Audio Panner

Shift a file's stereo balance left or right. Mono files are automatically duplicated to stereo first so panning has something to work with.

How to use the Audio Panner

  1. Add your audioDrop a file onto the page or tap to browse — or press “try a built-in sample” to explore first. Nothing is uploaded; the file is decoded on your device.
  2. Move the sliderDrag the position left or right while the file plays — the effect is live.
  3. Apply and comparePress Apply panning and flip between Original and Result to hear the shift in the stereo field.
  4. DownloadPick MP3 or WAV and press Download. You can even listen to the exact file you just saved before you close the page.

About the Audio Panner

The Audio Panner moves a sound left or right in the stereo field. Pan a guitar hard left to leave room for a keyboard on the right, shift a mono voice to one side, or correct a recording that leans to one speaker.

It uses the right law for the job: stereo files use a constant-power balance control (centre leaves the signal exactly as it was and nothing is boosted), while mono files get an equal-power pan law with −3 dB at the centre so the loudness does not jump as you move it.

How the Audio Panner works

For stereo input the left gain is cos(p·π/2) when panning right (p>0) and 1 otherwise; the right gain mirrors that when panning left. For mono input the signal is split to two channels with gains cos((p+1)π/4) and sin((p+1)π/4), whose squares always sum to 1. The live preview uses Web Audio gain nodes with the same laws, and Apply renders exactly that graph offline.

What people use it for

Mixing

Place instruments apart to make a mix clearer.

Interviews

Put each speaker on a different side for easier listening.

Fixing imbalance

Correct a recording that is louder in one ear.

Game & sound design

Position a one-shot effect.

Tips for the best results

  • Pan a mono source rather than a stereo file for the cleanest position — stereo files can only be balanced.
  • Check the result on headphones; panning is much more obvious than on laptop speakers.
  • Hard-panned sounds disappear in mono — keep important parts nearer the centre.

Common problems & fixes

Nothing seems to changeA stereo file with identical channels pans by lowering one side; use a mono source for a true position, or compare on headphones.
One side is silentThat is the effect of a 100% pan: the opposite channel is fully attenuated.

Quick facts

Law (stereo)Constant-power balance, centre = unity
Law (mono)Equal-power, −3 dB at centre
Range100% left to 100% right
Live previewYes

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between pan and balance?

Pan places a mono source; balance changes the relative level of an existing stereo pair.

Does panning change loudness?

Not with these laws — total power stays constant for mono; stereo only attenuates the opposite side.

What happens if I upload a mono file?

It's automatically duplicated across left and right channels first, so panning has a stereo signal to actually move.

What panning law does this use?

Equal-power panning — the same standard approach used in most DAWs and mixing consoles, which keeps perceived loudness roughly constant as you pan across the stereo field.

Your audio never leaves your device

This tool runs entirely in your browser using the Web Audio API. Nothing is uploaded, stored or shared — there is no server to send your file to, so it works offline once the page has loaded.

← Browse all free audio tools

User Reviews

–
No ratings yet
Write a review
Your rating *

Your email is never published. Reviews are moderated, and links aren't allowed.

What users are saying

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience with this tool — your feedback helps others.