Workflow guide | 4 min read
Converting stereo to mono, step by step
A stereo file is often two sources in one container. Choose whether you need a single mono mix or two independent mono files, then export without opening a DAW.
Open the tool: Stereo to Mono converterWatch the video tutorial
Convert Stereo to Mono1. Import
Load the stereo file and confirm what the two channels actually contain.
- Drop a WAV, AIFF, MP3, M4A, FLAC or OGG file on the drop zone, or click to browse.
- Check the spec strip: sample rate, bit depth and duration must match your expectations.
- Solo the left channel, then the right channel, and listen to identify the content of each side.
- If the two sides carry the same programme, summing to mono may be the right choice.
Tip If the sides carry different microphones, you usually want to split, not sum.
2. Settings
Pick the operation that matches what you actually need.
- Choose Sum to one mono file when left and right carry the same programme and the destination is mono.
- Choose Split into mono files when the sides carry different sources, such as boom left and lav right.
- Keep the source sample rate and bit depth for a lossless result.
- Untick a channel if you only need one side, for example when only the lav is usable.
3. Export
A sum gives one file; a split gives a ZIP of two or more files.
- Name the output so the result sorts cleanly in your project folder.
- Press Export. A single mono file downloads directly; a split of two or more channels arrives as a ZIP.
- Choose WAV 24 bit for editing, AIFF for older Pro Tools sessions, MP3 only for review copies.
4. Quality control
Confirm the result matches the intent before you move on.
- Play the exported mono file or files and confirm the content is what you expected.
- After summing, listen for a thinner or phasey sound; that means the source wants the split treatment instead.
- After splitting, import the left and right files and confirm each lands on its own track.
- Open the exported file in the Audio Inspector and verify sample rate, bit depth and channel count.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between summing and splitting?
- Summing averages the left and right channels into a single mono file. Splitting writes each channel as its own independent mono file. They are not the same operation.
- Does summing to mono make the file louder?
- No. The channels are averaged rather than added, so the peak level of correlated material stays where it was and the fold-down cannot clip.
- When should I split instead of sum?
- Split when the left and right channels carry different microphones or unrelated sources. Summing would mix them together irreversibly.
- Which formats can I load and export?
- Load WAV, AIFF, MP3, M4A, FLAC or OGG. Export WAV, AIFF or MP3 at the sample rate and bit depth you choose.
Keep going
No plugin, no DAW, no upload