5.1 Audio question

BruceUSA wrote on 8/18/2012, 11:41 AM

I don't know this is the right place to post but here is my question. Before I am gonna try it, just want to ask here first. My project got a audio from a shotgun mono mic . Can I output the audio to a 5.1? I just curious, as I always output the audio to a stereo for DVD. (Vegas Pro 11/DVDA Pro 5.2)

But what about if I copied the audio and paste it 5 times onto the Vegas TL. Will this works?

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Comments

LoTN wrote on 8/27/2012, 6:40 AM

Dave speaks about V.I 5.1 VST plugin.

As already said, it won't work AS IS in Vegas because Vegas VST host doesn't allow more than the two traditional channels.

With Vegas, the solution is to use its cousin plugins: fLfR, CLFE and sLsR.

If you are serious about 5.1 mixing or needing downmix tuning (Lt/Rt, Lo/Ro, etc..) you may consider alternatives...

Arthur.S wrote on 8/27/2012, 7:29 AM

To be honest, if you've got to faff about with all of those different plug-ins, it's considerably easier to just use the Vegas 5.1 editor that's built in isn't it??

LoTN wrote on 8/27/2012, 8:59 AM

These are components of the full V.I 5.1, provided for systems that do not support more than 2 channels with VST plugins, ie. Vegas.

Can be useful, can be helpless :)

MSK wrote on 8/29/2012, 1:32 AM

Definitely do not copy and paste a single source to all 5.1 channels. As others have mentioned, phase cancellation is a concern. However, if your source is entirely in-phase on all channels, you will have a skull rattling sound track and the sound will be extremely loud.

My approach without too much thinking would be: mono sources that are the anchor, i.e., dialog, should be mixed to the center channel. Add nat/effect sound (ambient noise, wind, birds, chatter, footsteps, etc.) to Front L/R channels. Use rear channels for extra depth and effect with nat or effect sound. Use LFE for bass emphasis. If your only source is a mono signal and you need to create a dolby compatible AC-3 surround file, then I'd suggest mixing only to Front L/R and leaving everything else empty. Don't add to surround channels 'just because'. Use them sparingly and for effect.

There's a lot of science involved in terms of loudness, phase, bass management, speaker placement for monitoring your mix as well as how and where the mix will be delivered. If you're experimenting, go to town. If your delivering for a client, be careful.

Mk.

Edit: From the horses mouth:

(Lots of information in that PDF. Relevant to this topic starting in Chapter 5, page 44)

musicvid10 wrote on 8/29/2012, 9:21 AM

Simplest solution is to encode stereo to stereo, Dolby Digital AC3, with phase shift on.
Then let your Dolby PLII receiver take care of the rest. I'm not sure that any simulated 5.1 plugin would necessarily do any better.