I use a Rode NT4 to record classical guitar solos. It is a single mic with a stereo head in fixed x-y configuration. The single cable splits into a y-cable for input into my Fostex FR2LE hard-disk recorder.
When I import the file into Audacity, it displays two identical sound waves for left and right. My previous audio editor showed me two different captures for left and right.
Am I only editing a mono file in Audacity? Is it a composite of both channels, or am I seeing just one channel copied to another?
Possibly. To answer this question, you could Split Stereo To Mono, select one track, then Effect > Special > Invert, select all tracks and Tracks > Mix > Mix and Render.
If you are not getting stereo with this configuration, it is likely some setting between you microphone and your recorder.
And… That subtracts left from right leaving the difference. If both sides are identical you’ll get total silence. I wouldn’t expect much difference with one guitar in the “center” but there should be some difference depending on room acoustics and how far you are from the mic.
Thanks jademan and DVDdoug. I gave that a go. Seems I’m only editing in mono, which is on the one hand annoying. On the other hand, I’m actually getting a great sound, the best recorded sound I’ve had, so maybe close-micing solo guitar in mono is not such a bad thing. With a touch of reverb it sounds spacial enough with headphones on. I’ll give it some thought, but pleased with the sound I’m getting. Again, thanks for your help.