Cardinal points pan law

[2lane]

Logic defaults to -3.0 db
Protools 10 and above has a number of pan laws you can choose - the default is -2.5 dB. they also do -4.5 dB and -6dB. -4.5 dB is supposed to be the same pan law as an SSL console.

I asked about pan laws quite some time back. No-one (who answered) seemed to bother with them, but it's important if you're collaborating, to make sure you're each using the same pan law. My original question was "which setting did most people use?"
Even if you're just working alone, the pan setting must make some difference to the way you work.

Sonar's default is 0 dB center, sin/cos taper, constant power. "This choice causes a 3 dB boost in a signal that’s panned hard left or right, and no dip in output level in either channel when the signal is center panned."

Yet I read somewhere (Sonar X2 Power, I think) that -3.0DB is recommended, as it's the most widely used choice.

Anyone here using to a particular setting?

Hey Dave, I'm still on X1, was set 0 dB center.
I switched it to -3, recorded a couple guitar tracks just to see, I like it better.
Not a drastic change to me it seemed, but better...unless my mind just wanted it to

[2lane]

Thanks guys and Rich for starting this thread! The level of talent and knowledge in this forum is sky high. The only thing that gets to "black sky" above it is your generosity to share it....truly a place born of comradery!

Cheers,
Steve

[playagibson]

Hey Guy's,
The forum has been the best engineering school for me so far.
I'm happy to help whenever I can.
By the way, Here's an example of a mix where I applied these rules.
I did break a few rules with the banjo and the tambourine . ( i wish I kept the tamb. centre. )
It was mastered by Terry Manning.
Bamtone just sent me a message that it was accepted by
one of our " top shelf go to " libraries.
It's called Open Road.
It's Bamtone/playagibson collaboration, mixed in protools, with a rack mount API buss compressor on the master, set at 2.1 ratio , soft knee and old style setting.
The hammond is real and the cymbal swells are real. ( guitars ,bass obviously real...)
The only midi track is the kick. ( triggered )
All tracks are mono.
There are a bunch of other things I did, but I don't have all day....
https://soundcloud.com/rich-trevor/open-road

[2lane]

Great song guys....just great!
The acoustic sounds pristine, so does the banjo. Vox are stellar, along with the writing.
Way cool IMHO!
Thanks for posting it up Rich and congrats on the library acceptance.

Steve

[rdance]

way cool tune, congrats!

[GavinKMusic]

Hi Rich, I know Terry and stumbled on LCR while surfing the net and have applied it to some of my earlier tracks but now since using a lot of midi VST's it kind of depends on the overall mix now. if the midi VST comes panned and its in stereo I tend to leave it unless an instrument really sounds better panned far right or left. I play it by ear. but definitely if I pan its either hard left or right now.

LCR is great to keep in mind when spreading guitars and strings to give more space for vocals, kick and bass. LCR seems to work well with mono tracks. if you want a special effect to pop out in a mix then 50% left or right. of course I'm just a beginner so not an authority on mixing or producing.

Btw I live in Nassau also. Funny thing is I posted a mix done LCR on FB and Terry liked and commended on it. Then I found the article on Terry about the Cardinal Points. small world.

Hey Gavin,
Your name is familiar.
I've been gigging with Steve Holden and Tommy Goodwin while in Nassau.
I did some recording at Comfortably Numb studios. ( you know him )
Come by La Hippica on Thursdays or Compass Point Sunday or Tuesday and say hello.
I'll be heading back in May.
Rich.

Yep I know Steve and Tommy. cool studio comfortably numb..recorded there before. I dont go out much but maybe will see you in my travels.

[davekershaw]

Very nice track Rich. Very crisp and even!!
Definitely gonna try that panning!

Thanks Steve. Will try that -3.