Panning: A Technique To Separate Gold From Ore

Panning is a term used in both audio and visual mediums. In audio, panning is the distribution of an audio signal into a new stereo or multi-channel sound field, allowing producers and musicians to create a more expansive sonic experience. In visual mediums, such as photography and cinematography, panning refers to the technique of swivelling a still or video camera horizontally from a fixed position to capture motion blur and convey movement.

Panning in music

Panning is an essential part of the mixing process, creating space and width in a song. It can make elements stand out to listeners, drawing their attention to specific sounds. By panning certain instruments or vocals to one side, the other side is left with more space, creating a sense of balance and separation. This separation is especially useful when two sources occupy the same frequency range, such as two electric guitars or a lead vocal and backing vocals. Panning them to different sides of the stereo field helps to distinguish the sounds and makes the mix less "muddy."

There are two main types of panning: hard panning and soft panning. Hard panning refers to placing a sound 100% to either the left or right side, creating a full and wide stereo image. This technique is commonly used with double-tracked rhythm guitars, where one track is panned hard left and the other hard right. On the other hand, soft panning involves moving elements around without committing to the extremes, allowing for a more subtle effect.

The placement of instruments and vocals in the stereo field can vary, but there are some general guidelines. Core elements such as kick drums, snare drums, bass, lead vocals, and guitar solos are typically left in the center, as they form the foundation of the song. Higher-pitched sounds like hi-hats, drum overheads, or atmospheric pads are often placed on the sides, adding shimmer without being overwhelming. Mid-range frequencies like electric guitars or background vocals are placed somewhere in the middle of the stereo spectrum, adding depth without detracting from the center.

Panning is not just about the left-right placement but also the level of signal sent to each channel. When a pan pot is centred (at 12 o'clock), the signal is sent equally to both the left and right channels. Moving the pan pot to one side sends more signal to that side, creating the perception of movement within the stereo field. This movement can be enhanced by adding timing differences, phase changes, and reverberation effects for a more complete picture of apparent motion.

Panning is a creative tool that allows producers and musicians to craft immersive experiences for their listeners. It adds depth, width, and separation to a mix, enhancing the overall listening experience. By playing with panning balances and automating panning changes, producers can take their music to the next level, creating a dynamic and engaging journey for the audience.

Panning in film

The camera can be panned to the left or right, or up and down, depending on the desired effect. This movement allows filmmakers to keep a moving subject in frame, such as an actor walking or a car driving by. It also enables them to showcase a wide area, like a landscape or a crowd.

Panning can add a sense of motion and energy to a scene, making it particularly useful for action sequences or establishing shots. It can also be employed to reveal information gradually, building suspense or creating a sense of discovery for the viewer.

When panning, cinematographers must consider the timing and speed of the movement. A smooth and controlled pan ensures the image remains stable and reduces the risk of disorienting the audience. The pace of the pan can vary depending on the context, with faster pans creating a sense of urgency or dynamism.

Additionally, panning can be combined with other camera techniques, such as tilting or tracking, to create more complex and fluid camera movements. These techniques collectively contribute to the visual storytelling and help convey the desired emotions and themes of a scene.

Gold panning

Gold pans have been made from various materials and designs over the years, including metal and high-impact plastic. Common features include a means of trapping heavy materials during agitation and easy removal at the end of the process. Pan sizes typically range between 10 and 17 inches, with 14 inches being the most commonly used size.

Pans as containers

Pans are containers that are usually broad, shallow, and open, and are commonly used for domestic purposes such as cooking. They are typically made of metal and come in various forms, including frying pans, saucepans, and baking pans. In addition to their use in the kitchen, pans also have a range of other applications.

In the field of mining and quarrying, a pan is a dish used by prospectors, especially gold prospectors, to separate valuable minerals from gravel or earth by washing and agitating the mixture. This process, known as panning, involves washing gravel, sand, or other sediments in a pan with water to separate out the heavier particles of gold or other precious metals. The panned gold can then be collected and further refined if needed.

Pans also play a role in chemistry and laboratory settings. In a chemistry lab, a pan can refer to either of the two dish-like receptacles on a balance, which are used for weighing chemicals and other substances. Additionally, pans are used for boiling and evaporating liquids, a process that is crucial in various chemical experiments and analyses.

Beyond these functional purposes, pans can also be used creatively. For example, in music, a pan is a steel drum, contributing to the unique sound of steelpan or steel drum music. This use of the word "pan" is likely derived from the similarity in shape between a steel drum and a cooking pan.

Lastly, pans can even have spiritual and mythological significance. In Greek mythology, Pan is the god of fields, woods, flocks, and shepherds. He is typically depicted with the legs, horns, and ears of a goat and is often shown playing a panpipe, a musical instrument consisting of multiple pipes of different lengths tied together.

Pans as criticism

"Panned" is a term used to describe something that has been criticised or reviewed harshly. When something is "panned", it has received a negative evaluation, often from a large number of people.

In the world of arts and entertainment, being "panned" by critics is a common occurrence. For instance, a film that receives negative reviews from film critics is said to have been "panned". Similarly, a book that is widely disliked by literary experts and readers may also be described as "panned".

The term "panned" is also used outside of the arts, in fields such as journalism, finance, and science. For example, a new technology or product may be "panned" by financial analysts or the press if it fails to meet expectations or perform as intended.

It is important to note that being "panned" does not always indicate universal disapproval. In some cases, things that have been "panned" by some may still find success or appreciation among others.

Additionally, the term "panned out" is used to describe something that has turned out or developed in a particular way, which may be positive or negative. For example, one might say, "I'm curious to see how this new business venture pans out."

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