Read the channel description carefully
A mono recording contains one channel, while a two-channel file can hold several possible arrangements. Both channels may contain the same mixed conversation, or one may emphasize a different side. Request a description of the original recording setup instead of assuming stereo means one speaker per channel.
Listen to representative segments
Inspect the start, middle, transfers, and overlap regions of several calls. Compare channels independently and together. Check whether voices leak between channels, whether one side becomes absent, and whether prompts or hold audio occupy an unexpected channel. Document observations rather than relying only on file metadata.
Preserve original channel relationships
If channels are split into separate files, retain a common call identifier, channel map, sample alignment, and processing history. Do not treat two derived files as independent calls. Downmixing can remove information your diarization or speaker-attribution task needs, so agree on conversions before preparing the pilot.
Write the requirement precisely
State whether you need original mixed mono audio, native dual-channel recordings, or channel-separated derivatives with known limitations. Tell Fiund why channel separation matters and what leakage is acceptable. Source availability, permitted processing, and privacy handling require project review; the presence of two channels does not establish these points. A practical channel test uses a moment when both participants speak simultaneously. Solo each channel and note which voices remain audible. Repeat after a transfer, since the arrangement can change within an interaction. Keep these observations with the sample so later preparation does not rely on an inaccurate description of the initial channel setup.
Review checklist
- Request the original channel map
- Listen to overlap and transfer segments
- Keep alignment when splitting channels
- Specify acceptable leakage and transformations