Stereo Pan Law −3dB Center Attenuation
Left channel constant-power pan gain for mono input, -3.0103 dB at center; right gain is sin(theta), correlated signals can differ.
Description
Calculate the left-channel constant-power amplitude gain for a mono pan position.
A constant-power panner varies channel amplitude gains with pan position. This tool returns only the left-channel gain under the sine/cosine convention, including the familiar roughly -3 dB center value.
When to use this tool
Calculate the left-channel constant-power amplitude gain for a mono pan position. Use it when the input measurements and conventions below match the operation you need.
- Prepare panFraction, respecting the measurement basis and boundaries below.
- Compare the worked example with your intended operation before reusing its result.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter every field in the input table using the stated units and exact supported selector spelling where applicable.
- Run the tool. Correct input errors before interpreting an output.
- Read the result fields below; use accompanying flags and the stated sign, boundary or model convention when interpreting a number.
panFraction must lie from zero to one, where zero is left and one is right. leftAmplitudeGain equals cos(panFraction times pi divided by 2). At the center it is 1/sqrt(2), approximately 0.7071 in linear amplitude.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| panFraction | Pan fraction. Fractional units; 0.2 means 20%. | Finite number; from zero to one inclusive |
| Output field | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| result | Object containing the following named result fields. |
| result.leftAmplitudeGain | Left amplitude gain; use the stated units and sign convention. |
{
"input": {
"panFraction": 0.5
},
"output": {
"result": {
"leftAmplitudeGain": 0.7071067811865476
}
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- The tool does not process audio or return the right-channel gain. Summed levels depend on signal correlation and routing; the gain is not a universal loudness guarantee.
- Every declared field is required and unexpected fields are rejected. Numeric inputs must be finite; input errors are distinct from a valid false result or an explicitly qualified output.
- Extremely large inputs and nonfinite or excessively large outputs are rejected. List positions reported by the tool use zero-based indices unless stated otherwise.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Check the intended score, tuning or device configuration before applying a numerical reference. Use notation-aware or audio measurement methods when the task requires interpretation of a score or actual sound. Compare the scope of the nearby tools below before substituting one.
References
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