoded as a PCM 2-channel dual-mono track, yet had all of the audio data on the "Left" channel only. Why not have just done that as a 1.0 track?

What title/Blu-Ray release was this ?

[Katatonia]

Originally Posted by kishiro

What title/Blu-Ray release was this ?

This one:



I contacted the studio and they replied back that it was normal and not an error, so...

It is their first Blu-ray release though, so I guess it's not surprising.

[Energy Crisis]

Always center speaker. Using the left/right speakers for a phantom center is fine as long as you're the only one watching and you're sitting in the sweet spot, but the imaging won't be balanced for anyone sitting off-center.

Really though, if playing mono through your center isn't equal to or better than playing it through the left/right speakers, then your center is the weak link in your system and that's a major problem that should be corrected.

Originally Posted by captainsolo

and dedicated home theaters generally have better/larger stereo mains than their center channels.

They often do, which to me is just insane and counterproductive.

[Warm Gun]

Most people's centers are too low. So front-left and right.

[oddbox83]

Originally Posted by Warm Gun

Most people's centers are too low. So front-left and right.

Probably the majority because you can't put it directly in front of the TV, it has to be above and below, and for ease and cosmetic reasons below makes more sense for most people. My Focal speakers have adjustable vertical tilt - so while my other speakers are wall mounted at around ear height, the centre is slightly lower under the TV, but I "toe it up" to point towards MLP. Seems to work, sort of the same principle as toeing in front left and right.

[CSM101]

For me lately, I’ve found that switching to two channel mono opens up the stage a little more. The sound still feels like it’s coming from the center but it’s just a little more expansive.

[klasekfilmfan]

This is an interesting discussion to read thru because I'm currently trying to figure this whole Mono audio situation. I currently have a L/C/R set up ran thru a Sony STR590 receiver. The speakers are Polk Ohm3's for L/R and the Polk Blackstone TL1 as the Center Channel. I've tried the 'Full Mono' with all three speakers and it always feels like the center is the weak link. Without much thought or looking into why, I disabled the center and went with the L/R. Still, I'm not satisfied fully with the sound. Any suggestions on how to tweak the settings or anything to get better Mono sound?

Almost my entire collection is Blu-ray with Mono tracks from the 1930s-1950s.

[jusmu]

I did some experimenting with my Denon 8500 and MK Sound M70 fronts.

The Terminator did not have too much difference between 2-channel mono and center ( I use DTS Neural:x to collapse everything on center). But my choice is center only.

Dr No on the other hand sounded really good on 2-channel mode, had to check that the center was mute. Can`t explain why and how it sounded good but did watch half an hour before remembering why I was watching it

Contamination did have 1.0 so it was all good.

Those were only ones I could find quickly.

Full mono was horrible experience, mono signal coming thru all 13 speakers with echo. 5 seconds was enough.

So my advise is listen and compare. If you`re having movie night with friends, check night before what sounds best and use that and impress your friends.

[useless watcher]

I always opt for the center speaker for mono movies, as that's theoretically closest to how it would have been in the era when mono was the norm, and thus closest to how the filmmakers expected it to be (with a million caveats obviously for all the reasons that watching a modern home video master on a modern home theater system is not watching an worn out exhibition print in a 1949 cinema, if that even needs to be said.) With ProLogic or Neo6 enabled the receiver will route 2.0 mono to the center channel instead of L-R.

That said, I don't think L-R is a terrible option; the reliability of the "phantom center" effect is probably why 2.0 mixes for pop music are still standard despite their reliance on center-panned vocals, bass, kick and snare. Of course, since the advent of stereo those mixes have usually had plenty of other elements panned left or right as counterpoint; not a ton of pure mono music being designed these days with the expectation of being played on a stereo setup.

"Full mono" sounds like a horrible way to watch a movie, though, at least for me! I remember encountering a digital version of Lukas Moodysson's Together which had the dialogue in every 5.1 channel and it kind of drove me crazy having it dislodged from its usual center position, all around me!

[Warm Gun]

Since I last posted, I've used "Stereo" on my receivers, which adds the subwoofer.

[Energy Crisis]

Originally Posted by Warm Gun

Since I last posted, I've used "Stereo" on my receivers, which adds the subwoofer.

If your crossovers are properly set your sub should be active for any configuration. That's what they're there for, to take over where the speaker begins to roll off (or just where they sound best). I keep my crossovers higher than my speakers are capable of because the subs will do a better job with low frequencies anyway and it takes a lot of stress off of the receiver.

[CompleteCount]

I route mono through my centre speaker, as it's more than capable of reproducing the requited frequencies. I watched the 4K Dawn of the Dead on it again last week, playing the mono track through the centre, and was a rather nice sonic experience - with the cherry on top being everything anchored firmly to the screen.

[Hydra Spectre]

I prefer mono exclusively through the centre.
Too bad most AVRs don't have a mono downmix option. But DTS Neural:X does the job well, as it outputs the mono audio exclusively through the centre when enabled.

I even prefer 1-channel mono for mono music and mono consoles/computers like the Famicom, SEGA Master System, Commodore 64, PC-88 (except when you have certain accessories for true stereo), Sharp X1, MSX (except when you have certain accessories for true stereo), ZX Spectrum, Atari ST, Atari 8-Bit, Atari 2600, Atari 5200 and Atari 7800.

The Amiga's full stereo separation sounds great, and I will always defend it, however.

I really wish that Denon/Marantz AVRs in particular had a centre mono downmix option, because I prefer watching old mono movies with the audio exclusively in the centre channel. Same goes when the Nintendo Switch can only output in 2.0 at minimum, which means the Nintendo Switch Online NES/Famicom games would be dual-mono, when I prefer them at the centre speaker.

[sa5150]

Not sure where to post this .

So I'm using a Old nice Klipsch made in the USA center channel with 2 6" woofers and 1 horn tweeter I think it is . all new movies sound amazing . blu-rays with 1.0 mono squeak , not sure how to describe it , almost like a cheap webcam sound . It happens with all like the new three stooges blu-ray set , godzilla movies from the criterion set etc.. but stuff like star wars and new movies are crystal clear and shake the ground . this squeaking during dialog really ruins the experience . any idea why and what i can do . I have tried swapping out with a old B&W center and a Wharfedale center and they cant handle the new movies .

[Warm Gun]

Update: I no longer use a center channel. Don't miss it. Can't be brought high enough without bringing the TV too high. Phantom center is just fine.