m-audio solo... left channel only? help!

[echidnagod]

I was recently recording using a studio projects c-1 microphone via xlr into an m-audio audio buddy preamp via 1/4" stereo jack into the line-in on a soundblaster audigy 2 soundcard. Knowing the soundcard is not made for recording, I wanted to upgrade to a firewire interface. After reading and asking around, I settled on the m-audio solo. I install all the drivers and hook everything up, go to record... and now all I have is the left channel. Before I was recording in both channels, but now it's one. Doesn't matter what program I try. I've been told I'm "trying to record a mono source to a stereo track"... but no one tells me how to fix that problem! Is it just not possible with this hardware? I find it hard to believe that I need to have two microphones when I didn't have a problem before. Was I recording mono before just split between left and right (if such a thing exists...). If anyone can help that would be EXTREMELY appreciated! I record almost all acoustic instruments, so I rely heavily on the microphone. I really don't want to record all my songs in the left channel only...

[wogg]

I've been told I'm "trying to record a mono source to a stereo track"

That's my guess as well. The solution will be specific to the software you're using to record. Generally, it should be in the input selection of the track you're recording to, where you'll specify the L input for the Solo instead of "Stereo 1/2" or whatever it's called on your system.

[oretez]

a single C1 won't record stereo anyway

the old dual mono track you were getting (buddy to audigy) simply took up twice the real estate

stereo recording requires more than one source (i.e. more then one mic)

[AndyH]

As said, there is nothing to fix; you finally have equipment that is working correctly. However, if you need two identical channels, you can make them after recording with an audio editor. Mono must be on both channels in order to write to an audio CD. Probably any audio editor can do such a basic task. Audition, Audacity, Soundforge, and Goldwave are examples of audio editors.

[David Muniz]

Everything as posted above is correct, however, I think the solution your looking for is in monitoring...

First, let's talk about recording audio. You always (almost) want to record sources in mono. Yes, there are occasions where you'll want to record a source in stereo as a way of capturing the ambience of a room, etc. However, MONO is the way to go for a single vocal, guitar track etc. The reason is, when i to comes time to mix, you can then place the sound in the stereo field using the pan knob on the mixer (or virtual mixer.) Listen to some of your favorites songs. Notice how the cymbals sound like they are coming from the extremes sides, the kick drum is right in the middle along with the vocal? The song is in stereo, but the individual sounds are in mono so they can be places where you want them. Dig?

Now, back to the monitoring issue. Because you are recording one channel, the Audio interface is only outputting one channel. However, you can continue to record one channel and here the sound from two (stereo). In the control panel for the FireWire Solo you'll find a mixer. Find the Analog 1 and 2 strip and turn the PAN knob for the left side to the middle.
Now, you'll hear your monitoring source on both sides, but you'll still be recording in MONO so that you can do a proper mix later.

Cool?

[Father of Sam]

Hi
I have the solo and routing into Albeton Live Lite 5, that comes with it. I have the same problem in that I record a vocal to track 1 via the interfac to the DAW, but am then unable to pan as the recording is only on the left. If I record routing from the laptops mic through the sound chip in the laptop it records both channels to the track, and I can then pan the sound. Any clues?
FOS

[AndyH]

I'm not familiar with the software you are using but your post reads to me as though you are recording into a stereo file. Record into a mono file or strip the active channel off the stereo file so you are putting only a mono file into your mix. You should be able to pan that to where ever you want.

[Father of Sam]

Got it! I only had to configure the software in its routing panel and (audio config) to accept input from a single channel. This allows panning on the track. The confusion here is that routing through the sound chip, from the single laptop mic source, gets input from both channel 1 & 2. The DAW shows this in the track wave panel. Anyway as said above, set the DAW software to expect mono input on one channel only, job done. Thanks.

FOS