Pan law is the gain compensation applied when a signal is panned to center in a stereo mix. Without it, a centered mono signal would sound louder than a fully panned signal because it plays through both speakers. The law attenuates the center position to keep perceived loudness consistent across the stereo field.

What is the difference between -3dB and -6dB pan law?

-3dB (equal power) uses a sine/cosine curve so the total signal power stays constant as you pan. -6dB (linear) uses a straight-line fade — simple but the center sounds quieter. -4.5dB is a common compromise that falls between the two and is the default in many DAWs like Pro Tools.

Which pan law should I use?

Match your DAW's pan law setting. Pro Tools defaults to -2.5dB or -3dB; Logic Pro uses -3dB; some broadcast consoles use -4.5dB. If you are summing tracks without a DAW, -3dB (equal power) is the most common standard.

Why do L and R not equal 0dB at full pan?

At full left pan the left channel carries 100% of the signal (0dB / linear 1.0) while the right channel is at −∞ (silent). The displayed gain is for each individual channel, not the sum.

What does linear gain mean here?

Linear gain is the amplitude multiplier: 1.0 = full level (0dB), 0.707 ≈ −3dB, 0.5 = −6dB. Multiply a sample value by the linear gain to apply the level change in code or a plugin.

Pan Law Calculator

Name: Pan Law Calculator
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Enter a pan position and choose a pan law to get the exact dB and linear gain for each stereo channel.

Pan Position & Law

Pan Position C (0)

L 100 Center R 100

Or enter a value (−100 to +100)

Pan Law

Equal power (sine/cosine curve) — total power stays constant across the pan range.

Channel Gain

Left Channel

0.00 dB

1.0000

linear

Right Channel

0.00 dB

1.0000

linear

Center attenuation: −3.00 dB per channel

Quick Reference — Gain at Common Pan Positions

Position	−3 dB Law L / R	−4.5 dB Law L / R	−6 dB Law L / R

Summary