Banish Pan Audio For Good With These Simple Steps

Audio panning is the process of positioning sounds at specific locations in the stereo image of a mix. Using pan pots, sounds can be made to seem like they are coming from a particular point between the left and right speakers. This technique is based on the concept of binaural hearing, which refers to how humans hear sounds from two different points in space with their two ears. While panning can be a powerful tool for creating a wide and clear soundscape, sometimes you may want to get rid of it. One way to do this is to convert the stereo track to mono, which will centre the sound. Alternatively, you can split the stereo track into two mono tracks and delete the one you don't need, or simply mute one of the channels in your DAW.

Use a high-pass filter through your EQ

High-pass filters are an essential tool in music production and mixing. They are a type of EQ curve that removes low-frequency sounds from an audio signal, allowing high-frequency signals to pass through while reducing the amplitude of lower-frequency signals. When used correctly, they can clean up woofy signals and tighten up arrangements. However, they can also cause problems if used incorrectly or too frequently.

Enhance the Low-End

High-pass filters can be used to enhance the low-end of your mix by creating space for every instrument. Use gentle high-pass slopes and boost low-end information that adds to the sound of the instrument. Even a slight boost in the low end can make a significant difference in the overall mix. Great mixers often high-pass a kick drum, taking out some 20 Hz or even as high as 30-50 Hz to focus the kick and make the mix louder.

It's important to note that high-pass filters aren't just for bass instruments. By cutting away everything below 100 Hz and sometimes higher, you can focus vocals and other midrange instruments. Excessive low-end information can muddle the overall tonality, taking away from the midrange where these instruments shine.

Remove Unwanted Harmonics

High-pass filters are frequently used well into the low-mids on instruments without a lot of low-end content. For example, hi-hats are commonly high-passed up to 300 Hz, while in electronic samples, you might go up to 1 or 2 kHz to focus on the interesting fundamentals. High-pass filters help remove unwanted harmonics in the low end, allowing you to focus on the useful parts of the spectrum.

Tighten up the Low-End

A stuffy low end can weigh down a mix, making it feel stuck. By high-passing frequencies on the drum mix or even on the master output, you can remove unnecessary noise and tighten up the low end. This technique also has the added benefit of making the mids and highs seem more present and loud. However, it's easy to overdo it, so use a frequency analyzer and solo mode in each EQ to find the fundamental information of the signal.

Try Dynamic EQ Instead of Static EQ

Dynamic EQ allows you to shape sounds as they change throughout a mix. It can be particularly useful for vocals, basslines, and percussion, which vary over the course of a song. A dynamic EQ cut offers a middle ground, letting in some lower-range frequencies while clamping down when they become too active, preserving the natural character and space of a recording.

Avoid Removing the Mix's Body and Punch

High-pass filters are powerful tools, and it's easy to go overboard, unintentionally removing the depth and groove from your mix. Even worse, steep curves can introduce ringing or distortion around the cutoff point. Remember, clarity in a mix doesn't come solely from EQ and filtering. Other tools like compression and level adjustments are equally useful to help separate elements in a mix.

Try a different headset

If you're experiencing issues with audio panning, one solution is to try a different headset. This can be due to several factors, including the quality of the headset, the specific design of the headset, and its compatibility with your audio setup.

Firstly, the quality of your headset can significantly impact your audio experience. A low-quality headset may have poor drivers that distort the audio, creating an inaccurate representation of the panned sound. Additionally, a poor-quality headset may have a limited frequency response, affecting your ability to perceive the stereo image accurately. Investing in a higher-quality headset with a wider frequency response and better drivers can provide a more accurate and immersive audio experience.

Secondly, the design of the headset can also play a role. Closed-back headphones, for example, offer better isolation and can provide a more accurate representation of the panned audio. On the other hand, open-back headphones may have a more natural soundstage but may be more susceptible to external noise interference, which can impact your ability to accurately perceive the panning.

Lastly, compatibility with your audio setup is crucial. Different headsets have varying impedance levels, and using a headset with an impedance that matches your audio interface or amplifier can ensure optimal performance. Additionally, some headsets may have specific features or requirements that work better with certain audio devices. For example, some headsets are designed specifically for gaming and may have built-in surround sound features that can enhance the panning experience.

When choosing a different headset, consider the following:

• Frequency response: Look for a headset with a wide frequency response, covering the full audible spectrum (20Hz - 20kHz) to ensure you can hear all the details in the audio.
• Driver quality: Opt for a headset with high-quality drivers that provide clear and accurate sound reproduction. Planar magnetic or high-end dynamic drivers often offer superior performance.
• Comfort: Choose a comfortable headset, especially if you plan on extended listening sessions. Look for padded headbands and ear cups made from breathable materials.
• Compatibility: Ensure the headset is compatible with your audio interface or amplifier by checking the impedance and connector type.
• Reviews: Research reviews from other users to gain insights into the headset's performance, particularly regarding audio panning and soundstage.

