I've noticed a few post lately on various threads that mention mixing down to 2 tracks prior to mastering or burning a CD, etc. I think I'm missing something here......
 
When I export a mix, the result is one stereo track, which I then import into a Sonar mastering template for a little polishing, then off to LANDR. What is the 2 tracks thing referencing?
 
Should I be importing 2 stereo tracks into the mastering template? Maybe doing some parallel processing or something else?
 
Thanks for any advice on this.
 
~Jeff

Hi. I think this goes back to the tape days (others will correct me if I am wrong, I am sure).
I do the same procedure as you, if I don't do it within the project itself.
All the best.
Edit: They might also be talking about 2 mono tracks.

It isn't necessary to bounce to two tracks prior to export, which itself is a 2-track bounce. As Ken speculates, it's likely an old habit.
 
 

bitflipper
It isn't necessary to bounce to two tracks prior to export, which itself is a 2-track bounce. As Ken speculates, it's likely an old habit.
 
 

Thanks Bit and Ken.
 
I also seem to remember something Craig posted about doing some parallel processing within the mastering template. Something along the lines of opening up a mastering template; importing two instances of the stereo mixdown; processing one of the tracks, and leaving the other as is.

I like to mix to (bounce to) 2 tracks (stereo mix) so the mix is there in the project. Then I just drag that mix to desktop or folder of choice or "master" it there. I think the only time I ever use 'export' is for MP3 export.