Mono sound to Stereo (Or dual channel or joint stereo)

[Fozzee]

Simple question.

Hope it has simple answer.

I have a capture taken from my analogue video camera.(Mpeg2)
It only has mono sound.
I want to convert the audio so I can hear it through 2 speakers.

I know I probably have to strip the audio first .

What software do I need to convert this audio and how is it done.


Many Thanks


Fozzee

[Fozzee]

Well obviously no audio experts out there!!

I found a solution for those interested.
There is a convertor in Sound Forge which will turn a mono file into a stereo one. Obviously all it does it replicate the channel but it sounds so much better.

Fozzee

[DrowningBuffalo]

I have the same issue, but I do not have SoundForge handy.

So I searched a bit for an answer, and found a userguide on this site (see http://www.vcdhelp.com/forum/userguides/89899.php ) that indicates that TMPGENC will turn a mono channel onto stereo audio if you select joint-stereo or dual-channel in the audio configuration tab. Not sure (yet) what the difference is between the two options though.

Cheers

Denis F.

[Fozzee]

Hmmmmmmmm

Very interesting.
I'll give it a go.
Although I'm sure using Sound Forge will yield better results.
And all free too

Fozzee

[Fozzee]

Hi

DIDN'T work for me!!

Wonder if its because my source is already Mpeg rather than avi.
The guide is for those capturing with virtual dub.

I'll stick to my new found method

Fozzee

[secretagent]

there are many direct x plugins for soundforge that can give you better simulated stereo than just repllicating the file

[Fozzee]

Hi
Please explain more
I am no expert with audio. I have only just acquired sound forge.
The only use I have for it is improving the audio on my mono captures from my analogue camcorder.
My capture card captures stereo sound from the TV or VCR :P

Fozzee

[sterno]

if you select joint-stereo or dual-channel in the audio configuration tab. Not sure (yet) what the difference is between the two options though.

Don't know about how it relates to tmpgenc converting mono to stereo, but the difference is pretty straightforward. Dual-channel stereo allocates exactly half the audio bitrate to the left and right channels, while normal stereo tries to allocate more of the bitrate to the side that needs more. Joint-stereo tries to work more efficiently by essentially eliminating the redundant data in the two channels.

One side-effect of joint stereo is that it tends to destroy Dolby surround, but it's probably ideal for something that started as a mono audio track. At normal bitrates (224k) there won't be a noticable difference between joint-stereo and normal stereo, but with joint stereo you can probably lower the bitrate farther before you get a noticable degradation.

If you want to know more there have been other threads about the differences between the various stereo modes, they're probably all more detailed than my quick summary.

[secretagent]

when you load a file in soundforge if you choose effects you will see a variety of things you can do to the file, like reverb, delay, add wahwah, flange etc. now you can go to www.directxfiles.com and download many free "effects" and there are hundreds available on the web, many free.
so you will find things like simulated stereo, quad stereo effects. reverse stereo. etc etc

[SingSing]

I assume you can buy a "mono to stereo cable" in the store. Normally cost about 2 or 3 buck. It basically connect the mono to left, and right input at the same time. It should work.

If your mono signal has unusally high output impendence, just crank up your input sound level to match.

[Fozzee]

I only have one LINE-IN socket.
I do not have audio left and right socket.

How can I achieve stereo this way then????

Fozz

[SingSing]

Your line in socket has a tip and 2 rings, together they form left, right, and ground. Look for the long, shaggy hair guy in any electronics store, he is normally the one know where this $3 adpater is.