Why is dialogue recorded in mono? at DVinfo.net

Ben Gurvich · August 8th, 2004, 06:58 PM

Hi Guys,

Just wondering Wwy is dialogue recorded in mono, as opposed to stereo like other sounds ie atmos etc?

Dave Wong · August 8th, 2004, 08:09 PM

A voice comes from one source -- someone's mouth.

With mono sound, one can easily put that track on the center channel, if using something like Dolby 5.1 surround.

The human brain automatically associates the (centered, mono) voice with whomever looks like they are speaking onscreen, even if the person is on one side of the frame.

If one really wants to include panning from right to left, or having a voice come from "behind" the viewer, that can be done by "moving" the mono sound in post, although if that is done too much, the viewer becomes aware of the filmic apparatus itself. You thus break the illusion of film.

Robert Knecht Schmidt · August 8th, 2004, 08:12 PM

The short answer is: if you try it, you'll see why all dialogue is put in the center channel.

See this thread for my stab at the explanation.

Ben Gurvich · August 9th, 2004, 07:34 AM

Thanks Robert,

That whole reversing of the camera and the sound channel makes perfect sense why to use mono.

I should of thought of that!

CHeers,
Ben Gurvich

August 8th, 2004, 06:58 PM	#1
Ben Gurvich Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Australia Posts: 329	Why is dialogue recorded in mono? Hi Guys, Just wondering Wwy is dialogue recorded in mono, as opposed to stereo like other sounds ie atmos etc?

August 8th, 2004, 08:12 PM	#3
Robert Knecht Schmidt Wrangler Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 1,933	The short answer is: if you try it, you'll see why all dialogue is put in the center channel. See this thread for my stab at the explanation. __________________ All the best, Robert K S Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| The best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

August 8th, 2004, 08:09 PM	#2
Dave Wong Tourist Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: San Francisco Posts: 3	A voice comes from one source -- someone's mouth. With mono sound, one can easily put that track on the center channel, if using something like Dolby 5.1 surround. The human brain automatically associates the (centered, mono) voice with whomever looks like they are speaking onscreen, even if the person is on one side of the frame. If one really wants to include panning from right to left, or having a voice come from "behind" the viewer, that can be done by "moving" the mono sound in post, although if that is done too much, the viewer becomes aware of the filmic apparatus itself. You thus break the illusion of film.

August 9th, 2004, 07:34 AM	#4
Ben Gurvich Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Australia Posts: 329	Thanks Robert, That whole reversing of the camera and the sound channel makes perfect sense why to use mono. I should of thought of that! CHeers, Ben Gurvich