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jdmack01
Inspiring
October 20, 2022
Answered

Import 2 mono files as a single stereo file

  • October 20, 2022
  • 2 replies
  • 818 views

I use both a Zoom L-20R and a Zoom L-12 to capture audio from several cassette decks or reel-to-reel decks at once.  For most of the decks, the left and right channels are captured as individual mono files.  If I want to work on the captured audio, I first have to import the two mono files into Audition, add them to a session, pan the tracks left and right, and then output a stereo mix down.  This is a time consuming step that I feel should be unncessary.  Is there a way to open two mono files as the left and right channels of a stereo file without having to jump through this hoop?

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Correct answer SteveG_AudioMasters_

I'm afraid that the correct answer to the OP's question is that no, because these are separate files and don't have the same body structure, they can't be created as a stereo file. So yes, you have to jump through the hoops to convert the file type of at least one of them. I have to do this regularly with files from my Tascam. But the post above does give you the beginnings of a method that you can use...

 

What you have to do is what Paul said above - create an empty stereo container file and use that. If you have this open, then it's relatively easy to copy and paste individual mono files into it, and save the result. Just open the number of stereo files you need in the first place, and the whole thing will be relatively quick and painless to do - and it doesn't involve any Multitrack session at all.

 

HTH

 

 

2 replies

P
paulfigg
Inspiring
October 21, 2022

What I would do here is import the respective discrete mono [L/R] files. Create a new stereo file in the Waveform Editor view. Copy and paste L+R designated files into target channels in the new stereo file. You can activate taregt channel w/ a mouse click or by using the [L]/[R] buttons located at right side of file view window.

 

-paul.

@produceNewMedia

O
OldScout
Known Participant
October 20, 2022

"Extract Channels to Mono Files"

This works for me (I'm assuming it's the same issue). In this example, only the top track would play - Track #2. This WAV file has14 total tracks (see attached image). I simply break them up into 14 separate mono files and drag them into a multitrack session (Right-click > "Extract Channels to Mono Files"). Works for me.

 

(Mod note - post moved to the thread that it seems to apply to)

SteveG_AudioMasters_
Community Expert
SteveG_AudioMasters_Community ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
October 21, 2022

I'm afraid that the correct answer to the OP's question is that no, because these are separate files and don't have the same body structure, they can't be created as a stereo file. So yes, you have to jump through the hoops to convert the file type of at least one of them. I have to do this regularly with files from my Tascam. But the post above does give you the beginnings of a method that you can use...

 

What you have to do is what Paul said above - create an empty stereo container file and use that. If you have this open, then it's relatively easy to copy and paste individual mono files into it, and save the result. Just open the number of stereo files you need in the first place, and the whole thing will be relatively quick and painless to do - and it doesn't involve any Multitrack session at all.

 

HTH

 

 

J
jdmack01Author
Inspiring
October 23, 2022

Thank you, Paul and Steve.  It's an extra couple of steps over what I'd like, but it works fine and I will do what you suggested going forward.

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