| Logic's mixer channels offer true stereo functionality without requiring the user to dedicate two tracks (a left and a right channel) for playback. This provides playback of interleaved stereo files, stereo Audio Instruments, and stereo busses through a single mixer Object, providing ease of use when working with stereo sources. When using stereo Objects in the Track Mixer, the Pan knob acts as a balance control that controls the relative levels of the left and right signals that make up the stereo signal. Adjusting the balance of a stereo track reduces one side in favor of the other. For example, imagine a stereo drum overheads track that has the hi-hat on the left side of the spectrum and the ride cymbal on the right. If the Balance knob for the track is turned to the left, then the right side of the signal diminishes, losing the ride. If the knob is turned to the right, the opposite happens, reducing the left side of the signal in favor of the right. While this stereo balance function provides considerable ease of use, it also represents a limitation when it comes to the placement of a sound in the stereo field of a mix. It is often necessary to reposition the center of a recorded stereo signal within the mix, while maintaining or changing the spread (stereo width). Fortunately, Logic offers a handy plug-in, the Direction Mixer, that does this on any stereo track. This plug-in allows for a more focused sound, as you are truly panning a stereo signal instead of adjusting the signal level of the left and right sides. 1. | Click-hold the second Inserts slot on the Piano channel and choose Stereo > Logic > Helper > Direction Mixer.
The Direction Mixer plug-in window opens.
The Direction Mixer plug-in offers the panning functionality described above by means of the Direction parameter. Graphically, the Direction knob is quite different from the Pan knobs used on mono tracks. Values within the range of 90 to +90 represent the full stereo field, while greater and lesser values (from 90 or +90 to 180) bring the middle of the signal back toward the center, but with the left and right sides reversed. At +180 (or 180), the signal is dead center, but with the left and right sides inverted.
| 2. | Drag the Direction knob up to set a value of +51.
This places the center of the Piano signal somewhat to the right side of the mix.
In addition to positioning the middle of the stereo signal across the stereo field, you can use the Direction Mixer plug-in to widen or tighten the spread of the stereo base by adjusting the Basis parameter. A setting of 1.0 maintains the width of the original signal, while lower settings bring the sides toward the center, decreasing the spread.
| 3. | Drag in one of the Basis sliders to set a value of 0.8.
This will tighten up the stereo signal so that it doesn't take up quite as much width in the stereo mix.
| 4. | Click the Solo button for the Piano channel.
| 5. | Use the Play from Selection command to play the song from the beginning of the Piano part.
| 6. | While the song is playing, click the Bypass button on and off to hear the Piano track with and without the Direction Mixer.
Notice that with the Direction Mixer active, it feels as though the piano is sitting to the right of the vocalist, but the stereo image is not compromised. If you had used the main balance control to do the same thing, you might have lost the sound of the low notes on the piano, because they are normally heard in the left side of the stereo image.
| 7. | Make sure the Direction Mixer plug-in isn't bypassed.
| 8. | Stop the song.
| 9. | Close the Direction Mixer window.
| 10. | Click the Solo button on the Piano channel to unsolo the channel.
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