Monaural sound reproduction is single channel. Typically there is only one microphone, one loudspeaker , or in the case of headphones or multiple loudspeakers they are fed from a common signal path, and in the case of multiple microphones, mixed into a single signal path at some stage.

Monaural sound has been replaced by stereo sound in most entertainment applications. However it remains the standard for:

• Radiotelephone communications.
• Telephone networks.
• Induction loops for use with hearing aids.

History

While some experiments were made with stereophonic recording and reproduction from the early days of the phonograph in the late 19th century, until the second half of the 20th century monaural was the rule for almost all audio recording.

Monaural sound is normal on such historic media as:

• phonograph cylinders
• Early disc records, like 78 rpm and 45 rpm microgroove.

Compatible monaural and stereophonic standards exist for:

• 33 1/3 RPM records.
• Reel-to-reel audio tape recording.
• Minidisk.
• Compact disc.
• Most VCR formats.
• FM and AM radio broadcasting.

Although there are some common practices between manufacturers, no monaural standard exists for:

• 8 track cartridge (obsolete).
• Compact audio cassette.

See also: binaural recording