Only this source or every source?
Listen to the affected passage with Power off. Then test a known stereo clip using the same output device. If the issue affects every application, inspect headphones and device settings outside Sound Boost.
With an existing Plus entitlement, check Balance Center and Mono off as baseline. Mono may change how a one-sided recording plays, but does not restore a missing separate audio channel.
A traceable channel test
- Listen to the affected source without processing.
- Test a known stereo source with the same device.
- If Plus: check balance and mono separately.
- Listen to both sides again after each change.
Check device faults outside the tab
Sound Boost does not control every application or the entire computer. A damaged connector, system balance or headphone issue needs the relevant device check. Do not permanently alter tab settings to conceal an unknown global cause.
Use a known source as the control
The control source needs to contain both channels. An arbitrary clip may itself be one-sided and is then not a useful device test. Choose known stereo material and listen to both sides moderately. If testing another device, record it as a separate change. Do not attribute improvement from switching devices to a tab mixer adjustment. Keep the test sequence in your listening log.
With Plus access, an intentional balance shift may later be forgotten. Check Center and Mono off before judging the recording. If one clip becomes clearer in Mono, that finding applies to that clip and device. It does not establish a restored stereo channel. Return to neutral and test ordinary content afterwards.
A worked example
Only a training video plays on the left, while music through the same headphones plays on both sides. This suggests a source-specific issue. With existing Plus access you can deliberately test Mono. If every sound is on the left, start with device balance and connector. These cases need different next steps.
Add your observations. This template processes no files and sends no report.
Check the result
If something is wrong
| Observation | Next step |
|---|---|
| Every application affected | Check device and system balance. |
| Only one clip affected | Inspect the recording and optionally test existing Plus Mono. |
| Only after changing mixer | Compare Balance Center and Mono off. |
Common questions
Does Mono repair headphones?
No. It changes this tab’s playback and does not repair hardware.
Is balance included in Free?
Balance and mono belong to the protected Plus mixer; Free controls single-channel gain.