Panning
Definition
The placement of an audio signal in the stereo field between left and right speakers. Used to create width, separation, and spatial interest in a mix.
In Simple Terms
Placing sounds left, right, or anywhere in between. Drums wide, bass centered, guitars left and right-panning creates the sense of width and space in your mix. Without it, everything stacks on top of each other.
In Practice
In a rock mix, rhythm guitars are panned left and right while bass and kick drum remain centered, creating a balanced stereo image.
Dolby Atmos Context
In Dolby Atmos, panning extends beyond left/right to include front/back depth and vertical height positioning, enabling full three-dimensional placement of any sound.
Sources & Verification
- Blumlein, A. D.. UK Patent GB394325: Improvements in Sound-transmission, Sound-recording and Sound-reproducing systems1933
- Rumsey, F.. Spatial AudioFocal Press, 2001
Last verified: 2026-05-05