Stereo Panning Vs. Separation

[rockne023]

I know this is going to be a ridiculous question for the experienced mixer, but can somebody please explain to me the difference between panning and separation? Just kind of confused on the whole concept and how it gives the mix depth

 

[moses]

No question is ridiculous.

But I'm not really sure what you mean. The fact that you're asking for the difference between two things also implies that both have something in common. I don't see any common things. Much like asking for the difference between a plane and a romance. Most people will just answer: "what the hell are you talking about?!"

Panning describes the process of balancing a single sound (mono signal) over 2 or more channels.

Separation has no general meaning in audio engineering. In most cases, it's a subjective term people like to use to describe the quality of a mix. i.e. the audibility of all parts. It's similar to terms like "transparency", "depth" or "size". They have no meaning without proper context definition. For example, one could say "this filter allows for stronger separation between high and low frequencies than the other filter."

 

[DaGSpotSoldier]

As moses said, its all subjective, and separation is a broad term.
Example:
Certain elements that mask each other, are given some separation in the frequency domain, as well as with panning.
Certain elements that are the same, using 2 kicks layered, are given some separation by modifying the attack and release.
on and on...

But i believe you are probably referring to the first example.

Then the issue of sounds getting "mushed" together, causing a cloud of sound..(subjective)
Most DAW's allow "Stereo Dual Panning" which gives you two "Balance panners in the space of one, so that you can control the panning for each side of a stereo signal separately".
There are plugins you can use as tools for this.
Some reverbs have it built in.

 

[AG Beats]

I think hes asking whatt the difference is between panning a track left or right vs. putting a 'stereo separation' plugin on it....


In regards to that its just that a stereo separator makes the whole sound just sound like its wider and in the sides of the stereo field. Thats the only real way I can describe it.....Panning just kinda pushes a sound literally left or right.


I wish i could explain what the stereo sep. plugins were actually doing but i dont know the technicals of it. The best thing i can say is just put stereo separation on a sound and listen then pan it left or right and listen

---------- Post added at 10:59 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:58 AM ----------

also i know that stereo separated sounds like snares often hit at differnt times in the left and right. As in, the snare will be a few miliseconds delayed in the left side vs the right

 

[rockne023]

Thanks, AG Beats and everybody else. I was referring to the difference between panning a track left or right vs. putting a 'stereo separation' plugin....sorry I wasn't more clear. What are some of the most effective panning and stereo separation techniques you have found to make the mix have better quality and sound wider?

 

[AG Beats]

Thanks, AG Beats and everybody else. I was referring to the difference between panning a track left or right vs. putting a 'stereo separation' plugin....sorry I wasn't more clear. What are some of the most effective panning and stereo separation techniques you have found to make the mix have better quality and sound wider?

I just pan instruments very slightly to the left or right like.....the most is normally 20-25% if unless im going for an extreme left to right effect....that clears out the middle a bit for the bass and snare and kick and such. Then, i use ozone 4/5 on my master track and do the stereo separation there. Normally make the lowest band right up the middle, then play with the other sliders to taste. So far ozone has been magic on my tracks. The before and after clicks are just stupendous lol