problem
Stereo balance is the perceived weight between the left and right sides of a mix.
A stereo balance problem happens when one side of the mix carries more energy or attention than the other. The meters may show it, but the listener usually feels it as a pull to one speaker.
Wide guitars, asymmetric percussion, stereo synths, and room mics can all shift the image even when vocals, kick, and bass are centered.
Use level meters to spot left-right energy differences, then listen for musical weight. A brief fill on one side is fine; a whole chorus leaning to one speaker may become tiring.
Reference tracks help define how much asymmetry is normal for the style.
Try small pan, level, or arrangement changes before collapsing stereo width. The goal is a stable image, not a perfectly symmetrical waveform.
Meter Core pairs stereo and loudness context so balance decisions do not accidentally reduce width, punch, or translation.