glossary
Pan law defines how level is compensated when a signal moves from one side to the center.
When the same signal comes from both speakers, the center can feel louder than one speaker alone. Pan law reduces or shapes that level so panning feels more consistent.
Common pan laws include values like -3 dB, -4.5 dB, and -6 dB, depending on the DAW or console behavior.
Changing pan law can alter balances, especially for mono sources placed near the center. A session moved between systems may not feel identical if the pan behavior differs.
This is most noticeable on vocals, kick, snare, bass, and other strong center elements.
If you change pan law or import a session, re-check stereo balance and mono compatibility before making master-level decisions.
Meter Core helps catch level shifts that happen when pan position and channel balance change across the mix.