User Manual

WORKING WITH 5.1 SURROUND | 249
Chapter 14
Working with 5.1 Surround
Vegas® Pro software allows you to create 5.1-channel mixes to prepare audio for DVD-Video or 5.1-channel music projects.
What is 5.1 surround?
5.1 surround is a standard format consisting of three speakers across the front and two speakers in the rear. The “.1” is a sixth
channel called low-frequency effects (LFE) that enhances the bass levels in the mix.
The LFE channel is commonly used in motion pictures to enhance low audio frequencies for effects such as explosions or crashes.
Audio in this channel is commonly limited to a range from about 25 Hz to 120 Hz. Unlike the five primary channels, the LFE channel
adds no directional information. Depending on the speaker setup and audio levels, the sound assigned to the LFE channel may be
routed among the five main speakers or to an additional subwoofer.
Setting up surround hardware
Before you create surround projects, you should set up your system to provide 5.1 surround playback. To play a 5.1 surround
project, you must have an appropriate speaker setup such as:
• Six powered speakers
• Six passive speakers with a six-channel amplifier
Your system must also have an appropriate sound card setup such as:
• 5.1-compatible sound card
• Sound card with three stereo outputs
• Three stereo sound cards
5.1 surround includes five main channels... ...and a sixth channel for low-frequency effects.
LFE
Center
Right
Surround
Left
Surround
Left Right