Basic questions about stereo vs mono drum samples

Using MPC1000/JJOS2XL
After seeing this video on the net, and looking now at the JJOS2XL program main window, I see I can set drum samples in mono or stereo so I have this very basic question : is it true that all drum samples including percussions, can and should be set in mono ? an added advantage being that in mono the overall beat will sound often clearer ? They also said in that video that the stereo image could then be worked at the mixer level by panning settings...

Btw, is it the same for bass samples ?
(sorry if this is really below newbie level .... )

converter wrote:is it true that all drum samples including percussions, can and should be set in mono ?

no.
anytime you hear 'all' and 'always' in regards to a subjective subject like music making, your bullshit detector should go through the roof.

this is one of those, if you have to ask, it doesn't matter type things.

i personally usually use drum hits in mono and then pan them via the mixer. sometimes i use a stereo a sample.

there are no rules.

I see I can set drum samples in mono or stereo

I think that column simply reveals if the sample is mono or stereo, not something to "set" from stereo to mono. maybe someone else can confirm.

I like to sequence drum patterns in mono and expand the field later. totally preference, though.

Btw, is it the same for bass samples ?

Yeah same logic. If you recorded a real bass you'd get a mono recording.
Another reason is if you had to release something into vinyl for example, drum kicks and basslines would very likely be kept mono under a certain frequency threshold to prevent issues with the groove.

There are traditional reasons that can explain some habits.

When it comes to MPC and dematerialization there are no rules indeed.

But if you want to record separates tracks into a DAW from your MPC, you'll probably find that keeping everything stereo is very time consuming. So, unless doing something creative, people usually keep them mono in the mpc to save time first

I think that column simply reveals if the sample is mono or stereo, not something to "set" from stereo to mono. maybe someone else can confirm.

If I'm not mistaken all the samples in the above picture are mono. I think in this column you have the choice between stereo, L, R or L+R for stereo samples. It's a non destructive setting.

Mono is great because it saves sample time, typically prevents weird phase stuff from happening between sounds, and like most said you can do a lot spatially with the mixer/in post. Bass in stereo just isn't that great because it lends to making mud. If you want a tight, focused bass - especially sub - then keep it in mono; it just translates better from system to system. But with some crossover action, which is cake to set up in a DAW, it's possible to get the best of both worlds.

Unless that stereo sample just sounds phenomenal in stereo why keep it in stereo? More shit, more problems.

le rat wrote:If I'm not mistaken all the samples in the above picture are mono. I think in this column you have the choice between stereo, L, R or L+R for stereo samples. It's a non destructive setting.

thanks le rat! always learning new stuff..

You're welcome
This is one of my favourite non destructive features. Very useful when you sample drumbreaks or records with a big difference between the two channels. You can switch this setting while the sequencer is running. Good for premixing

I sometimes resample samples wet, with a mild stereo reverb, for example. So if I'm doing a live set or similar I just send everything to the main outs and its mostly mixed already. Cuts down on external faf with mixer channels and settings. A bit of stereo width, like chorus on hats is another.

Most of my source samples are mono tho, and I pan them in the mixer as others mentioned, while producing.