Separation of audio question

MikeLV wrote on 3/20/2016, 6:49 PM
I recorded two instruments (guitar and backing track) on separate channels (left and right) in my camcorder. As expected, when I bring the video into Vegas, I get two audio channels on the timeline, one panned full left and one panned full right. Am I correct to bring the Pan sliders for both channels to center, and then adjust volume, effects, etc. on each channel until I've achieved my desired sound? And this will make it so that I get the same audio out of left and right speakers in the finished recording?

Comments

ChristoC wrote on 3/21/2016, 12:03 AM
> [I]Am I correct to bring the Pan sliders for both channels to center, and then adjust volume, effects, etc. on each channel until I've achieved my desired sound?[/]
Yes, if that is what you desire!

> And this will make it so that I get the same audio out of left and right speakers in the finished recording?
Yes, although any FX (e.g. Reverb) may well be stereo in their nature ...
Geoff_Wood wrote on 3/21/2016, 8:35 PM
You pan them where you want - maybe both centre, maybe not.

If the backing track is already mixed to stereo, then yes certainly pan that centre, unless there is an existing imbalance to compensate for.

Personally I would tend to avoid extreme panning of the guitar, but up to you. If it is the main solo thing, then centre(ish), or elsewhere if fitting around and blending in with other instruments in the backing track.

But there are no rules - best have a good play with panning and levels and get a feel for what feels best to you.

geoff

rraud wrote on 3/22/2016, 11:12 AM
As Geoff stated, vocals are typically panned to center. It's probably best to do the same with the guitar unless your experienced with other techniques. Reverb effects OTOH are usually spectral and simulate an acoustical space.
Duplicate the file to a new track and right-click the event, choose 'Channels' and select 'Left only' (or right only). Do the same on the duplicated track/event and choose the opposite channel. This will give you separate vocal and guitar channels to mix.
MikeLV wrote on 3/24/2016, 6:05 PM
It's actually not that mission critical, just an educational video. The reason I wanted to record guitar and backing track to separate channels is because due to the live monitor sound when recording, the headphones are pretty useless to achieve a proper mix. At least if they're on separate channels, I can adjust the volumes on each until it sounds decent. Did a test like this the other day and it sounded fine for my needs.