Logic Pro Track Outputs: Mono, Stereo, Dual Mono & More

If you've spent any time working in Logic Pro, you’ve probably encountered a wide range of output options when you select a track - Mono, Stereo, Dual Mono, Mono -> Stereo, Multi Output, and 5.1 Surround.

Understanding how and when to use each output mode in Logic Pro is essential for achieving professional quality mixes, enhancing your production workflow, and making the most of your DAW's capabilities.

In this guide, we’ll break down each output format in simple, practical terms with real-world examples.

Mono vs Stereo in Logic Pro

What Is Mono Audio?

Mono means there’s only one channel of audio, which is fed equally to both left and right speakers. It’s ideal for:

• Lead Vocals

• Bass

• Kick drums

• Snares

• Other sounds you want to place “dead center” in the mix.

What Is Stereo Audio?

Stereo uses two separate channels - left and right - which allows for differences between the left and right speakers. Allowing for a wider, more immersive sound. In Logic Pro, stereo is perfect for:

• Pianos and acoustic guitars

• Drum Overheads

• Pads and ambient textures

• Wide-sounding, doubled electric guitars

• Effects like reverb and delay

Tip: A stereo track in Logic Pro usually sounds wider and louder than a mono one due to there being 2 channels.

Dual Mono in Logic Pro: Not Just Stereo!

Dual Mono may sound like stereo, but it offers independent control over the left and right channels of a stereo track. In Logic Pro, this means:

• You can EQ the left and right channels differently

• Apply processing like compression or saturation to only one side

• Create unique stereo effects or fix imbalances in a stereo file

  
  

Use Dual Mono when you want precision control over stereo material, especially useful for advanced mixing and mastering.

Mono to Stereo: Adding Width to Mono Sources

Sometimes you start with a mono sound - like a vocal - but want to use a stereo plugin (like reverb or chorus). That’s where Mono -> Stereo in Logic Pro comes in.

How It Works:

• When you add an effect plugin your mono track is converted to stereo.

• This enables stereo effects to create movement and width across the stereo field.

• For instance adding a mono -> stereo reverb Space Designer plugin for a wider reverb sound on a mono vocal.

Listening Example: Listen to the difference between the same organ in Mono and in Stereo below. Can you hear the difference?

Multi Output in Logic Pro for Software Instruments

When working with software instruments that combine several instruments together you may want to break these out so you can treat them as individual parts rather than a stereo track. For instance the Drum Kit Designer, Studio Strings or Studio Horns.

Multi Output lets you route the individual elements to their own separate mixer channels.

Why Use Multi Output?

• Treat each drum or individual instrument of a section independently.

• Add unique effects or panning to each element.

• Mimic a real-world studio setup with multi-microphone recordings. For example, with Drum Kit Designer, you can separate the kick, snare, toms, overheads, and hats/percussion onto individual mixer tracks. This gives you much more control just like tracking a live drummer.

  
  

5.1 Surround Output in Logic Pro

While not often used in standard music production, Logic Pro also supports 5.1 Surround Output - ideal for film scoring and immersive audio projects.

When Should You Use 5.1 Output?

• For surround sound mixes in film or TV.

• When working with surround-compatible plugins or instruments (like Sculpture, ES2.)

• If you're outputting to a surround speaker system.

Once you chose a 5.1 instrument output you’ll gain access to a surround panner, where you can position sound in a full 360-degree space: front, rear, center, and LFE (subwoofer.)

Logic Pro Output Types: Quick Reference Chart

Output Type	Best Use Case
Mono	Focused, centered audio (bass, kick, lead vocals)
Stereo	Wide, immersive sounds (pads, synths,effects), acoustic guitar/piano
Dual Mono	Independent L + R channel control (mixing stereo files)
Mono to Stereo	Applying stereo effects to mono tracks
Multi Output	Mixing multi-element software instruments (drums, strings, horns)
5.1 Surround Output	Film, TV, and immersive surround sound projects

Final Thoughts

Understanding the different output modes in Logic Pro helps you make smarter production decisions, improves your mixes, and unlocks the full potential of your virtual instruments and effects.

Whether you're creating a pop record, scoring for film, or building a beat in your bedroom, choosing the right output option can help take your productions up a level.

What’s Your Go-To Output Setting in Logic Pro?

Have you tried used Multi-Output for mixing your programmed drum parts? Or maybe you’ve mixed stereo stems for someone and needed independent left - processing that you get from dual mono? Drop your thoughts in the comments - let’s share some Logic Pro wisdom!

If you're keen to expand your understanding of producing music in Logic Pro, you can also contact me about Logic Pro Lessons.