Compare the Monaural and Stereo Playing of a Music Selection
For this project, you will need access to a stereo audio system set up to play with left and right speakers. The audio receiver must have a monaural select button on it so it can be set to play in single track format. You will also need a stereo CD recording that can be played on the audio system.
1. Place the audio recording into the player and turn the system on.
2. Start the recording and play a selection through in stereo format. Listen for the balance of the instruments or voices on the recording. You should be able to discern them separately as if each were standing in a different location in front of you and playing at that spot. The more widely spaced the speakers of the audio system are, the more widely spaced the players of the music should sound.
3. Switch the stereo audio system to monaural. This causes the system to play both tracks of music through both speakers, effectively combining the two tracks into only one.
4. Play the same selection of music again. Does it sound the same? To which version would you prefer to listen? Can you describe why the stereo version sounds better?
5. Switch the audio system back to stereo and play the music selection a third time. For this playing, keep your hand tightly pressed over one of your ears. Does the stereo playing sound better than the monaural with only one ear to listen? Why?