the mysteries of stereo

[loxley11]

I've done this with all my synths and it's the same:

 

1) If I just take a single source and split it between two mixer channels, and then pan one right and the other left, it doesn't really sound any different.

 

2) But...if I take two different but identical sources, like two of the same module or I layer the same voice and use a separate output for each, then pan those right and left, the difference is amazing.

 

I understand that stereo gives depth to sound, but why do 1 and 2 give different results. Aren't they pretty much the same thing?

 

Just wondering,

Loxley11

[Florin Andrei]

Two words: phase difference.

 

There are entire effects built on a "mere" difference of the phase.

[ape]

+1@Florin Andrei

The resonance on the second option makes the sound very amazing.

[loxley11]

could someone explain what that means? And ape, I'm not sure what you mean by resonance in option 2

 

Thanks,

loxley11

[Yoozer]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phase_difference

 

Try starting 2 samples at the very same time, only one slightly delayed - you'll hear a flanging effect. Done right, this can make things sound very spacious. It's also a trick fake-surround depends on. Check also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychoacoustics and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sound_localization. Especially the first'll give you good hints.