Emilie Meyer
Pro Tools is a popular software for audio mixing, and its Pan Laws feature remains one of its most unused functions. Pan Laws are set as a preference before mixing audio and refer to the way material will be auditioned. The two fundamental pan laws are based on the way you want your audience to perceive the source as you pan across the soundstage. If you want to maintain a constant volume as you pan, the centre attenuation needs to be set to 3dB. This is because the acoustic summation of two identical signals increases the perceived volume by 3dB. However, some users prefer to use the default settings, which differ depending on the DAW.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pan Law | -3dB, -6dB, 2.5 dB |
| When to change settings | Before starting to mix |
| Impact on sound | None |
| Impact on phase relationship/mono compatibility | None |
| Impact on volume | Constant volume across panning with -3dB |
| Compression on the Main bus | Acts differently on channels |
Explore related products
![12" Drywall Mud Pan Heli-Arc Welded Stainless Steel [ Fitted Base + Grip ] Easy Clean](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71BmwCQR18L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
The impact of changing pan laws
Changing the pan law settings can impact the volume of the sound. For example, using a 6dB pan law setting can make a mix more recessed, while a 3dB setting can make it more prominent. The pan law setting can also affect the depth of the mixes, with the 2.5 dB pan mode resulting in a tighter mix.
It's important to note that changing the pan law settings after a mix has been completed can ruin the mix. The pan law setting should be set as a preference before mixing begins. Additionally, the pan law setting does not impact the sound or mixing in general. The final volume movement is determined by moving the faders, which overrides the chosen pan law.
Loosening Stubborn Oil Drain Pan Bolts: Strategies for Success
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to change pan laws in Pro Tools
The pan law is the value down the fader on both sides of the bus when it is centred. It is set as a preference before mixing but does not impact the sound or mixing in general. The phase relationship and mono compatibility are independent of the pan law.
To change the pan law in Pro Tools, you can select from the recent options of \-2.5, -3.0, -4.5, and -6 dB. The number is the amount of dB cut from centred panning. For example, if you use the \-3dB pan law, you will get a constant volume when panning from LS1 to LS9, which is more accurate than panning from Left to Left Surround.
If you are using a 2.5 dB pan mode, you will get a tighter mix. If you set the pan law to \-6 dB, there will be no change in the level in the mono track.
You can also experiment with different settings to see what pan law does for your mix. However, it is important to note that changing the pan law after mixing will ruin the mix.
Pan-Grilled Shrimp Perfection: A Simple, Quick Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The significance of pan laws when panning a source
Panning laws, or panning rules, are a recording and mixing principle that govern the perceived sound level when panning a mono signal across the stereo field. In other words, panning laws determine how you perceive the sound level as the audio sweeps from one side of the stereo field to the other. This is especially important when panning a source, as it ensures that the sound remains at a constant level when summed to mono.
The pan law you choose can affect the overall sound of a mix, especially if you have a lot of mono sound sources. For example, if you are using a 2.5 dB Pan mode, you will get a much tighter mix. On the other hand, if you set the pan law to -6 dB, there will be no change in the level in the mono track. Most mixing consoles and DAWs employ a compromise option of 4.5 dB centre attenuation, which is halfway between the two previous ideals. This presents a reasonable compromise with only minor level variations as a source is panned across the sound stage, regardless of the listening format.
It is important to note that panning laws are not actually "laws". There is no specification or standard, so some engineers may take subjective liberties with the audio's perceived level when it is panned across the stereo field. Additionally, the pan law you choose may depend on the specific application and the listening format. For example, if your audience is likely to hear a mono sum, such as when broadcast on radio or TV, you should choose a pan law with a 6dB centre attenuation.
To change the pan law settings in Pro Tools, you can look at the panner and assign the Left and Right subpath to the main output, and the Ls and Rs subpath to an auxiliary with a compressor. This will allow you to achieve a level of parallel compression not conventionally possible. However, keep in mind that the pan law you choose should be set as a preference before you start mixing, and it will have no impact on the sound or mixing in general.
Stripping Nonstick Coating from Pans: A DIY Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Default pan law dB settings
The two fundamental panning laws relate to the way the material will be auditioned. If the panned sound is to remain at a constant volume, regardless of the pan position, the centre attenuation needs to be 3dB. This is because the acoustic summation of two identical signals increases the perceived volume by 3dB. This is the law to choose if the audience will listen via stereo loudspeakers. If the panned sound is to be perceived as having a constant level when summed to mono, the centre attenuation needs to be 6dB. This is because the electrical addition of two identical signals creates a new signal with an amplitude that is 6dB larger. This is the law to choose if the audience is likely to hear a mono sum, such as on radio, TV, or a mobile phone.
Some users prefer to use --3 dB as it gives a constant volume across when panning, with no bump. This is especially useful for post-production work. Other users prefer ---6 dB as it feels more consistent.
The default setting in Cubase is -3 dB (classic equal power), but it also has settings for all the standards.
OXO Pans: Oven-Safe?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Mono output and pan laws
The panning law only becomes significant when a source is actively being panned across the soundstage, and you want the audience to perceive the source as remaining at a constant level as it moves around. The amount by which the signal level is altered is referred to as the 'panning law', and there are two fundamental approaches with different aims and results.
The first approach is to ensure that the panned sound is perceived acoustically as remaining at a constant volume, regardless of the pan position. In this case, the centre attenuation needs to be 3dB, as the acoustic summation of two identical signals increases the perceived volume by 3dB.
The second approach is to ensure that the panned sound is perceived as having a constant level when summed to mono. In this case, the centre attenuation needs to be 6dB, as the electrical addition of two identical signals creates a new signal with an amplitude that is 6dB larger.
It is worth noting that the pan law is set as a preference before mixing and does not impact the sound or mixing process. The mono compatibility depends on how you mix and pan things in the stereo field and the use of stereo spreaders. Ultimately, the faders should be moved for the correct volume movement, which overrides the chosen pan law.
Pizza Pans: Dishwasher-Safe?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
To change the pan law settings in Pro Tools, you need to set your preference before you start mixing. Recent versions of Pro Tools give options of 2.5, 3.0, 4.5, and 6 dB for pan depth.
The best pan law setting depends on your requirements. If you want the panned sound to be perceived as remaining at a constant volume, the centre attenuation needs to be 3 dB. The 3 dB pan law is far more accurate than panning from left to left surround.
The pan law setting does not impact the sound or mixing in general. The phase relationship/mono compatibility is independent of the pan law setting.
