Specifications

5.1-Channel Production Guidelines Production Techniques
5-2
5.2 Recording
Multitrack audio recording technology has undergone great advancements in recent
decades. Today, audio professionals have an increasing number of options for
recording, editing, and delivering content. The specific allocation of tracks for a 5.1-
channel production depends on the project and the mix. If the final product will have
no panning movement, such as documenting an acoustic performance, one might
simply allot separate tracks for stereo surround ambience. If directional surround
placement of prominent elements is desired, more preproduction and additional tracks
may be necessary.
It is important to remember that in 5.1-channel audio, the multichannel source
delivery master requires three times the amount of data storage as required in stereo
production. Regardless of the type of multichannel project, reserve adequate hard
drive space or linear tracks for additional channel content.
Refer to Chapter 6 for information on correct formatting and track layout.
5.3 Mixing
With the addition of the Center, Surround, and LFE channels, 5.1-channel mixing
presents both interesting choices and unique challenges not present with traditional
stereo.