Panning Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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panning

[ˈpæn.ɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

audio production

Panning refers to the distribution of sound across the stereo field. In audio production, it involves adjusting the left and right balance of a sound signal, allowing for spatial positioning within the mix.

Synonyms

balancing, distributing.

Examples of usage

  • The engineer is panning the vocals to the center.
  • For a more immersive experience, try panning the audio to create depth.
  • In this track, the guitars are panned hard left and right.
Context #2 | Noun

mining technique

Panning is a process used in mining to separate gold or other precious metals from sediment. It involves using a shallow pan and water to wash away lighter materials, leaving the heavier metal behind.

Synonyms

sluicing, washing.

Examples of usage

  • He spent the afternoon panning for gold in the river.
  • Panning was a common technique during the gold rush.
  • Learn how to pan effectively for better results.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Film and Photography

  • Panning helps create a sense of movement in films, allowing viewers to follow action or reveal new information.
  • In sports broadcasting, panning is crucial for capturing fast movements, ensuring that the audience stays engaged.
  • Different pan techniques, like whip pans, can add dramatic effects or transitions in storytelling.

Technology

  • Modern cameras often include advanced stabilizing features that make panning smoother, enhancing video quality.
  • Software used for video editing can simulate panning effects on still images, allowing for dynamic presentations.
  • Drones use panning techniques to capture breathtaking aerial views, revolutionizing photography and cinematography.

Arts and Culture

  • Panning is a technique often used in virtual reality to give users a more immersive experience by allowing them to look around in 360 degrees.
  • Art installations sometimes use panning projections to explore themes of landscape and movement, inviting audience interaction.
  • In live theater, panning refers to the movement of spotlights to focus attention on different performers.

Physical Movement

  • In everyday life, people pan their heads to take in their surroundings, a natural way to enhance their spatial awareness.
  • Panning can be observed in nature; for example, birds often pan their heads to spot prey protecting themselves from threats.
  • Fitness exercises like the 'pan shoulder stretch' encourage smooth movement and flexibility, analogous to camera work.

Origin of 'panning'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originates from the early 20th century and relates to the process of shifting the camera horizontally to capture a wider view.
  • It comes from the word 'panorama,' which describes a full view of an area.
  • Initially, 'pan' was used in filmmaking circles to refer specifically to the side-to-side movement of a camera.

The term 'panning' originates from the mid-19th century during the California Gold Rush, where prospectors would use a pan to sift through river sediment in search of gold. The word is derived from the old French word 'pan' meaning 'pan' or 'shallow vessel'. Over time, 'panning' has transcended its original meaning, particularly in the field of audio engineering, where it signifies the technique of placing sounds in a spatial arrangement within a stereo field. This adaptation reflects the word's versatility and reflects changing technological contexts, from physical gold prospecting to contemporary sound design.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,772, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.