TBH its personal choice, no right or wrong.
My view is Stereo is great in concept but live can just make things a little less defined - so great for more ethereal music, but tight rock? Of course Def Leppard had a very "wide" sound and I'm sure they were probably Stereo live but they also had very defined parts so the guitars were very separated in what they played.
If it was me, unless I was really using the Stereo effects, I'd go mono. I used to play in an 80's hair metal band. I was mono. The other guitarist used a Helix.. he was mono, went Stereo, reverted back to mono as it added very little except additional cables and hassle...
So, I would suggest Mono....
I’d go mono
Another plus 1 for mono here too
2 guitar = 2 Mono for us
Mono for live. I have two output presets, one Mono for live and one Stereo for studio. They are identical except for that and can be switched quickly. I agree, unless you need to do some stereo FX like room ping pong echo mono will be easier on everybody.
I'd go mono.
Stereo is great. *IF* the room is set up for it. All the gear can be stereo-capable, but that doesn't mean the stereo field in the room will work for everyone in the room.
Just like listening to your stereo speakers at home. Stand too close to one side and the effect is minimized.....or even sounds like total crap.
Stereo is *great* for in-ear monitoring, though. Just panning alone lets you clean up your mix so much, allowing you to play that much better.
If you have two mono guitars then both will make stereo, as long as they are panned Left and Right. If a small venue, you could run stereo and have the 2nd guitarist run mono at center but you may want to use a Widener so their is no overlapping.
Stereo is *great* for in-ear monitoring, though. Just panning alone lets you clean up your mix so much, allowing you to play that much better.
Wouldn't a mono signal sent to both ears panned the way you want do the same thing?
Wouldn't a mono signal sent to both ears panned the way you want do the same thing?
I suppose. But having the stereo field is nice.
Definitely mono for me. Probably each panned slightly to opposite sides to create a treble/mid hole for the vocals in the middle.
Definitely mono for me. Probably each panned slightly to opposite sides to create a treble/mid hole for the vocals in the middle.
Iron Maidens FOH engineer has a newer video that addresses this subject as it applies to them, a very informative and interesting video to watch. His basic setup is pretty much the same as you mentioned, along with the added benefit of some very nice plug ins and outboard gear that most people probably won't have access to in a live situation.
Iron Maidens FOH engineer has a newer video that addresses this subject as it applies to them, a very informative and interesting video to watch. His basic setup is pretty much the same as you mentioned...
Except he knows what he's talking about. 😀
