[LAU] Pan settings for mixes

[Bob van der Poel]

Okay guys. After way too many years of writing programs like MMA, I'm 
finally getting to the point of using all this stuff. I've developed 
some simple techniques to separate out the different tracks for the 
background including a different track for each drum sound. And, using 
timidity with a decent soundfont the result is pretty good (to my ears).

And, I've start to use my Zoom H4 to record my sax. The internal mics on 
this beast are surprisingly good.

The result is that I can read the entire mess into audacity, fiddle with 
some volumes and mix down to a "finished" track in a tolerable amount of 
time.

But, the big question I have is relative to the pan settings. First, 
note that all the tracks are single channel (mono). Next, I guess it's 
okay to be egocentric and have my sax in the center of the mix.

But, where to put the other instruments? Drums, bass, strings, etc? Is 
there a 'rule of thumb" to use? Right now I've got everything in the 
center, but would like a fuller sound, but not artificial sounding. Oh, 
and using audacity I notice that the left/right increments are 10%, 20%, 
etc. ... do I need something finer than 10% steps?

Suggestions?

-- 
Bob van der Poel ** Wynndel, British Columbia, CANADA **
EMAIL: bob at mellowood.ca
WWW:   http://www.mellowood.ca