(Greek: monos = one; phone = sound) A form of reproduction which records, transmits and reproduces the original sound along a single CHANNEL, regardless of the number of loudspeakers used. All components of the sound are combined or MIXed into one SIGNAL, including AMBIENCE and REVERBERATION, and therefore only the sense of depth may be simulated or reproduced (see PROJICIENCE).
The lack of spatial spread may make it difficult to distinguish separate sounds (compare COCKTAIL PARTY EFFECT). Monophonic sources may be treated spatially when more than one channel is used, as described under STEREOPHONIC. Also called mono or monophonic sound.
Compare: BINAURAL RECORDING, DICHOTIC, MONAURAL HEARING, QUADRAPHONIC, STEREOPHONIC.
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