By considering these factors and trying out different headsets, you can find one that provides a more accurate and immersive audio experience, potentially resolving any issues you were facing with audio panning.

Use a dedicated sound card

If you're experiencing audio issues with your PC, such as background noise or electrical interference, one solution is to use a dedicated sound card. While modern PCs have good audio hardware built into their motherboards, a dedicated sound card can offer improved clarity, detail, and effects.

The main issue with audio performance on PCs is electrical interference from the various components on the motherboard, such as the GPU, CPU, chipset, RAM, and USB connections. This interference can create a background hiss that degrades audio quality, particularly when the PC is under load. A dedicated sound card addresses this issue by handling all the audio processing above the "noise" of the motherboard, resulting in improved sound clarity and detail.

When choosing a sound card, there are several options available. Companies like Creative, Asus, and EVGA offer dedicated sound card hardware. These cards can range in price from $40 to nearly $400. It's important to consider your personal needs and preferences when deciding whether to invest in a sound card.

In addition to dedicated sound cards, there are alternative solutions to improve PC audio quality. One option is to use an external digital-to-audio converter (DAC), which converts digital audio signals to analog sound. DACs can work with multiple devices and offer separation from electrical interference. Another option is to use noise-cancelling software or features, such as those built into popular communication tools like Google Meet, Zoom, and Discord. These features can help reduce background noise during audio recording or calls.

By using a dedicated sound card or exploring alternative solutions, you can effectively improve the audio quality of your PC and eliminate issues caused by pan audio.

Use noise-cancelling software

Noise-cancelling software is a great way to get rid of unwanted panning audio. These tools can help eliminate any noise that gets recorded accidentally, leaving the audio you want untouched.

Krisp

Krisp is an AI-powered software that delivers noise cancellation in real-time. It is compatible with Windows and macOS and can be used for meetings and recording podcasts. It can handle a range of background noises, including microphone noise, barking dogs, keyboard typing, mouse clicks, and traffic noise. Krisp also features echo removal and a low power mode.

Audacity

Audacity is a free, open-source, cross-platform noise-cancelling software compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. It has a built-in Noise Reduction tool in the Effects menu, which can be used to eliminate background noise. However, it can only be applied after the audio has been recorded and not in real-time.

NoiseGator

NoiseGator is a simple, standalone noise gate software that works with VoIP and video calling software. It is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, although a virtual audio cable is recommended for Windows users. With NoiseGator, you can set a decibel threshold, and any sound received below that threshold will not be recorded. It also has a volume boost setting and a mute button.

LALAL.AI Noise Remover

LALAL.AI is a website-based tool, so there is no need for any downloads or installations. It uses AI-powered noise reduction technology to remove background noise from audio recordings. It offers standard and high-volume audio processing options, and the results are clear and crisp audio files.

Adobe Audition

Adobe Audition is a full-featured DAW with built-in noise cancellation tools. It has a noise gate for noise suppression and an Adaptive Noise Reduction effect that will analyze and remove background noise. It also has a DeReverb tool to remove echo and an Automatic Click Remover for other annoying noises. Adobe Audition is a professional-level software, so it may not be as user-friendly as some of the other options.

Noise Blocker

Noise Blocker is a simple, lightweight noise-cancelling software that works on Windows. It can be used for live calls and gaming and is compatible with popular apps such as Slack, Discord, and Google Meet/Hangout. It is free to use for up to one hour per day.

Clean your PC

If your PC is making too much noise, there are a few things you can do to clean it and reduce the sound.

First, check what software is running and what resources it's using. In Windows, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to bring up the Task Manager, and in macOS, press Ctrl + Space and search for Activity Monitor. If you're idle, your computer should not be using more than 20% of its CPU capacity. If it is, look to see what program is eating up those cycles. You may have something running in the background that you forgot about, or you could be infected with malware.

Next, monitor your computer's temperature. Download a program that can monitor your CPU temperature, such as Core Temp for Windows and Fanny for Mac. By monitoring the internal temperature of your computer, you can better keep track of when the fans are working as intended and when the machine might be overheating for no clear reason.

Then, give your PC room to breathe. Make sure there is enough space around your computer for air to circulate. If you're using a laptop, don't set it on a plush surface, as this can block the vents. If you're using a desktop, don't cover it with anything.

You can also try to lower the speed of your fans in the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). In the BIOS, there is a graph-based fan control that allows you to set the speed based on temperature for each fan. Only do this if you can ensure that your PC will still be running at a reasonable temperature—your processor should be no higher than 50 degrees Celsius when idle and still stay below 70 degrees when at load.

Finally, clean out any dust and debris from your PC. Use a soft brush and air can to clean the entire PC, including all dust filters and heatsinks. If your fan is making a clicking sound or other abnormal noises, this is also a good time to make sure the blades aren't hitting debris or a stray power cable.

Frequently asked questions