Mono will introduce some hidden issues within a mix. This is an exerpt from my article "Mixing in Mono vs Stereo" Learning about Phase and Masking.  So like my brother says "Let's put our (mix's) worst foot forward so there are no disappointments".

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The time based relation between two (or more) sound waves is known as phase. If the sound waves are working together there will be gain in frequencies. That is constructive phase.

If the sound waves are not working together there will be a loss of frequencies. That is destructive phase. Imagine this as a fraction of a complex sound wave or of an entire mix. These differences can be due to the distance of each mic from the sound source, or the ability of each mic to capture the sound. Notice the examples to help explain what is going on physically with the sound waves.

Fixing Phase Issues
Now that we know what phase is and how it can cause the loss of certain frequencies, here's a couple of concepts to help adjust the problem. First, try flipping the phase on one of the two tracks. This might be all that is needed. If that's not satisfying and you're working within an audio editing program, ZOOM in as much as possible on one of the two tracks, and with a click of a mouse shift the waveform. Nothing major is needed, shifting as little as a single sample can be enough. Continue this till the tracks sound fuller and seem to be working together.

UnMasking
Since all of the elements are coming through one output, there is great potential of over building multiple frequencies. Search for some like elements among the mix. Bring them up together. If the combinations introduce a muddy or unclear image, prioritize your mix by using EQ(s) to clear a place for the other elements to be heard. Subtract any frequencies that might play over other elements that need to exposed. This is known as "subtractive EQ". If there's enough room to enhance a track, search each track with the EQ and find what's unique to each track and expose it.

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Here's a cool video to hear the tonal differences of mic placement.

I thought this was simple and straight forward. Be sure to listen with a set of good headphones or through a decent set of reference monitors. The center of the speaker produces alot of highs which sound brighter. As you move towards the outside of the speaker you hear more mids and lows. The edge will be almost a complete loss of the high end.

When pairing two seperate players, with seperate amps, this is useful information. Before you even try to EQ the guitars, try different mic placements on each guitar amp. I usually start in between the center and outside edge of the speaker. If the "lead" guitarist needs to stand out more I'll try and move the mic closer to the center for definition; moving the mic an inch or two can go a long way.

2 Samuel 22:17-22
"17 He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. 18 He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. 19 They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support. 20 He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me. 21 "The LORD has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me. 22 For I have kept the ways of the LORD; I have not done evil by turning from my God.

Earlier in this chapter the servant describes the waves of death overcoming him. As he feels the weight of it all crashing down he cries out to his God. God's response to the diligent servant in his time of need is AMAZING. The servant directly acknowledges that this is an act according to his own faithfulness to God. WOW... may we as Christians not stray from the path to serve our own comforts. Not only does God see us striving towards Him, but is able to act on our behalf.  This is an inspiration for all believers to press on and keep running the race as to "win", not just finish but WIN. (1 Corinthians 9:24)

I love this chapter so much. Read the whole chapter when you're free to do so. Everyone will experience storms in their life, but know that there is a God in Heaven watching over us and waiting for these moments. He's ready and more than able to pull you out of the storm and even instruct you on how to war against the waves.

You never know what you're going to find while looking up DIY projects on YouTube. This one was pretty cool & introduces HID to MIDI basics along with reference links to the project. Be sure to note the links toward the end of the video. I'll try to relist the them here soon.

"What was that?... Free audio programs aren't worth the download?" In most cases, I'd agree with you. However, have you heard about Ardour ?  Check out the specs:

"YOU CAN USE YOUR EXISTING PLUGINS !" No need to feel guilty about downloading this software, it's open source and has alot of horse power. The only drawbacks are a learning curve and it's not available on solo PC platform. Not a bad deal at all. I intend on exploring the DAW and learning as much as I can. I know there will be a serious use for this in the future. Especially if I need a solution for a class environment.   Click here for Ardour's site.