Audio Converter Mono to Stereo

Purpose & User Intent: This tool solves the need to convert mono audio to stereo, enabling two channel playback for podcasts, music, and game audio. Typical users include podcasters, video producers, and audio engineers who must distribute mono recordings across stereo streams or mixes. Core Logic & Features: Required inputs include an audio file, a target output format, and a target stereo setting. Optional advanced features include target sample rate, bit depth, bitrate, normalization, dithering, and metadata passthrough. Inputs & Outputs: Inputs are input_file (audio file, various formats), target_format (MP3, WAV, AAC, FLAC), sample_rate Hz (e.g. 44100), bit_depth bits (8/16/24), bitrate kbps (optional), normalize bool. Outputs include output_file, duration, channels stereo, and size_estimate. Algorithms & Calculations: The tool decodes PCM from the source, performs mono to stereo upmix by duplicating the mono channel or applying a simple mid side strategy, and resamples to the target sample rate using polyphase filtering. Encodes the result with the chosen codec and bitrate. Error & Edge Cases: Handles unsupported formats, missing inputs, or corrupted files with clear failure states; resampling errors; extreme sample rates; memory or timeouts; and metadata passthrough mismatches. Industry/Region & Localization: Aligns with PCM based formats WAV AIFF and compressed formats MP3 AAC FLAC; uses Hz for sample rates; supports common international metadata standards; can handle locale specific number formats for parameters. Assumptions & Exclusions: Assumes input is a mono channel, single track audio and does not perform editing beyond channel conversion; no live streaming; not a full fledged audio editor; not responsible for licensing or encoder availability in the deployment environment.