I've just started checking my mixes in mono.  When I do this should I just send my stereo mix to the mono speaker or should I convert the stereo mix to mono in Sonar first?
 
Thanks,
 
Aric

You can use Channel Tools to check mono compatibility.
 
Here's a good thread on mixing in mono.
 
http://forum.cakewalk.com/How-do-you-mix-in-Mono-in-Sonar-Best-approach-m3184286.aspx

If you have SPLAT just place the Panipulator into the your master bus and switch on the MONO button. 
I leave this in my Master Bus when mixing and with a click of a switch I can compare mono to stereo...

Thanks, that thread makes a lot of sense.
 

listen
If you have SPLAT just place the Panipulator into the your master bus and switch on the MONO button. 
I leave this in my Master Bus when mixing and with a click of a switch I can compare mono to stereo...

Can't you just click the Mono/Stereo interleave button on the master buss to check the mix in mono? Am I missing something here?

Jeffiphone

listen
If you have SPLAT just place the Panipulator into the your master bus and switch on the MONO button. 
I leave this in my Master Bus when mixing and with a click of a switch I can compare mono to stereo...

Can't you just click the Mono/Stereo interleave button on the master buss to check the mix in mono? Am I missing something here?

That's what I a thinking. That is what I do. Just click the interleave button from stereo to mono. Sometimes I switch to mono on my FireFace UFX, but it seems the same as the interleave button in SONAR. Are we missing anything?

If you have a true mono monitor, e.g. Mixcube/Auratone, use that instead of folding the stereo via the interleave button as it'll provide a true mono experience. Most of us do not have that luxury, so we just click the interleave button.

I just got an Avantone Mix Cube and a Berhinger Monitor 2 for monitor management.  So it sounds like I should use the mono switch on the Berhinger and not the interleave switch in Sonar.  It this correct?

Read that thread above it has got some very info in it. Especially form me! 
 
Yes even two speakers in mono is not quite the same as a single mono speaker. You are relying on the mono phantom image in the centre which may not be strong enough. A single point source small speaker physically in the middle is actually better.
 
I actually permanently sum L+R being fed from a spare headphone out using a Hi Fi amp from a long time ago which is fitted with a mono switch on it. 
 
Use you mix cube down at lower volumes too and you will hear any parts of your mix that are not well placed level wise just jump out at you. (or disappear) 
 
Mono is also great for checking big wide sounds and effects to see how well they collapse down into mono. It is possible to get a good mono collapse and a wide stereo version on your mains at the same time. Also with mixing when you get everything really well balanced in the mono speaker down soft, up loud on your mains in stereo it will sound stellar usually.

Jeff Evans
Read that thread above it has got some very info in it. Especially form me! 
 
Yes even two speakers in mono is not quite the same as a single mono speaker. You are relying on the mono phantom image in the centre which may not be strong enough. A single point source small speaker physically in the middle is actually better.
 
I actually permanently sum L+R being fed from a spare headphone out using a Hi Fi amp from a long time ago which is fitted with a mono switch on it. 
 
Use you mix cube down at lower volumes too and you will hear any parts of your mix that are not well placed level wise just jump out at you. (or disappear) 
 
Mono is also great for checking big wide sounds and effects to see how well they collapse down into mono. It is possible to get a good mono collapse and a wide stereo version on your mains at the same time. Also with mixing when you get everything really well balanced in the mono speaker down soft, up loud on your mains in stereo it will sound stellar usually.

Hey Jeff,
I certainly am not seasoned as much as yourself and many of the other regulars.  But, IMHO this has been the "payable" difference in my mixes.  Mixing in mono, getting the EQ, Compression, balance etc... sounding good in mono with things panned how I want them to be while in mono - then when I open it up to stereo; I usually have or I am very close to what I am looking for.
 
If you can make it sound good in mono it should sound great in stereo IMHO....
 
With that said I'm going to be looking into acquiring a single mix cube.
 
Thanks for you guys wisdom...