Need community wisdom on backing-track panning

Dpoirier

Dpoirier

Fractal Fanatic
Hey all,

We're using backing tracks in our performances for the instruments we don't have (i.e. piano, sax, etc.). We download from sources like karaoke version.

One thing I noticed when closely auditioning my resulting backing tracks is that karaoke version (in this instance) does some weird things with panning. For example, the piano might be at the very extreme left edge of the sound field, but its reverb is panned completely to the right. Ditto with one track where there are congas (extreme left) which have an echo and reverb panned completely to the right.

So, on to my question: I'm thinking of panning the stereo backing track say 50% L and 50% R (rather than hard L and R like I usually do, including my Fractal outputs which are panned hard L and R - I'll manage my effects image within my Fractal unit, thank you very much, and don't need to "fix it" in the console).

So is it logical in a case like this to pan to less extreme degrees the tracks that are causing this illogical sound stage image? 50% a goo starting point, or too much of a reduction? I want to keep some width to the sound-stage, but get rid of the incongruity.

I mean, sure, I'll try it next time we're at rehearsal and do trial and error... but I thought I'd see if anyone here has wisdom to share.

Thanks!
 
Dpoirier said:
Hey all,

We're using backing tracks in our performances for the instruments we don't have (i.e. piano, sax, etc.). We download from sources like karaoke version.

One thing I noticed when closely auditioning my resulting backing tracks is that karaoke version (in this instance) does some weird things with panning. For example, the piano might be at the very extreme left edge of the sound field, but its reverb is panned completely to the right. Ditto with one track where there are congas (extreme left) which have an echo and reverb panned completely to the right.

So, on to my question: I'm thinking of panning the stereo backing track say 50% L and 50% R (rather than hard L and R like I usually do, including my Fractal outputs which are panned hard L and R - I'll manage my effects image within my Fractal unit, thank you very much, and don't need to "fix it" in the console).

So is it logical in a case like this to pan to less extreme degrees the tracks that are causing this illogical sound stage image? 50% a goo starting point, or too much of a reduction? I want to keep some width to the sound-stage, but get rid of the incongruity.

I mean, sure, I'll try it next time we're at rehearsal and do trial and error... but I thought I'd see if anyone here has wisdom to share.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Sounds like the karaoke mixes are set up so they will collapse to mono without major issues more than to sound great in stereo. Pulling the left and right channels closer to center may help make them sound more integrated with the band if your band is playing through stereo PA.
 
Make sure you're using a dual mono pan control. Typical stereo balance controls don't move channels when adjusting. They only reduce the level of the channel opposite the direction turned.
 
mr_fender said:
Make sure you're using a dual mono pan control. Typical stereo balance controls don't move channels when adjusting. They only reduce the level of the channel opposite the direction turned.
Click to expand...
Assigning the stereo's two outputs to separate faders should give this capability of panning each separately....
 
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