Monaural (often shortened to mono) sound reproduction is single-channel. Typically there is only one microphone, one loudspeaker, or, in the case of headphones or multiple loudspeakers, they are fed from a common signal path, and in the case of multiple microphones, mixed into a signal path at some stage.

Monaural sound has been replaced by stereo sound in most entertainment applications. However, it remains the standard for:

• Radiotelephone communications.
• Telephone networks.
• Induction loops for use with hearing aids.

History

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While some experiments were made with stereophonic recording and reproduction from the early days of the phonograph in the late 19th century, until the second half of the 20th century monaural was the rule for almost all audio recording.

Monaural sound is normal on such historic media as:

• Phonograph cylinders
• Early disc records, like 78 rpm and 45 rpm microgroove.

Compatible monaural and stereophonic standards exist for:

• 33 1/3 RPM records
• Reel-to-reel audio tape recording
• MiniDisc
• Compact disc
• Most VCR formats
• FM and AM radio broadcasting

Although there are some common practices between manufacturers, no monaural standard exists for:

• 8-track cartridge (obsolete)
• Compact audio cassette

Trivia

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Woody Allen and Stanley Kubrick both shot in mono because of personal preferences. Kubrick's only stereo film was A Space Odyssey (film), which used 6-track stereo, and although advertised as being shown in Cinerama, was actually shot in Ultra Panavision.

See also

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• Binaural recording

Sound | Retronyms

Mono | Monophonique | Monaural | Monofoni