Hello to all. So, I've noticed that most, if not all applevis podcasts are in mono and not, in stereo. Is there a reason for this and why? I do audio production on a day to day bassist so can't help but notice. I honestly think that stereo sounding podcasts would make it for a much better listening experience as it gives the listeners a feel for what's going on, especially when you're demoing something. Also, I wasn't sure where to put this so if mods need to move this post, feel free to do so. Thanks.
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Possible answers to your question
Hi! Even though I don't record podcasts myself, I can think of two possible reasons why so many AppleVis podcasts are in mono. First of all, stereo isn't necessary for all podcasts, apart from demonstrating games which use the stereo field. Secondly, not everybody who wants to do a podcast has the right equipment to record in stereo, maybe because they can't afford it, maybe because they don't feel stereo is necessary for their podcast, or maybe both. Even for demos, if the app doesn't use stereo, it's not always necessary. As long as a podcast is well done in the sense that we can easily here what is being explained or demonstrated, there's nothig wrong with mono, although obviously games which are played in stereo still need to be demonstrated in stereo to show how it works in those apps. Just my opinion, of course!
Some considerations
I have no audio editing skills and frankly don't have the ear to discern the comparative merits of mono and stereo in regards to spoken podcasts. So, there's a whole side to this question which I would be best avoiding.
However, there are some practical considerations which I would add to what Clare has already mentioned.
Firstly, with over 600 podcasts in our archive, file size is a factor. The simple reality is that server storage costs money.
Something else that costs is bandwidth, and some of our most popular episodes can be downloaded more than 20000 times.
So, doubling the file size of episodes would have a significant effect on both storage and bandwidth usage, and consequently costs.
It would also double download times. This may not be an issue for those on fast connections, but we shouldn't assume that everybody is wired in to a fast cable connection.
It's also not uncommon for people to listen to podcasts through just one earbud or AirPod so as to be aware of what's going on around them. In this situation, stereo can actually offer a worse listening experience.
As I indicated, I am extremely ill-equipped to comment on the comparative audio merits, but a quick search of Google suggests that with our podcasts being spoken and for the most part recorded by people who don't have access to professional recording equipment, mono is the most recommended option.
It's also worth noting that most of the podcasts submitted to the site have been recorded in mono.
Here's more on what seems to be a popular and common question:
Should You Podcast in Mono or Stereo?
Should Podcast Audio Be Mono or Stereo?
Ah all good points there,
Ah all good points there, didn't think about them factors of which you both have pointed out. I guess I'm use to hearing stuff in stereo hints why I asked. Server space and bandwidth is something that I see plays into this factor as well