It’s easy to assume a lot when we aren’t familiar with something. And one thing I’ve noticed is there are a lot of Logic Pro myths out there.
For example – lots of people think Logic Pro can’t bounce or export mono audio files. That it can only export stereo files, even though the original track itself was mono.
These kinds of myths drive me crazy! Because it’s simply not true. Logic Pro absolutely can export Mono audio files alongside stereo files.
All it takes is deselecting one simple option in the bounce and export dialogues:
If you disable Include Volume/Pan Automation, the stereo-only bounces and exports will stop. Mono tracks will bounce/export as mono files, and stereo tracks as stereo files.
How easy is that?
But why the heck does “Include Volume/Pan Automation” cause every file to bounce or export in stereo only? And why would you ever need this option? Well, it actually makes a lot of sense when you think about it.
Let’s say you’ve added some panning automation to a synth track. The synth is moving across the stereo field from left to right, back and forth.
And let’s also say you want to send your tracks to someone else for mixing or collaboration. You love the panning effect on the synth. So you definitely want to make sure that the panning effect is “baked in” when you export the synth.
That’s why “Include Volume/Pan Automation” exists. To make sure your panning automation is captured in the new bounce or exported file.
But the only way Logic can ensure your panning automation is audible in your new file is to create a new stereo file. So that there’s a left and right side for the track to move between!
As if that wasn’t crazy enough, you can also disguise your mono tracks as stereo (or stereo as mono) using:
- Channel Modes
- Plug-in processing (on a per plug-in basis)
There are a lot of nuances to consider. Check out today’s video above for more.
Thanks Chris, this was one of the issues that constantly perplexed me when I’d send track to mix engr and he’d ask “why are drums in stereo? I now know how to avoid that situation ahead of time if I have occasion to send him trks again. Appreciate the knowledge
EYBMusic
What is, if you want to bounce a stereo file to split stereo?
Hey Chris, great tips. Here’s my question: I generally pitch-flex my vocal tracks. However, when I try to export the audio as .aif files for mixing , the pitch flex edits are NOT reflected in the resulting .aif file. How can I get FlexPitch tuning to be “printed” or reflected in my exported aif file of that same LogicPro track with FlexPitch activated? Thanks in advance.