Mixers that do TV/DVD 5.1 question-

[cajonezzz]

Hey guys, I've done a couple of Documentary's, nothing huge, but a little post clean up and basic music mixing. It was stereo only.

I was wondering if someone that deals with this on a day to day basis could chime in on what the workflow is like, what the needs are in setting up a room to mix for TV 5.1 home theatre ( as opposed to film on a dubstage) or if there is a different approach. I'm assuming that if it's something that isn't destined for a theatrical release, it dosen't need to hit a big mix stage...( )

I'd love to hear some points discussed like:

Optimum monitoring levels
Bass managment
Encoding for surround
FX/VERBS and their use and misuse.
and ?? ???

The primary projects I'm looking at would be music based live performance with some doc style interview footage ( think behind the music, with more performance footage) and would be recorded with 5.1 in mind for the most part ( music)

The other project is basically doing VERY basic post, and some Dialog ( voice over) for indy doc style 2 hour show. It would involve some very basic sound design, and we'd be dropping in some indy music --- the music will be premixed stereo, but need to be tucked into a 5.1 presentation ( or option for)

I, like MANY other muso types here am VERY new to 5.1, and TV in general, so any tips given in 4 year old language I'm sure would be appreciated.

I've been lurking at C.A.S ( cinema audio society) and the DUC, and I'm very much looking forward to the possibility of a post forum here at GS-- but in the mean time, I know there's someone willing to chime in here-

I'm using HD3 and I'm about to throw down for a control surface and addtitonal monitoring to round out my rig. At this point I'm thinking of augmenting my BM6a's, but if you guys that mix for dvd feel there is a turnkey system that would get me there quicker ( and maybe cheaper) I'm all ears.

Thanks for any info, links, or suggestions for research.

cz

happy new year!

[cajonezzz]

bump!

[seriousfun]

Dolby Labs www.Dolby.com and NARAS www.Grammy.com both have documents that clearly state most of your needs.

Monitor system Reference level calibration for theatrical releases is typically 85 dB SPL (check the docs for surround and subwoofer calibration specs), and you probably want to monitor at 79 dB SPL for home theater release.

Bass Management is simply your system crossover - if your main speakers do not go down to the full-range of your acquisition and delivery (20 Hz), use bass management to integrate a subwoofer. Sometimes everything you need will be in your subwoofer, and sometimes you need an external Bass Manager.

Most likely for DVD release the authoring facility will encode - you will supply six BWav mix files.

Pay attention to common practice for Center Channel, Surround Channels, and LFE Channel usage - don't try to reinvent the wheel. Use C for dialog, Ls and Rs for effects, audience, ambience or music when appropriate, and reserve the LFE only for appropriate effects, where extra headroom is needed. Never use the LFE channel to duplicate or enhance something that is already in another channel (home speaker systems will take care of that) or for anything that you are willing to lose in 2.0 upmix (the LFE channel is typically discarded on upmix).

Bite the bullet and get three more BM6As, subwoofer appropriate for your room, and a bass manager.

[cajonezzz]

Thanks Doug!

[cajonezzz]

anyone else now that the POST PRODUCTION FORUM IS OPEN?


yeeahhaaaaaw. cool jules.

[riteup3]

Couple of good reads on the subject:

Pro-Tools Surround Sound Mixing

5.1 Surround Sound: Up and Running

Holman's book is very informative, I am yet to finish reading it.

[jhg]

Check for downmix compatibility often if it's going to be destined for broadcast. Realization that a lot of peoples' home theaters are the all in one box deals from Best Buy, with the surrounds stuffed wherever they'll fit, and the sub being used as a plant stand.

Regards,

Joel Guilbert

[jayfrigo]

Originally Posted by jhg

Check for downmix compatibility often if it's going to be destined for broadcast. Realization that a lot of peoples' home theaters are the all in one box deals from Best Buy, with the surrounds stuffed wherever they'll fit, and the sub being used as a plant stand.

To quote the late, great Denny Purcell: "5.1? Great! One speaker for every room in the trailer!"