Saving stereo MP3 file as mono

[shel]

I've been recording my podcast -- which I co-host with a colleague via Skype -- as a mono MP3 file. After listening to Craig Patchett's latest BTS, though, I decided to try stereo so I could split my co-host and me into separate tracks. Works great, but I can't seem to save the file back as a mono. I'm using Audacity, and my "recording" preferences are set to mono. Any advice on how I can save a stereo MP3 file to mono? Thanks, as always!

/shel

[shel]

I can always count on being able to figure something out AFTER posting a request for help. Turns out I had to split the stereo tracks into two separate tracks, then use the track pull-down to specify they're both mono files. Exporting to MP3 produces a mono file once I've done that. I hope this is useful to somebody else!

[tsidock]

Is there a reason to go with mono? Some players do not handle this format well.

[shel]

Well, it's entirely a talk show and mono keeps the file size smaller. We haven't had anyone complain that their player doesn't handle it.

I have figured it out, though...Split the stereo tracks in Audacity, set each as mono, and then save as mono. Works great!

[ElNacho]

if u save as mono...doesnt that get rid of the "stereo" aspect??

[Steev]

Use the drop down menu that appears when you click on the "Audio Track" header of the stereo track. Click "Split Stereo Track", and then set them both as "mono". When you export as mono now, it should work.

[ElNacho]

im still confused. wudint saving the comlete file as mono doesnt that make it...mono? what's the point of making the two different stereo-wise if thats nullified by makin it mono??

[shel]

In Audacity, even with my export set to mono, a stereo .aup file saved as a stereo MP3 file...that's why I was looking for a solution! But like I say...split the stereo file into two separate tracks and change them both to mono, then everything saves as mono in the MP3.

[tsidock]

Well, it's entirely a talk show and mono keeps the file size smaller. We haven't had anyone complain that their player doesn't handle it.

I have figured it out, though...Split the stereo tracks in Audacity, set each as mono, and then save as mono. Works great!

Doug Kaye talked about this at the podcast EXPO. In an MP3, there is almost no benefit between going mono or stereo, because the MP3 encodes the diffferences between the two channels. When you use a mono source like a mike, you just make that difference zero so there is no work or filesize needed to encode that difference. In an uncompressed format like WAV stereo is twice the size of mono, but not so in MP3.

You may not get complaints about the mono, but you are giving up that 'presesence' and quality inherent in a stereo show. If you prefer mono, that is one thing, but if you are going to mono to save bandwidth, you are not getting a return on your efforts.

I hope this helps.

Tom

[shel]

Hi, Tom.

That's good information, but I have other reasons for going mono than bandwidth. I co-host the show; I'm in California and my colleague is in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. We record on Skype using a "mix-minus" setup. I pan him left and myself right so I can manage the tracks independently. (We don't have the time -- and he doesn't have the setup -- to deal with a double-ender.)

[tsidock]

Good answer! That makes sense. Take care - Tom