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What does panning mean in musical terms?

In musical terms, panning refers to the process of adjusting the stereo position of a sound source within the stereo field. It is used to create a sense of space and depth in a mix by placing different instruments or sounds at different positions across the stereo spectrum. Panning can be done using a pan pot, which is a control that allows you to adjust the balance of a signal between the left and right speakers.

When panning, the center position is considered to be 0 degrees, with positive values representing movement to the right and negative values representing movement to the left. For example, a pan setting of +90 degrees would place the sound source entirely in the right speaker, while a pan setting of -90 degrees would place it entirely in the left speaker.

Panning can be used to create a variety of effects. For example, you can use panning to:

* Place instruments or sounds in specific positions within the stereo field, creating a sense of space and depth.

* Create a wider stereo image by spreading out the sounds across the stereo spectrum.

* Add movement to a sound by panning it from one side to the other.

* Create a sense of envelopment by panning sounds around the listener.

Panning is a powerful tool that can be used to create a variety of effects in a mix. By understanding the basics of panning, you can use it to add depth, space, and movement to your music.

Music Basics

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