Apple Logic Pro /LogicExpress Discussion

I'll take a shot at the stereo/mono question.  Consider that I'm just a musician and not much of a recording engineer.

Try to imagine the instrument you are recording and how it would sound in front of you.  For example, a violin produces (usually) one note at a time and would be coming to both of your ears from the same location.  Therefore, record a violin in mono.  Same with trumpet and other brass, string or woodwind instruments.  Same with bass.  If though, you are recording a few instruments at a time (for example real strings or a layered string patch on a keyboard), that would be several instruments spread out in front of you, that would probably be better in stereo.  

Vocals would be probably be mono, unless you wanted to introduce some left-right echo or other effects.

A real piano has its strings spread across a few feet.  If we assume you are playing a piano, the low (bass) strings are to your left and the high (treble) strings are to your right.  Therefore, stereo.  A keyboard sound (a pad for example) you probably would imagine the same way.  But consider that the strings on the piano are close - so don't make the stereo panned too wide.  Most keyboard sounds, whether piano, electric piano, strings, pads, etc., are recorded in stereo on your keyboard, and also have both L and R outputs on the back to use.

Drums might be similar to a piano, stereo spread a little.  If you are out front of the drummer (and he is right handed), the high hat would be on the right, toms on the left, bass drum in center, etc.  

If you want two instruments to sound like they are on opposite sides of the room, record them in stereo, panned wider.  

Hope that helps.  

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