Mono vs. Stereo

The difference between stereo and mono recordings is the number of audio channels and the perception of sound that is given off. For monophonic or monaural sound reproduction, audio signals come out of a single channel, and the listener perceives the sound as coming from one position. On the other hand, stereophonic sound creates an illusion of sound coming from multiple directions, a technique that's accomplished by routing audio signals through two or more channels. In general, mono sound is easy to record as it requires only basic equipment that's cheap, whereas stereo sound requires more knowledge for the setup of microphones, as well as more expensive equipment. I found it interesting that audio systems with multiple channels were invented as early as 1881, but motion pictures didn't incorporate the technology until 1940, with an animated Disney film. I also found it intriguing that there was a period of time where LPs and movies were released in both mono and stereo sounds, as theaters weren't equipped with the right technology and people still had their old mono players.