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How can you tell if a recording is in mono?

I am listening to an SACD pressing of Coltrane's A Love Supreme. I noticed that the stereo imaging was basically non-existent-- Trane is coming from the left channel, drums from the right, with piano and bass in the middle.

Since I have a preamp with a "mono" switch, I used it, and the sax and drums came right into the center along with the rest of the band. However, the sound lost a lot of its sparkle.

Not really sure what's going on here, and would love input.

Thx
dkidknow

Showing 1 response by montejay

montejay
285 posts
 
Hi Dkidknow,
As much as it takes some getting used to,this is the way alot of recordings where made in the early to mid sixties when engineers where fooling around with their relatively new 'stereo' process.Listen to the Look of Love on the famous 'Casino Royal'. Dusty way right with the piano, and percussion to the left.Just strange. I assure you that Love Supreme is recorded that way. Alot of Rudy Van Geller engineered stuff is left/right.I also not surprised that the mono made it lose its sparkle. It is a stereo recording
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