Magic Music Visuals

Is there a way and I just haven't found it yet to have an audio-reactive effect on both L+R channels?

For instance, I'm running a scale based on frequency, the scale has to select one of the audio channels (using a preloaded mp3). It only reacts to whichever channel. Is there a way to get it reactive to both channels?

I assume I could simply double the scale fx based on each channel, but that seems... intensive? Is there a way to mixdown to mono on the fly or do I need to do this to the mp3 before?

Is there a way and I just haven't found it yet to have an audio-reactive effect on both L+R channels?

Unfortunately no . Magic treats every channel independently. Mixing to a mono file would probably be the quickest and simplest solution.

Another idea would be to layer two of the same element on top of each other (such as a Polygon or Image), and scale them each by their own channel. Whichever is larger will mask the other one, if you know what I mean.