Originally Posted by Rob Helms
rayc and mcity, can I ask a question? Why does it matter if a stem is stereo?
Hello Rob,
"Building a stereo image from stems usually starts with matching the panning placement of individual elements with their position in the overheads and then tweaking levels, EQ, etc. to get the sound desired. I can't do this if the overheads are mono. I CAN work on the toms by panning automation but that's lot of effort & time that ought not be required IF the stems that should be stereo were."
Simply put a kit usually has a ride cymbal on one side and a crash on the other. Between them in places off centre are tome, hi hat, snare etc.
Since the stereo era took hold drums have mostly been recreated to audibly reflect how they look on stage.
Placing drums in position other than represented in the overheads can cause all sorts of problems sonically and even more in the mind of the listener...with the current arrangement
Even if the overheads were just cymbals the sound of all cymbals coming from the centre front would be odd but imagine a hi hat set up placed about 10.30 on the clock as well as noon.
As mentioned panning & automation can be a workaround for some elements BUT that'll take time & effort & suck the joy out of things.
Hope that helps.

Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe