2. analog
  3. 161977-4331

Mono vinyl, how do you know if really single channel mono or if stereo recorded to mono

I'm exploring the possibility of getting a mono cartridge. 

Please, I am not trying to start a debate about whether or not that is a good idea. I simply have a question about monophonic records.

How can you tell which records are truly mono and which are actually stereo with 2 identical channels to simulate mono?

I know that for all mono records before stereo there was only one channel cut laterally into the record .  When stereo came out some so called mono recordings were actually 2 channels just like a stereo record with both horizontal and vertical information but  L and R were the same so ended up as mono. I also know that a "true mono" cartridge only has output from the horizontal motion and that the stylus size is different than a stereo stylus, which means according to many aficionados of mono recordings,  in an ideal world you would want a cartridge optimized for mono to play true mono records

again, I do not want to debate the pros and cons of this, just want the facts about the records. If you want to debate something else please start another thread

thanks


herman

Showing 4 responses by elliottbnewcombjr

elliottbnewcombjr
5,246 posts
 

I suggest/hope you research and find a Mono Cartridge BODY with interchangeable/optional Stylus, and let us know what you find please. Spherical/Elliptical/ML stylus types, let’s not forget 78rpm!

Anybody know???

I am finding Mono LP’s is a messy world, and information is often missing. Original and subsequent diddling around sometimes but not always noted. Some Mono don’t even say mono on the sleeve or disk label, some dated just prior to 1958 might or might not be ……?

.......................................

As for mixing Stereo into Mono, I read this:

Transition Period i.e. 1956-1958 : Major Labels had 2 recording teams: established mono team; new stereo team. They paid the musicians/singers to perform twice and sold both Mono and Stereo versions. Like R2R Tape, all kinds of propriety names had been invented for Mono LP's, then more new names for Stereo LP's

Too expensive for small labels. Rudy Gelder figured out he could make a single Stereo Recording to release Stereo in the future, and mix a mono version from his single stereo recording to issue a mono lp for sale now.


elliottbnewcombjr
5,246 posts
 
lewm

thanks for reminding me of that beauty!!!

https://www.google.com/search?gs_ssp=eJzj4tTP1TcwNC00MTZg9OLLKs3JTFVIzijKLC7JTAUAZ7kIag&q=julie+...

 
elliottbnewcombjr
5,246 posts
 
I have an Oscar Peterson Stereo LP recorded very weirdly. Great content, very weird imaging.

Drummer left, except during drum solos moved center. Bass right except solos moved center; Piano highs to lows are spread/move left to right.

Strange mic placement, too close to piano, combined with strange mixing decisions.

These kinds, terrific content, best not to listen from a position revealing imaging, I listen from a far corner. I didn't think to use my McIntosh Mode Mono position.

It's a terrific performance, I may look to see if a Mono version exists.
elliottbnewcombjr
5,246 posts
 
regarding Stereo Imaging, this fabulous double live album is excellent engineering

https://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Home-Bon-Voyage-Sardines/dp/B07NBD1QDF

Donna has seen them live twice, I saw them live once in South Orange Theater, awesome, one of the best concerts ever

On wide stage: Left to right: Trombone, horns, tap dancer in front of horns, bass, drummer, singer in front of bass/drums (off center leaving room for tap dancer to her left) , piano/singer far right.

the double album is One: Live in Toronto; Two: Live in NYC

the imaging is reversed, piano on the left. Huh?

Turns out, NYC recording is the concert at Joe's Pub, Donna was there. Yes, that smaller stage the piano was on the left. 

Toronto was a wider stage.

So, I used my McIntosh Mode Stereo Reverse position, got the imaging trombone left, piano right as my brain was expecting! All is Well.

Had I never seen them, my brain wouldn't have searched for trombone left ... piano right


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